30 Best Books Set in the Medieval Era
Reading Time: 12 minutes Fiction and Non-Fiction Must-Reads for History Lovers
From towering cathedrals to crusading knights, the medieval era continues to fascinate readers with its blend of brutal conflict, spiritual devotion, and cultural transformation. Spanning roughly 500 to 1500 CE, this pivotal millennium saw the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Christianity and Islam, and the roots of the modern world take hold. As historian Barbara Tuchman once wrote, “The nearer people are to power the less they see,” and through literature—fictional and factual—we gain rare insight into the people and forces that shaped a turbulent age.
Whether you’re drawn to the political intrigue of English courts, the heroism of battlefield epics, or the everyday life of townspeople and mystics, the following 30 books offer an immersive journey into the medieval world.
30 Best Books Set in the Medieval Era
1. The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett
(Fiction, Cathedral Construction in 12th-Century England)
Topic: The building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge during the 12th century.
Summary: Follett weaves a rich tapestry of love, betrayal, and ambition against the backdrop of cathedral construction. The novel delves into the lives of its characters, from builders to clergy, highlighting the societal and political challenges of the era. It’s a gripping portrayal of perseverance and vision in medieval England.
2. The Name of the Rose – Umberto Eco
(Fiction, Murder Mystery in a 14th-Century Monastery)
Topic: A series of mysterious deaths in an Italian monastery during the 14th century.
Summary: Eco combines semiotics, biblical analysis, medieval studies, and literary theory in this complex murder mystery. The story follows Brother William of Baskerville as he investigates the deaths, uncovering deeper theological and philosophical debates. It’s a profound exploration of knowledge, faith, and heresy.
3. A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century – Barbara W. Tuchman
(Non-Fiction, Comprehensive History of the 14th Century)
Topic: The tumultuous events of the 14th century, including the Black Death and the Hundred Years’ War.
Summary: Tuchman presents a vivid narrative of a century marked by plague, war, and social upheaval. Through the life of French nobleman Enguerrand de Coucy, she provides insight into the era’s complexities. The book offers a mirror to modern times, reflecting on the cyclical nature of history.
4. The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog – Adam Gidwitz
(Fiction, Young Adult Adventure in 13th-Century France)
Topic: The journey of three children and their dog in medieval France.
Summary: Gidwitz crafts a tale blending historical events with fantasy elements, following the trio as they become outlaws. The narrative, inspired by “The Canterbury Tales,” explores themes of faith, friendship, and justice. It’s an engaging story that brings medieval France to life for younger readers.
5. The Accursed Kings Series – Maurice Druon
(Fiction, Political Intrigue in 14th-Century France)
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Topic: The downfall of the Capetian dynasty and the lead-up to the Hundred Years’ War.
Summary: Dubbed “the original Game of Thrones,” Druon’s series delves into the scandals, betrayals, and power struggles of French royalty. The novels provide a detailed account of the political machinations that shaped medieval Europe. It’s a captivating saga of ambition and downfall.
6. The Greatest Knight: The Remarkable Life of William Marshal – Thomas Asbridge
(Non-Fiction, Biography of a Medieval Knight)
Topic: The life and legacy of William Marshal, a prominent knight in medieval England.
Summary: Asbridge chronicles Marshal’s rise from a younger son of a minor noble to the regent of England. The biography sheds light on chivalric culture, feudal politics, and the role of knights. It’s a compelling portrait of loyalty and service in a turbulent era.
7. Katherine – Anya Seton
(Fiction, Romantic Historical Novel in 14th-Century England)
Topic: The love affair between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt.
Summary: Seton narrates the passionate and enduring relationship that defied societal norms. The novel explores themes of love, power, and redemption, set against the backdrop of medieval England. It’s a timeless tale of romance and resilience.
8. The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe – Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry
(Non-Fiction, Reevaluation of the Middle Ages)
Topic: Challenging the notion of the “Dark Ages” by highlighting the era’s vibrancy.
Summary: The authors present a nuanced view of the Middle Ages, emphasizing cultural, scientific, and intellectual advancements. They argue against the period’s mischaracterization, showcasing its complexities and contributions. It’s an enlightening read that redefines medieval history.
9. The Buried Giant – Kazuo Ishiguro
(Fiction, Post-Arthurian Britain Fantasy)
Topic: A journey of an elderly couple in a mythical post-Arthurian Britain.
Summary: Ishiguro explores themes of memory, love, and loss in a land shrouded by forgetfulness. The narrative blends fantasy with profound human emotions, questioning the nature of remembrance. It’s a haunting and lyrical tale of a forgotten past.
