Best fiction about the American Civil War. His son’s sequels and prequel are OK, but do not come up to the standards set by his father.

Shogun is an incredibly interesting novel of Japan. His others books that I liked are Tai Pan, about the creation of Hong Kong; Noble House, which continues the Tai Pan story 125 years later; and King Rat, about American POWs during WWII, are good, but none stand with Shogun. One reason for this is that in Shogun there are very few Westerners and it is a "stranger in a strange land" journey.

The Source is an extremely effective and informative book about religion. Michener's other books in order of my preference are Centennial, Hawaii, Chesapeake, Poland, Space and The Covenant.

Who would have thought a book about Chinese peasants would have been so engrossing? The two sequels are good reads as well.

This is the first of a 6-book series of novels on the great leaders of Rome. Very educational, they begin with Gaius Marius and go up to Octavius. Extensively researched, they can be dry at times. If you like history and historical fiction, you will enjoy this series. Though not as good as the Rome series, McCullough's Thorn Birds is a good easy read, with very well written and strong characters.

This is a great novel, but it is not a literal interpretation of the Buddha's life. It does capture his search for truth and meaning. It also provides a lens to glimpse inside the Eastern culture point of view.

Beautifully written book about the Irish Revolution of 1798. His other books in order of my preference are The Tenants of Time and The End of the Hunt, but they are both suberb. Flanagan’s books are possible the greatest example of just how effective and enjoyable historical fiction can be. These books are not the worst!!

The novel revolves Robert Jordan, a passionate American teacher who joins a band of rebels during the Spanish Civil War. My favorite Hemingway novel. I also like The Old Man and the Sea.

Great leadership novel.

This has been on my list of books to read for 25 years and I finally read it. It was excellent. While the book does meander just a bit, particularly when the main character goes to England, this is a superb book that covers the 2nd half of the nineteenth century in India.

Old fashioned pulp novel about one of Ireland’s greatest hero’s, Brian Boru, who lived in the 10th century. Very good.

Extensive researched, these fictional narratives, is story telling and history at its best. In these books, history comes alive. Through Allan W. Eckert's gifted writing, America’s early history shines through. The rest of the series include: Wilderness Empire: A Narrative, The Conquerors, The Wilderness War: A Narrative, Gateway to Empire, and Twilight of Empire.

Excellent!! Great look at very early history. This series does decline quite rapidly, but the first is wonderful and can be read as a stand alone novel.

Cynthia Parker was kidnapped by Comanche Indians in 1836, and this story of how she grew up with them, and became, in every way, a Comanche woman.

Great suspense novel of the Cold War.

The story centers on the life of a mountain man and the Rocky Mountain fur trade during its golden age during the 1820s-1850s. Very good story but a bit dry.

This excellent book gives us an inside look into the life of the peasants in France during the 1800's. It follows the life of a man beset by poverty, hardship, and the capriciousness of the landed classes. It is a universal story.

Long but interesting look at the Lakota Sioux circa 1815.

Set in Missouri in the 1830's, this is a good book. The dialect of the characters can be a bit annoying, but it’s still enjoyable. To Kill a Mockingbird is a better book about race.

My favorite history book. It examines the beginning of World War I. This is how history should be written. Too bad more historians do not write like Tuchman. This book is every bit as good as any novel. Her other books in order of my preference are *****Stilwell and the American Experience in China, The Zimmermann Telegram, The Proud Tower, and A Distant Mirror. I want to read The March of Folly.