Underrated Periods in British History

It seems like Tudor and Victorian England receive a great deal of attention in fiction, but the late 1600s, particularly the reign of William III and Mary II, feels less explored.

For those who enjoy that era, what draws you to it? The politics, the naval conflicts with France, the religious tensions, or the everyday life of ordinary people?

I find the period fascinating because it sits at a turning point in British naval power and social structure. I would enjoy hearing what others find compelling about it.

Well, there's the myriad of Arthurian books, which can be in any era from late Roman to early Middle Ages.

>1 Chrisbulteel: Ah, I suppose you are an author of just such an age plying your wares here. Sigh

If true, how dare he ask what readers like! Doesn't he understand that Art Does Not Compromise!

>2 Cardboard_killer: That’s very true! Arthurian fiction is such a powerhouse that it almost feels like its own genre. It has a 'mythic' quality that is so different from the grounded, political drama of the late 17th century.

Do you usually stick to those legendary, world-building stories, or do you occasionally enjoy the more documented history of the later Stuart/Orange period?

>3 Tess_W: I completely understand the 'sigh'! It’s true I’ve written about the period, but my interest really stems from the research, specifically the gritty reality of naval pressgangs and Romany life in the 1690s.

It's such a fascinating, under-discussed era, and I’m honestly just looking to chat with others who enjoy the 'nuts and bolts' of history beyond just the palace politics. I promise I’m here for the conversation!

>4 Cardboard_killer: Haha, touché! I promise my artistic integrity is still intact.
In all seriousness, I’m just curious if others find the 'grit' of the 1690s, like the brutal reality of the naval pressgangs, as compelling as the palace politics. It’s such a transformative, high-stakes era for ordinary people, and I love hearing what sparks that interest for others!

>5 Chrisbulteel: I have to admit that my fiction reading has slipped to the very little category. I tend to read non-fiction almost exclusively. Typically, when I do read fiction of a particular era, it is because of the author, or it was simply written in that era. So probably the last historical drama literature I fell in love with was McCullough's Rome series. In my youth, I was an avid fantasy and Arthurian addict, but also things like Hornblower and Sharpe. I know a few people that have recommended the Homeric reworkings, but the older I get the less I seem able to lose myself in story.

So, I cannot say I have a favorite period of any particular civilization for fiction. Some of my favorite books are situated in time, but they are eclectic about era-- The Name of the Rose, The French Lieutenant's Woman.