Which Publishers Release The Most Bestselling Historical Novels?

When it comes to bestselling historical novels, a few publishers consistently dominate the scene. Penguin Random House stands out with its imprints like Viking and Berkley, publishing gems like 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak and 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. HarperCollins is another heavyweight, releasing beloved titles such as 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett and 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' by Heather Morris. Hachette Book Group also makes waves with its Little, Brown and Company imprint, home to 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. Meanwhile, Simon & Schuster has carved a niche with authors like Erik Larson, whose 'The Splendid and the Vile' became an instant hit. These publishers not only curate gripping historical narratives but also ensure they reach a global audience, making them leaders in the genre.

I’ve been diving deep into historical novels and their anime adaptations lately, and there’s a treasure trove of gems to explore. One standout is 'The Rose of Versailles,' a classic manga by Riyoko Ikeda that got a legendary anime adaptation. It blends French Revolution drama with breathtaking romance and political intrigue. Another must-mention is 'Arslan Senki,' based on Yoshiki Tanaka’s novels, which delivers epic battles and strategic brilliance in a Persian-inspired world. For something darker, 'Berserk,' adapted from Kentaro Miura’s manga (though technically not a novel), feels like a historical epic with its medieval setting and brutal storytelling. 'Vinland Saga,' rooted in Norse history, is another masterpiece—both the manga and anime capture the Viking era with raw intensity and philosophical depth. Lastly, 'Kingdom,' originally a manga but with novel tie-ins, brings China’s Warring States period to life with thrilling battles and political machinations. These adaptations prove historical fiction and anime are a match made in heaven!

Historical fiction is my jam, and I’ve noticed a few names dominating the bestseller lists like they own the genre. Penguin Random House is a giant here, publishing heavy hitters like Hilary Mantel’s 'Wolf Hall' series, which absolutely crushed it with critics and readers. Then there’s HarperCollins, who’ve backed Ken Follett’s epic 'The Pillars of the Earth'—a book so thick you could use it as a doorstop, but so gripping you’ll forget to sleep. Hachette isn’t far behind, with Bernard Cornwell’s 'The Last Kingdom' series, which got even more popular after Netflix adapted it. These publishers don’t just throw books at the wall; they curate stories with meticulous research and lush prose that make history feel alive. Smaller imprints like Sourcebooks Landmark deserve shoutouts too. They’ve pushed gems like Kate Quinn’s 'The Alice Network', proving you don’t need a mega-corporation to hit bestseller status. What’s cool is how these publishers balance literary prestige with mass appeal. Mantel’s books win Booker Prizes while Follett’s sell airport copies by the truckload. The genre’s diversity—from medieval politics to WWII spy thrillers—means there’s always a fresh twist, and these publishers are masterful at matching authors to hungry audiences.

As a history buff and film enthusiast, I love discovering movies that bring bestselling historical novels to life. One standout is 'The Pillars of the Earth,' based on Ken Follett's epic novel. It captures the grandeur of medieval Europe with its intricate plot and rich characters. Another must-watch is 'Outlander,' which started as Diana Gabaldon's novel series and became a visually stunning TV show blending romance, time travel, and historical drama. For those who enjoy war stories, 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a powerful adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's novel, offering a raw look at World War I. 'The Book Thief,' based on Markus Zusak's novel, is a heart-wrenching tale set in Nazi Germany. And let's not forget 'Gone with the Wind,' the classic film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's novel, which remains a cinematic masterpiece. These adaptations not honor the source material but also bring history to vivid life on screen.

As a lifelong reader of historical fiction, I’ve come across some incredible authors who consistently deliver bestselling novels that transport you to different eras. One standout is Bernard Cornwell, whose 'Sharpe' series and 'The Last Kingdom' are masterclasses in blending meticulous research with gripping storytelling. Then there’s Philippa Gregory, renowned for her Tudor-era novels like 'The Other Boleyn Girl,' which offer a juicy, dramatic take on history. Ken Follett is another giant in the genre, with epic sagas like 'The Pillars of the Earth' and 'World Without End' that span generations and immerse readers in medieval life. Hilary Mantel’s 'Wolf Hall' trilogy is a must-read for its brilliant portrayal of Thomas Cromwell and the court of Henry VIII. For those who love a touch of mystery, Diana Gabaldon’s 'Outlander' series combines historical detail with time-travel romance. These authors don’t just write history—they make it come alive.

As someone who's always had a soft spot for historical fiction, I've noticed that Amazon's bestseller rankings often reflect a mix of timeless classics and fresh, buzzworthy titles. Books like 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett and 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr consistently hold high spots, thanks to their rich storytelling and immersive settings. Newer releases like 'The Paris Library' by Janet Skeslien Charles or 'The Book of Longings' by Sue Monk Kidd often surge in rankings due to marketing pushes or book club picks. What's fascinating is how Amazon's algorithm factors in reviews, preorders, and even Kindle Unlimited reads, which can catapult lesser-known authors into the spotlight overnight. Historical novels with strong female leads or unique perspectives, like 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah, also tend to dominate the charts because they resonate deeply with modern readers.

As someone who devours historical fiction like it’s going out of style, 2023 has been an absolute feast. 'The Warm Hands of Ghosts' by Katherine Arden is a hauntingly beautiful WWI novel that blends supernatural elements with raw emotional depth. Arden’s prose is lyrical, and the way she captures the despair and fleeting hope of war is unforgettable. Another standout is 'The House of Doors' by Tan Twan Eng, a lush, atmospheric tale set in 1921 Penang, weaving love, betrayal, and colonialism into a mesmerizing narrative. For those craving something epic, 'The Covenant of Water' by Abraham Verghese spans decades in early 20th-century India, with rich character arcs and medical history woven into its fabric. And let’s not forget 'The Phoenix Crown' by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang—a glittering, suspenseful dive into San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake and the secrets it unearths. Each of these books offers a unique lens into the past, making history feel alive and urgent.

As someone who devours historical fiction like it’s my job, I can confidently say that audiobooks bring these stories to life in a whole new way. Many bestselling historical novels are available in audiobook format, often narrated by talented voice actors who capture the essence of the era. For example, 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is an epic tale of medieval England, and its audiobook version is absolutely immersive. Another standout is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, where the narration adds depth to Thomas Cromwell’s cunning mind. If you’re into lighter historical fare, 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon is a fantastic listen, blending romance, adventure, and time travel. For something more recent, 'The Paris Library' by Janet Skeslien Charles has a lovely audiobook that transports you to WWII-era France. Libraries and platforms like Audible, Libby, and Scribd offer a vast selection, so you’re spoiled for choice. I love how audiobooks let me multitask while soaking up rich historical details.