10. The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England – Marc Morris
(Non-Fiction, Detailed Account of the Norman Conquest)
Topic: The events leading up to and following the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Summary: Morris provides a comprehensive analysis of the conquest that reshaped England. He examines the political, cultural, and military aspects of the invasion. The book offers a clear and engaging narrative of a pivotal moment in history.
11. The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land – Thomas Asbridge
(Non-Fiction, Crusades and the Holy Land)
Topic: A comprehensive account of the Crusades, spanning the 11th to 13th centuries.
Summary: Asbridge traces the bloody and complex history of Christian-Muslim conflict in the Holy Land. Drawing on both Western and Middle Eastern sources, he gives a balanced view of motivations, myths, and realpolitik. The book is gripping, scholarly, and vividly paints the cultural and religious clashes of the era.
12. Doomsday Book – Connie Willis
(Fiction, Time-Travel Science Fiction set in Medieval England)
Topic: A 21st-century historian is sent back to 14th-century England during the Black Death.
Summary: Combining science fiction with historical realism, Willis creates a tense and emotional story about a time-travel experiment gone wrong. The protagonist must survive the horrors of plague-ridden England while her colleagues in the future race to bring her back. The novel poignantly explores fate, compassion, and the endurance of the human spirit.
13. In the Wake of the Plague: The Black Death and the World It Made – Norman F. Cantor
(Non-Fiction, Cultural Impact of the Black Death)
Topic: The effects of the 14th-century bubonic plague on Europe.
Summary: Cantor explores how the Black Death reshaped Europe’s economy, religion, and societal structure. He introduces real historical figures affected by the pandemic and traces the roots of modernity back to the plague. The book is both accessible and thought-provoking in its implications.
14. Here Be Dragons – Sharon Kay Penman
(Fiction, Historical Romance in 13th-Century England and Wales)
Topic: The life of Princess Joanna and her marriage to Welsh prince Llewelyn the Great.
Summary: Penman blends fact and fiction in this tale of power, loyalty, and love during the turbulent reigns of King John and Llewelyn. The novel vividly portrays the politics of medieval Britain and the complexities of royal marriages. It’s rich in detail and emotional depth.
15. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England – Ian Mortimer
(Non-Fiction, Social History in Guidebook Style)
Topic: A practical and immersive guide to daily life in 14th-century England.
Summary: Mortimer presents history as a travel experience, describing sights, smells, clothing, customs, and more. Readers learn what it was truly like to live, eat, worship, and work in medieval towns and villages. The book is vivid, engaging, and educational for all history lovers.
16. A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance – William Manchester
(Non-Fiction, Narrative History of Late Medieval Europe)
Topic: The cultural and political landscape of the late Middle Ages.
Summary: Manchester crafts a dramatic and highly readable account of the medieval world transitioning into the Renaissance. He highlights figures like Magellan, Luther, and the Borgias while exploring superstition, religion, and power. Though not academic, the book is compelling and provocative in tone.
17. Ivanhoe – Sir Walter Scott
(Fiction, Chivalric Romance in 12th-Century England)
Topic: A noble knight returns home from the Crusades to find England divided by Norman and Saxon tensions.
Summary: This foundational work of historical fiction combines romance, adventure, and political intrigue. Ivanhoe battles injustice, wins the heart of a lady, and crosses paths with Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood. It helped define the modern romantic image of the Middle Ages.
18. The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors – Dan Jones
(Non-Fiction, Knights Templar History)
Topic: The origin, influence, and downfall of the Knights Templar.
Summary: Jones brings a journalist’s flair to the history of this enigmatic medieval order. From Jerusalem to the French royal courts, the Templars’ dramatic story is one of war, wealth, secrecy, and betrayal. The book separates fact from legend in a thrilling narrative.
19. The Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England – Stephen D. Church
(Non-Fiction, Civil War Between Stephen and Matilda)
Topic: The 12th-century civil war for the English throne known as The Anarchy.
Summary: Church recounts the brutal, chaotic struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda that left England in ruin. He emphasizes the war’s impact on ordinary people and the weakening of royal authority. It’s a gripping story of ambition, loyalty, and lawlessness.
20. The Song of Roland – Anonymous
(Fiction, Medieval Epic Poem – Chanson de Geste)
Topic: The heroic last stand of Charlemagne’s nephew Roland against the Saracens.
