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A novel, or so-called __iction,_ if deeply researched and conscientiously written, might well contain as much truth as a high-school history textbook approved by a state board of education. But having been designated __istorical fiction_ by its publisher, it is presumed to be less reliably true than that textbook. If fiction were defined as __he opposite of truth,_ then much of the content of many approved historical textbooks could be called __istorical fiction.__ut fiction is not the opposite of truth. Fiction means __reated by imagination._ And there is plenty of evidence everywhere in literature and art that imagination can get as close to truth as studious fact-finding can.
James Alexander Thom The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction: Researching and Writing Historical Fiction
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A novel, or so-called __iction,_ if deeply researched and conscientiously written, might well contain as much truth as a high-school history textbook approved by a state board of education. But having been designated __istorical fiction_ by its publisher, it is presumed to be less reliably true than that textbook. If fiction were defined as __he opposite of truth,_ then much of the content of many approved historical textbooks could be called __istorical fiction.__ut fiction is not the opposite of truth. Fiction means __reated by imagination._ And there is plenty of evidence everywhere in literature and art that imagination can get as close to truth as studious fact-finding can.
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James Alexander Thom

The Art and Craft of Writing Historical Fiction: Researching and Writing Historical Fiction

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