Historical fiction book · Curated
The Ten Thousand Things
John Spurling · historical fiction
A painter’s life in Yuan-dynasty China—landscape, politics, and the “ten thousand things” (Walter Scott Prize 2015).
About this historical novel
The Ten Thousand Things by John Spurling is historical fiction set around 14th century in the Medieval period with key settings including China. A painter’s life in Yuan-dynasty China—landscape, politics, and the “ten thousand things” (Walter Scott Prize 2015).
On HisFic we tag it under 4. Biographical fiction and 1. Literary historical fiction so you can pair it with similar story types. Recurring themes include art, empire, and philosophy. It also appears on our prize-winner shelf—useful if you like critically recognized historical novels.
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Plot summary
A painter’s life in Yuan-dynasty China—landscape, politics, and the “ten thousand things” (Walter Scott Prize 2015).
Awards
- ★ Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction · 2015 (winner)
UK’s leading HF prize (founded 2010). Often called the most prestigious award dedicated to historical fiction.
Subgenres
Eras
Browse this mix
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Regions & places
Asia
China
Themes
- art
- empire
- philosophy
Tags
award-winner