An essential element of historical fiction is that it is set in the past and pays attention to the manners, social conditions and other details of the depicted period. Authors also frequently choose to explore notable historical figures in these settings, allowing readers to better understand how these individuals might have responded to their environments. Some sub-genres such as alternate history and historical fantasy insert speculative or ahistorical elements into a novel. (Source: Wikipedia; license: CC-BY-SA 3.0)