Authors focusing on historical fiction and sweeping sagas:
* Ken Follett: Known for his large-scale historical novels, like "Pillars of the Earth" and "The World Without End," that delve into historical events with richly detailed settings and captivating characters.
* Colleen McCullough: Famous for her epic novel "The Thorn Birds," which spans generations and explores themes of love, ambition, and faith against the backdrop of a changing Australia.
* Caleb Carr: Author of "The Alienist," a historical thriller set in New York City during the Gilded Age, which combines historical detail with suspenseful plotlines.
* Anthony Horowitz: Author of the "House of Silk" novel, a continuation of the Sherlock Holmes stories that captures the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle's writing while adding new layers of mystery and intrigue.
* Patrick O'Brian: Known for his Aubrey-Maturin series, historical novels set during the Napoleonic Wars that blend adventure, naval warfare, and witty dialogue.
* Barbara W. Tuchman: A historian who wrote engaging historical narratives, such as "The Guns of August," which focused on the outbreak of World War I.
Authors known for detailed research and meticulous world-building:
* Neal Stephenson: Sci-fi and historical fiction author who crafts complex narratives with detailed technological and historical backgrounds, as seen in "Snow Crash" and "The Diamond Age."
* David Mitchell: Known for his intricate and ambitious novels, like "Cloud Atlas," that interweave multiple storylines across different time periods and locations.
* Anthony Doerr: Author of "All the Light We Cannot See," a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the impact of World War II on individuals in a beautifully written and deeply moving way.
Authors who combine historical elements with other genres:
* Steven Pressfield: Author of "Gates of Fire," a novel based on the Battle of Thermopylae that blends historical accuracy with action and adventure.
* Dan Brown: Known for his thriller novels with historical settings and religious themes, such as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons."
Other notable authors:
* Herman Wouk: Author of "The Winds of War," a historical novel that spans the events leading up to World War II.
* Robert Ludlum: Known for his action-packed thriller novels, like "The Bourne Identity," which often feature historical elements and conspiracies.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Explore these authors and their work to find your own favorites who share the same qualities you admire in James Michener. Happy reading!