Georgette Heyer

According to Georgette Heyer's biographer Jane Aiken Hodge, she regarded the medieval fiction as her most important work, which she hoped would establish her reputation as a writer of serious historical fiction. She never completed what what was supposed to be a heavyweight trilogy starting with My Lord John, although she had made extensive research notes.

The fact that these books are so unpopular with her fans indicates just how little she was able to capture the feel and language of the period. Apparently she could never get into the medieval mindset because she didn't "do" God and religion.

The slang of the time comes across as unwittingly hilarious because she mixes it with contemporary speech which just doesn't work. There is also little scope in the books based on historical fact (such as Royal Escape and The Conqueror) for the social comedy of the Regency novels which won her so many admirers.

dorothygale, i agree about My Lord John and Simon the Coldheart - the other one I have trouble going back to is The Royal Escape (about Prince Charles).

But I have never had a problem with An Infamous Army - although I do sometimes skip a few of the more graphic pages - I quite like the love story between Barbara and Charles. But then, These Old Shades and Devil's Cub are two of my favourites anyway, and although I am not so very keen on Regency Buck, I like the way she weaves them all together.

I love Heyer, best comfort reading you can have.

Another vote for Anne Perry, such brilliant evocation of period and excellent political insight. I think C J Sansom will join my 'can't give aways', I really await the new ones with bated breath and save them for 'no interuption' reading.

What else is on your 'keep' shelves?

Mine are:- (after quick check)
Jonathan Kellerman
Sara Paretsky
Ian Rankin
Sheri Tepper
His Highness Sir Pratchett of Discworld
Tad Williams
Ms Heyer (of course)
Elizabeth George
Daphne du Maurier
Nora Roberts/J D Robb
Storm Constantine
Jane Austen
Peter Robinson
Graham Hurley
Margaret Drabble

Can you see why the EarthyHome is in danger of being featured in a decluttering special? (What was that TV prog where a woman tore people's prized possessions out of their imploring hands?) DD's eyes always lit up when it was on........

Another GH freak here! I'd read all her historical novels and most of the crime stories by the time I was 14.

I also collect GH 1st edition Heinemann hardbacks - the pale green ones with the Barbosa cover illustrations. DH calls them my pension plan!

I'll second the Poldark series for a cracking good read. Dorothy Dunnett is also a brilliant writer of historical fiction IMO but the settings are Renaissance not Regency.

And for something from a contemporary writer, (although her books are set in the 1970s) I can really recommend Victoria Clayton. Her books are a sort of cross between Nancy Mitford and Joanna Trollope and v.v. funny.

The only author who can match GH is Jane Austen. And even then I think only Emma and P&P really.

I love Georgette Heyer, have been reading her books since I was 12! one of my favourite things was finding them in charity shops Also love Mapp and Lucia series they are great.

I tried to read some of the Regency-lite novels out there, the writing is mostly horrible and the plot lines are thin, haven't found any to compare.

To be honest I think the only one nearly like her is Jane Austen. Pride and prejudice has to be the best romantic book in the world.

love gh. there isn't much else like her books.

diana gabaldon's first three or four books are great but then she seems to have gone insane and her editors have certainly thrown in the towel.

taliac i have only read one lois wotsit bujold and was v impressed, but found it was the second in a trilogy which was a bit offputting. will try again.

Amelia Peabody series (Elizabeth Peters) I agree, and Anne Perry's Victorian detective series, are both great comfort reads, they have an excellent eye for historical detail with romance thrown in.

I dont mind an infamous army but agree about Simon and the other one.

Her attention to detail and the historical knowledge in her books are fabulous which is what places her way above any other historical romantic fiction and enabled someone I know to write reams about this period in history for their degree.

With you on those, DG. I feel like they lack the thing that makes her other books so great which is humour.

I am not a huge fan of an infamous army- I think i have read it about 3 times - whilst all the real regency ones i have read cosniderably more (eg prob 2 -3 times a year for the last 20 years -God I am sad!!)
Not a huge fan of My Lord John or Simon the coldhearted either....

Badgermoose, there is a reason why as a GH addict the only one I don't own in triplicate is An Infamous Army - have never been able to get into it.

DLS utterly fabulous also.

I too have been somewhat addicted to Julia Quinn. Also just got hooked on Stephanie Laurens. Lovely Regency Chic Lit to read in the bath!

There are some other /surrogate pale imitations of Georgette - Marion Chesney and Clare Darcy being the best of them imo.
Also have recently read a lot of Julia Quinn - I have a nasty feeling that it is complete trash but highly addictive (JQ does have sex in though - and sex before marriage at that!)

Nothing to do with regency romances, but Mapp and Lucia are always fabulous

I'll let you know what I think. Even if its pants it will only niggle me if I know I haven't read it

Love Gh and also Dorothy L. Sayers.
Has anyone mentioned the Poldark books by Winston Graham? I've just finished re-reading them all and they are a cracking good read too!

Thank you mumsnut

Have just ordered An Infamous Army as I don't remember reading it, and I thought I'd read all of them (the historical ones anyway). Am supposed to be being fiscally prudent but decided as it was obviously an emergency it was allowed under current stringent house rules

Regency buck and the Grand Sophy are my two faves as well!

I too love Georgette Heyer and grew up with her. I have a full collection. I cant think of anyone like her so thanks everyone as now I have a whole new list of people to read!

Well, strawberries not Regency Buck. Back to the Grand Sophy. Ridiculous that it has bugged me this much.

An Infamous Army was, IIRRC, used at Sandhurst for its historical accuracy of the battle.

Badgermouse: 'Madam Will You Talk?'

Sigh ...