19th century and earlier - historical.
Present day (or a few years before) - not historical.
What about in between?
Is the first half of the 20th century far enough ago?
There are books set in 1950s and 60s which I think are grouped as Nostalgia rather than Historical (but I am often unclear about genre, so feel free to disagree). What about 1930s and 40s?
(I'd like to know before the deadline for the writing competition!)
Thanx Kate for asking that question, I need to know that too.
Thanx to Jonathan too, he always have right answers.
Thanks.
It's helpful to have an answer from the Historical Novel Society.
And for writers/readers born before 1964 the first two answers must be correct, too.
Historical Novel Society guideline is minimum 50 years in the past, if that helps any.