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This week we are celebrating the birthday of the author Georgette Heyer, a luminary in the world of historical fiction. Her meticulously researched and vividly rendered Regency romances have not only provided readers with countless hours of entertainment but have also set the gold standard for the genre. With an uncanny ability to transport her readers to a bygone era through her witty dialogue, rich characterizations, and intricate plots, Georgette Heyer's works remain as vibrant today as when they were first penned. Her indelible mark on the literary landscape ensures that she is remembered as the queen of Regency romance. A perennial favourite here at Country House Library, we are marking the occasion with a vintage selection of some of our favourite Georgette Heyer Regency Romances.
Actually pre-Regency this one, set in the 1750s. The Black Moth was Georgette Heyer's debut story, originally written for her haemophiliac younger brother Boris and published with her father's encouragement when she was only nineteen. Whilst definitely not her most polished work, it is important as her literary debut and readers will see therein some of the methods and tropes that would distinguish her later writing in the historical genre.
Another Georgian novel, the "Devil's Cub" in question is Dominic Alistair, Marquis of Vidal, the son of the notorious Duke of Avon and his saucy French wife (who fell in love in These Old Shades, 1926). Dashingly handsome, Dominic is heir to his father's self-indulgent nature and his mother's fiery temper.
This Regency romance novel centres on the story of a Duke wanting to escape the constraints of marriage and set out on an adventure instead. “It is high time you realised that you are of age, and may do as you please. Now, be off, and don’t neglect to change your stockings!” - well said! Great jacket artwork on this vintage edition captures the Regency spirit perfectly.
Set in the spring of 1817, Arabella chronicles the predicament of a somewhat impoverished young lady, the titular Arabella, from the English gentry who garners the interest of a highly affluent gentleman by pretending to be an heiress, wooing him with her audacity and personality. The jacket artwork on this edition is classic Philip Gough, who illustrated many of Heyer's book covers, providing a visual style that complemented the elegance and wit of her Regency and Georgian romances.
Another Regency classic, and something of an 'mise en abyme', with the arrogant Duke of Salford in "romantic" pursuit of the intelligent and wilful Phoebe, unaware her despisement of him is so strong she has actually written a novel in which he is caricatured as the prime villain! A key Heyer Regency novel, which plays on the Gothic novel genre for light humorous effect.
The story of Venetia Lanyon, a beautiful woman from Yorkshire who at 25 had only travelled as far as Harrogate. The story also involves her young, scholarly brother Aubrey; Edward Yardley, who wants to marry her; and the wicked Lord Damerel, the man she eventually marries. A splendid vintage edition with apposite jacket artwork.
Cadet Adam Deveril must marry wealthy Jenny Chawleigh to save his family's fortunes. Their union of convenience evolves with a satisfying inevitability into a bond deeper than society's expectations... Jacket artwork on this one is by the renowned jacket artist Arthur Barbosa, famous for his Patrick O'Brian jackets.
Wealthy, handsome, still a bachelor, the acknowledged leader of the Corinthian set, and known as the Nonesuch for his athletic prowess, Sir Waldo is coming north to inspect his inheritance. A wonderful Book Club edition of this vintage Regency Romance.
The Earl of Denville has been dead for fifteen months and has left behind a tricky state of affairs at the family seat of Ravenhurst, particularly for the twins Kit and Evelyn... Another great Arthur Barbosa dust-jacket graces this vintage first edition of a Regency identity deception set in 1817.
This tale follows the story of Miss Annis Wychwood who is unmarried at the age of 29. According to her own ideas, 29 is far too foolish an age to be falling in love. The drama begins when she starts to mentor a younger girl named Lucilla and Annis's life takes a turn for the unexpected. Lady of Quality is one of Miss Heyer's most light-hearted romance novels and any fan of the genre should treat themselves by adding this title to their library.
With the Regency Period's popularity bolstered so splendidly by shows such as Bridgerton and Sanditon, it is perhaps no surprise that Georgette Heyer remains one of the best selling authors here at Country House Library. She was also a successful writer of crime fiction, which would be worthy of another article in its own right! But in the meantime we hope you enjoyed this flashback to the Regency Era courtesy of the inimitable Georgette Heyer.
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