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The immense popularity of the television series Bridgerton is perhaps down to a number of factors. Based on a series of books by Julia Quinn, the Regency setting and romantic tribulations are a part of the programme’s charm.
Many modern novels explore Regency settings and themes. However, the authors that first penned the great novels of the Regency era should not be forgotten. From Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, there are plenty of classic books for Bridgerton lovers to enjoy.
Regency England refers to a period between 1811-1820 when the Prince Regent, King George III’s son, ruled England. The Regency period was one of innovation and great change and the literature written and set during this time reflects this transformation.
Regency literature built a bridge between 18th Century writings and Romanticism. The novels penned during this period often spoke about society, expressing the limitations of their time. While drawing upon romantic and historical themes, Regency novels remain distinct in their own genre.
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen (1813)Jane Austen is famous for her Regency period novels. Her writing focuses on ordinary relationships between different classes of people and critiques the biases of contemporary society. In Pride and Prejudice, the vivacious heroine Elizabeth Bennet challenges gender norms within her society. While marriage, romance and complicated liaisons are at the heart of the novel, Austen’s witty observations offer a unique lens through which to view her society.
Emma, Jane Austen (1815)
As in Pride and Prejudice, Emma is set in a Georgian-Regency world. Her sharp and witty writing once again explores the concerns of genteel women living in a judgemental society. Rich and beautiful, Emma Wodehouse does not wish to marry but is a well-intentioned meddler in the romantic affairs of those around her. The novel explores issues of marriage, age and social status within an often restrictive world.
Set during and after the Napoleonic Wars, Vanity Fair chronicles the lives of two starkly different women: orphaned yet ambitious Becky Sharp and the wealthy and naive Amelia Sedley. Though the novel was written during the Victorian era, Thackeray set it in the Regency period. It is a witty, satirical and realistic piece of writing that dives into the heart of life and society in Regency England.
Friday’s Child, Georgette Heyer (1944)Friday’s Child is a classic Regency romance novel. It follows the story of a spendthrift viscount and his need for a wife to access his inheritance. Rejected by the beautiful Isabella Milborne, he turns instead to the youthful Hero Wantage who worships him. The novel explores Hero’s attempts to climb her way up through London society and the chaotic events that follow. It is a delightful tale of romance, friendship and tribulations and a nostalgic read from start to finish.
Lady of Quality, Georgette Heyer (1972)Georgette Heyer wrote numerous novels set in the Regency Era. This particular volume explores the relationship between wealthy, beautiful and intelligent spinster Annis Wychwood and Oliver Carleton, a rake who cares little about the opinions of those around him. The fiercely independent Annis shares a similar disregard for social conventions. The book is relatable to modern readers and its exploration of society and romance continues to charm today.
There are many reasons why readers still turn towards Regency romance novels. While the genre has become less restricted, the classic tropes have endured.
Romance and friendship, fashion and etiquette, history and society combine to create an endlessly appealing genre. It’s familiarity to modern life keeps the genre relatable while offering readers a nostalgic view into the past.
Regency romance novels are essentially escapist. They takes readers to a world where there are struggles but also happy endings. The books on this list will take readers back in time to enjoy the novels that inspired the modern Regency romance genre and therefore Bridgerton.
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