Set in the 17th century, this novel follows an English sailor who becomes a samurai in feudal Japan. The protagonist, shipwrecked and stranded in a foreign land, must navigate the complex political and cultural landscape of the time, filled with war, intrigue, honor, and love. The story is rich in historical detail, providing a vivid depiction of Japanese society during the Tokugawa Shogunate era.

"Rites of Passage" is a historical novel that explores the journey of a young aristocrat, Edmund Talbot, who is traveling from England to Australia in the early 19th century. The story is told through Talbot's journal entries, which provide a detailed account of life aboard the ship, including the social dynamics, the harsh conditions, and the psychological struggles faced by the passengers and crew. The novel also delves into themes of class, power, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic event that forces Talbot to confront his own prejudices and assumptions.

In "A Ship Of The Line" by C.S. Forester, the story follows the adventures of Captain Horatio Hornblower as he commands the HMS Sutherland, a powerful ship of the line, during the Napoleonic Wars. As Hornblower faces various challenges, including battles at sea, political intrigue, and personal dilemmas, he must rely on his intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills to navigate through the dangerous waters of war and emerge victorious. With vivid descriptions and compelling characters, the novel offers a thrilling and immersive glimpse into the world of naval warfare in the early 19th century.

"The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Set in the 19th century, this novel follows a group of Englishmen who, driven by different motivations, set off on a voyage to Tasmania. The group includes a vicar who believes Tasmania is the site of the Garden of Eden, and a doctor who is interested in studying the 'inferior' races. When they arrive, they encounter the harsh realities of British colonial rule and the near-extinction of the native population. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including that of a Tasmanian man, which provides a broad view of the cultural and social complexities of the era.