General terms:
* Historical fiction: This is the most common term and refers to any fictional story set in the past.
* Historical novel: This is similar to historical fiction but often implies a longer, more complex story.
* Period piece: This term is used to describe any work of art, including literature, that is set in a specific historical period.
More specific terms:
* Epic: A long narrative poem or story that tells of the heroic deeds of a nation or people.
* Biography: A factual account of a person's life.
* Autobiography: A person's account of their own life.
* Memoir: A personal account of a specific period or aspect of a person's life.
* Chronicles: Historical accounts written in chronological order.
* Historical drama: A play or film that is set in the past and often deals with serious or important historical events.
The most appropriate term will depend on the specific content and style of the book or story. For example, a story about a fictional character living through the American Civil War would be considered historical fiction. A factual account of the life of Abraham Lincoln would be considered a biography.