
I'm partial to the Middle Ages and later, all the way up to WWII. I prefer novels about ordinary people rather than generals, presidents, and royalty.
I like to be immersed in the period. If a writer explains too much -- describes things that wouldn't be described in a contemporary novel -- it takes me out of the story. One of my favorite HF novels is Kristin Lavrandsdattar by Sigrid Undsett. I could have sworn she was channeling the characters, that she lived in that time period. Remarkable book, and a compelling story too.
So that's a little about me and my tastes. I'm looking forward to reading the discussions here.