What are some good London historical fiction books?

There's 'Vanity Fair' which has parts set in London, showing the social life and the vanity of the upper classes in the city. 'Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The Biography' is a fictionalized account of the city's long history. It weaves together real historical events and fictional elements to create a rich tapestry of London through the ages. Also, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' has some of its action taking place in London during the French Revolution era, highlighting the political tensions and the city's role in the broader European context.

London in historical fiction can be a place full of contrasts. It's a city where the grandeur of palaces coexists with the squalor of slums. Writers use London as a backdrop to explore different social strata. Some works might focus on the political intrigues in the court, which were often centered around London. Others may show the daily struggles of commoners in the city's bustling markets and alleys.

The 'Peter Ackroyd' series of novels also focuses on London's history in a fictional way. For example, 'Hawksmoor' combines elements of historical architecture and mystery. It delves into the darker corners of London's past, exploring the relationship between the city's buildings and the secrets they hold.

A more modern example is 'London Fields' by Martin Amis. It's a complex and darkly humorous novel that explores the lives of various characters in London. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly as well as the more ordinary aspects of life in the city.

A good one is 'The Tower of London: A History in Riddles' which is a bit like historical fiction for kids. It presents the history of the Tower in an engaging riddle - like way.

One of the great London - set fiction books is 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It vividly portrays the slums and social strata of London in the 19th century. Another is 'A Clockwork Orange' by Anthony Burgess, which gives a unique and often disturbing view of a future London. And 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf is also a classic, exploring a day in the life of a London woman and the city around her.

Some popular Jack London fiction books include 'The Call of the Wild'. It tells the story of a dog named Buck who is thrust into the wilds of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Another well - known one is 'White Fang', which is about a wolf - dog's struggle to survive in a harsh environment.

Often, London historical fiction novels have a sense of mystery or intrigue. The city has a long and complex history full of secrets. Writers use this to their advantage, creating stories with hidden pasts, lost treasures, or unsolved crimes. It makes the readers feel like they are exploring the city's hidden layers along with the characters.

One great London gangster fiction book is 'The Long Firm' by Jake Arnott. It delves into the seedy underworld of London in the 1960s. Another is 'Layer Cake' by J. J. Connolly, which offers a gritty look at the drug - trading and gangster lifestyle in the city. Also, 'Gangster No. 1' by Jake Arnott is a fascinating read about a London gangster's rise to power.

A notable 1066 historical fiction is '1066: What Fates Impose'. It delves deep into the political and social turmoil of that year. It weaves together multiple storylines, from the perspectives of different characters involved in the events, which really brings the era to life. This makes it a great read for those interested in the period.