Why Read Historical Fiction? Fun? Reality? Understanding of how and why we are where we are.

Roman Baths in Bath, EnglandWHY READ HISTORICAL FICTION? So much is being said about the demise of the popularity of historical fiction. Authors notice the sales numbers! Readers may not feel it, other than totaling up their current purchases and noticing what they tend to buy lately.While all genres are subject to flux and change within, so too do readers respond to their own current psychological and cultural currents. The one we currently live in the USA has brought us a recognition of the extraordinary. Romantsy in all its new forms seems to be the new new kid on the block that is driving out romance in all its forms. I recently went to my local Barnes & Noble where fully 1/3 of the first floor was nothing but this new new thang! The romance section that was for years 1/2 of the floor? Now 3 stacks.Shocking to one who has seen the rise of historical romance in the late 80s and 90s, its top of market ascendance and now, many who call it ailing.I don't.  Ostia Public Toilets, Rome
I know that this is exactly the time when we need to read good solidly fact-based historical fiction. Not just the gay, light-hearted ones. But all of them that bring us the real goods about a past that was not necessarily glorious. Would you like to live in a world without (pardon me here for the real life question) a vaccine for smallpox?Would you like to live in a world where you feared drinking the water?Would you live in a town ransacked by the nearby king's guard?How about no toilets. No tv. No printed books at all.I will have more to say later on this subject. Please tell me your point of view! Pictures: both in Public Domain! #1: Roman Bath in Bath, England#2: Ostia latrinae: public toilets in Ostia