Regency novel facts for kids

The Regency era in the United Kingdom was a special time. It lasted from 1811 to 1820. During this period, King George III was too unwell to rule. His son, who later became King George IV, ruled in his place. He was called the prince regent. This decade was known for its unique manners and clothing styles. It also happened at the same time as the Napoleonic period in Europe.

Regency novels are stories set during this interesting time. There are two main kinds:

• Classic Regency fiction are books written when the Regency era was actually happening. Think of authors like Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott.
• Modern Regency fiction are newer books written about the Regency era. These can be romance novels, historical fiction, or even detective fiction.

Most of these stories take place in Regency England. Sometimes, they might be set in other parts of Europe or in British colonies. These books often show how important social class was back then. They also focus on good manners and how people behaved. They can also show new ideas that were starting to appear among the upper classes.

Classic Regency Stories

These are books written between 1811 and 1820. This time was famous for romantic stories. Writers like Percy Bysshe Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, and Jane Austen were popular. Jane Austen is perhaps the most famous. Many of her novels have been made into movies.

Other important writers from this time include Susan Ferrier and Maria Edgeworth. Even though they wrote poetry, Lord Byron, William Blake, William Wordsworth, and John Keats are also worth mentioning. Most of their best poems were written during the Regency.

Many classic Regency writers were part of a movement called Romanticism. This was an artistic and intellectual movement. It started in Europe in the late 1700s. Romanticism was a reaction against the strict rules of the Enlightenment. Writers focused on strong emotions and the beauty of nature. You can see these ideas in many classic Regency books.

For most women in the British Regency, marrying for love was rare. Finding a husband with enough money was the most important thing. This is why so many romance novels were written then. They let women imagine a heroine who married someone she truly loved.

Mary Shelley's famous book, Frankenstein, was published in 1818. This also falls within the Regency era. Some people think it's one of the best books to show the interests of the time. It shows the excitement and fear people had about new science and technology. It's a classic horror story.

Modern Regency Stories

Stories set in the Regency period became very popular in the late 1900s. This led to many new books in different categories. Authors often try to write in a British style. They also use slightly more formal language. Even with great effort to be historically accurate, some people say that characters in modern Regency novels act too much like people today.

Historical Fiction

This includes modern books set in the Regency that don't fit other types. They might feature real historical people. For example, they could include the Prince Regent himself. Or they might be based on true events. These events are then expanded into a story with made-up parts.

These stories might also feature important events from the Regency. This could include the slave trade to the Americas. Some stories are based on real-life experiences of people who were enslaved. An example is Tahir Shah's Timbuctoo. This historical romance is based on the story of Robert Adams. It is mostly set in Regency England.

Military Stories

The Napoleonic Wars were a series of big wars. They happened from 1803 to 1815. This time almost perfectly matches the Regency Era. These wars included the war between Britain and France. It lasted from 1803 to 1814. Military stories set in the Regency usually feature British soldiers. They are involved in these wars. Famous authors include Bernard Cornwell and Patrick O'Brian.

Mystery Stories

These are mystery novels set in Regency England. Some of them are part of a series. For example, Kate Ross wrote a four-book series. It features a character named Julian Kestrel. Other well-known mystery authors include Stephanie Barron and Carrie Bebris.

Romance Stories

The Regency period offers a lot of drama. There are wounded heroes, mysteries, and adventures. This helps explain why Regency romance novels are so popular. Famous authors include Mary Balogh, Jo Beverley, Georgette Heyer, and Julia Quinn.

Many readers and writers of Regency romance make a difference between types. There are "traditional Regency romance" and "Regency historical" novels. Many authors have written both kinds. These include Mary Balogh and Loretta Chase.

Christian Regency Romance

This type of modern romance novel has strong Christian themes. Authors include Julie Klassen and Ruth Axtell Morren.

Traditional Regency Romance

These books focus mainly on the romance plot. They are in the style of Georgette Heyer. Writers pay close attention to historical details. Their readers are known for noticing mistakes. Authors often do a lot of research. This helps them understand and copy the language of the time.

Regency Historical Romance

These books are generally considered "Regency historical" works. Authors include Karen Robards and Amanda Quick. These novels might show more of real life. Or they might have characters who act more like modern people. This means their setting is in Regency England. But the story or characters might go beyond the usual style of traditional Regency romances. Characters might act based on modern values.

More grown-up Regency historical romances have become popular. Authors like Mary Balogh and Julia Quinn write them. These novels are often published in a series. They focus on groups of friends who get married one by one.

Important Classic Regency Writers

• Jane Austen (1775–1817)
• Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849)
• Susan Ferrier (1782–1854)
• Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)
• Mary Shelley (1797–1851)
• Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)
• Johann David Wyss (1743–1818)
• Washington Irving (1785-1859)

Important Modern Regency Writers

• Mary Balogh (born 1944)
• Jo Beverley (born 1947)
• Susan Carroll (born 1952)
• Loretta Chase (born 1949)
• Georgette Heyer (1902–1974)
• Mary Jo Putney
• Amanda Quick

Important Classic Regency Books

• The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving (1819-1820)
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (1814)
• Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since by Sir Walter Scott (1814)