Originally published on February 13, 2019 (Episode 98)
Christian Cameron has written more historical novels than most of us can read—ranging across eras, battlefields, and cultures. His stories are rich with action and adventure, yet unlike many in the genre, they carefully reconstruct the mentalities, dialogue, and lived experiences of the past. Beneath the fighting and intrigue lie philosophical ideas and insights grounded in his own unusual life.
In this conversation, Cameron and I discuss his fascination with “experimental archaeology” and “historic martial arts,” and how these practices help him breathe life into the characters on his pages. We focus on his series featuring William Gold, an English mercenary in 14th-century Italy and the Mediterranean, and talk about what makes his fiction both vivid and historically thoughtful.
About the Guest
Christian Cameron is a bestselling historical novelist and reenactor. His series include The Long War, Chivalry, Tyrant, and others, along with standalone works of historical adventure. Before turning to writing full-time, he served in the U.S. Navy and worked as an intelligence officer. His novels are celebrated for their authenticity, drawn from both archival research and lived experiments with historical martial practice.
For Further Investigation
Christian Cameron, The Ill-Made Knight (Orion, 2014)—the first in the “Chivalry” series, focusing on Sir William Gold, a lieutenant of the condottiere Sir John Hawkwood. It is now a series of six books, with more to come
Nick Rennison, 100 Must-Read Historical Novels (Bloomsbury, 2009)
Listen & Discuss
How does hands-on experience—like wielding a sword or rowing a galley—change how we write about the past?
What makes a great historical novel more than just “costume drama”?
Why do adventure stories carry enduring philosophical weight?
If you’ve ever been swept up by historical fiction, share this conversation with a fellow reader.
