The enduring appeal of the Regency period...
As you may have noticed, we’re rather fond of historical romance here at Piatkus and like all good publishers we know that the most popular setting for historical fiction is the Regency. But why is this the case? Is it purely what one might call the Jane Austen effect? Or even the enduring appeal of Colin Firth in wet britches?
Of course, if one were to choose a historical period to live in then life in Regency England was a fairly civilised affair – for the wealthy at least. Perhaps the romance of the period is even because of rigid social structure and the rules and regulations regarding courtship and marriage. Life as part of the bon ton seems to involve a whirlwind tour of country estates, exciting balls – and – let’s not forget - great dresses!
There’s also a very practical appeal to a historical romance set in the Regency period. The further one goes back in our history - Romans aside - the lower our standards of hygiene. Personally, it can take the edge off a romance for me if I start to wonder about plumbing. But in a Regency at least one never has to worry about when our heroine last had access to a hot bath…
What do you like about the Regency period?
posted by Gillian @ 4:55 pm
2 Comments:
The best thing about the Regency period is Colin Firth.
I know everyone says that and it has become a bit of a cliche but the reason things become a cliche is often because they are true.
I also know he wasn't alive in the Regency period - as that would make him really old and that wouldn't be attractive.
I probably should write something intellectual about the social development of women during the Regency period. But that bit when he comes out of the river... oh my good lord.
I think it has a lot to do with the fashions at the time - the dresses in these novels are always described in stunning detail. I like the idea of dressing up and going to a wonderful ball!
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