Summary: One of the earliest and most famous works of French literature, this epic poem celebrates feudal loyalty and Christian valor. Roland’s tragic bravery becomes a model of knightly virtue. It remains a foundational text for understanding medieval chivalric ideals.
21. The Medieval World – Peter Linehan and Janet L. Nelson
(Non-Fiction, Scholarly Survey of the Middle Ages)
22. World Without End – Ken Follett
(Fiction, Sequel to The Pillars of the Earth)
Topic: Life in Kingsbridge 200 years after the events of The Pillars of the Earth.
Summary: Follett’s second installment focuses on four characters navigating plague, war, and personal ambition. As they rise and fall, the cathedral town again becomes the backdrop for drama and innovation. It’s an epic tale of perseverance and societal transformation.
23. Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty – Dan Jones
(Non-Fiction, Political History of England’s Most Famous Charter)
Topic: The creation, impact, and myth of the Magna Carta.
Summary: Jones tells the story of King John’s tyrannical rule and the rebellion that forced him to sign Magna Carta in 1215. He explains how the document evolved into a cornerstone of constitutional government. It’s a thrilling legal and political drama with lasting global significance.
24. The Book of Margery Kempe – Margery Kempe
(Non-Fiction, Autobiography of a Medieval Mystic)
Topic: The spiritual visions and pilgrimages of a 15th-century English woman.
Summary: Often considered the first English autobiography, this book reveals Kempe’s vivid religious experiences and controversial public devotion. Her voice is unique, eccentric, and deeply emotional. It provides a rare female perspective on medieval piety and gender roles.
25. When Christ and His Saints Slept – Sharon Kay Penman
(Fiction, Civil War in 12th-Century England)
Topic: The war between Stephen and Matilda for the English crown.
Summary: Penman breathes life into The Anarchy, showcasing both court politics and battlefield drama. Her richly developed characters and attention to historical accuracy make this a standout novel. It’s a compelling read for fans of both history and fiction.
26. The Decameron – Giovanni Boccaccio
(Fiction, Frame Narrative During the Black Death)
Topic: Ten Florentines escape the plague and entertain one another with stories.
Summary: This classic work consists of 100 tales of love, wit, and morality set during the plague of 1348. Boccaccio blends humor and realism to capture the spirit and contradictions of the time. It’s a cornerstone of Renaissance literature rooted in medieval crisis.
27. Medieval Europe – Chris Wickham
(Non-Fiction, Broad Survey from Fall of Rome to the Renaissance)
Topic: A comprehensive re-evaluation of medieval Europe’s transformation.
Summary: Wickham explores economic, political, and cultural shifts across the continent. He questions outdated “Dark Ages” tropes, offering a fresh perspective grounded in evidence. This work is accessible yet rigorous, ideal for history enthusiasts and students alike.
28. Agincourt – Juliet Barker
(Non-Fiction, Battle of Agincourt 1415)
Topic: The legendary English victory against the French in the Hundred Years’ War.
Summary: Barker presents the full military and political context of Henry V’s triumph. Using contemporary sources, she examines logistics, strategy, and the brutal reality of medieval warfare. It’s a definitive account of one of England’s most iconic battles.
29. The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer
(Fiction, Poetry, Pilgrimage Narrative)
Topic: A group of pilgrims tell stories on the road to Canterbury in 14th-century England.
Summary: This foundational English work includes tales of humor, romance, morality, and satire. Chaucer’s characters span every social class, offering a vibrant portrait of medieval society. It remains both entertaining and a valuable historical window into the past.
30. The Knight in History – Frances Gies
(Non-Fiction, Social Role of Knights in the Middle Ages)
Topic: The rise and evolution of knights across the medieval world.
Summary: Gies explores the knight’s transformation from feudal warrior to chivalric icon. She discusses their roles in war, court, and literature with clarity and historical depth. The book is readable and informative for anyone curious about the real lives behind the armor.
Why the Medieval Era Still Captivates Readers Today
The enduring appeal of the medieval era lies in its contrasts—faith and fear, enlightenment and superstition, heroism and horror. These 30 books, spanning both fiction and non-fiction, open a window into a world where knights defended ideals, plagues reshaped societies, and ordinary people lived through extraordinary times. Each work invites us to explore the complexities of the human experience in an age that still echoes in today’s culture, law, and storytelling.
Whether you’re seeking sweeping historical sagas or in-depth academic analysis, this list offers something for every reader drawn to the richness of the Middle Ages. Dive in, and let the voices of the past illuminate your understanding of history’s most mythologized era.
