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Original poster

Need Period Drama book suggestions...

27 replies

MadeForIt · 30/04/2007 02:14

hiya, I'm writing a play set in the 18th century. Long time ago I know!!! But I have never read or watched ANY period dramas... can anyone suggest any good books, films, plays which i can read to get an understanding of this era?

I abosolutely love the story i have been commissioned to write about but just need to get a picture of that time. Thanking you in advance...

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ghosty · 30/04/2007 03:57

'Wideacre' and 'The Favoured Child' by Phillipa Gregory (I think)

She also wrote one that was dramatised for the BBC set in Bristol in the 18th Century
I think it was called "A Respectable Trade" - or something like that.

I wouldn't say they are good but they are easy reading - you'll fly through them - and I think Phillipa Gregory is pretty accurate with 'life in the times' in her books ....

ghosty · 30/04/2007 04:05

Philippa Gregory's website

ghosty · 30/04/2007 04:06

DON'T click that link ... for some reason it is taking me somewhere else ....

hmmmm sorry ...

Google 'Philippa Gregory' ... that's the best thing.

ghosty · 30/04/2007 04:13

try this

ghosty · 30/04/2007 04:14

aaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhh!

I give up ... both times it takes me to some software systems site ...

It is definitely www.philippagregory.com

alipiggie · 30/04/2007 04:44

Second Ghosty. Phillipa Gregory's books are excellent.

RosaLuxembourg · 30/04/2007 11:19

Which end of the 18th century? If later end then Georgette Heyer (titter ye not) is very good for dialogue. She did research her books well and the period slang is accurate.

Marina · 30/04/2007 11:22

You need

this

this

and maybe also

this

Marina · 30/04/2007 11:24

oh, and this might be worth a look too. Don't be put off by the fact it is a "children's" novel

castlesintheair · 30/04/2007 11:29

I can recommend plenty of 18th century comic novels: 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding; 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy Gentleman' by Laurence Sterne and 'Humphrey Clinker' by Tobias Smollett. My all time favourite 18th century novel is 'Moll Flanders' by Daniel Defoe. (I actually wrote my thesis on this). It is the story of a female rogue (prostitute, thief, wife) which will give you a really good insight into 18th century, particularly from a woman's perspective.

Good luck, sound's fascinating!

RosaLuxembourg · 30/04/2007 11:41

Coram Boy is a fantastic book Marina. Totally agree, not just for children. DH is writing a novel set in the 1790s atm and I second the Stella Tillyard recommendation too.

Original poster
MadeForIt · 30/04/2007 11:50

That's brilliant Ladies! I've made a lovely list out of your suggestions and shall see what I can get off of ebay and failing that, shall order off of Amazon.

I love the idea of a childrens book, no nonsense! Also like the idea of seeing the 18th Century from a womans perspective. A rogue woman at that! Also the play will be a comedy, so i look forward to having a look at the more comical stuff. Similarly, its set in London, so Dr Johnsons London will need purchasing too! Not to mention, the book with the accurate slang! Blimey best get a move on if I want to read so many books!

Thank yoooooooooooooou

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Original poster
MadeForIt · 30/04/2007 12:54

Just managed to get these off ebay:

Convinent (sp) Marriage by Georgette Heyer
Humphrey Clinker by Tobias smollet
Coram Boy by Jamaila Gavin
Aristocrats by Stella Tillyard
Moll Flanders by Daniel defoe

I think this is enough to get going on!!! Cost a small fortune but hopefully the research will pay for itself!

Thanks once again for being so helpful!!!

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Marina · 30/04/2007 13:13

Well, speaking as a librarian dare I ask if you have considered borrowing some of these titles from your local library?

Original poster
MadeForIt · 30/04/2007 13:35

Hi Marina, yes i do borrow books from the libary but I shall be making notes all over these and highlighting sections! so you'd probably prefer i didn't borrow these ones

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Marina · 30/04/2007 14:29

Well, absolutely Good luck with the play.

ghosty · 30/04/2007 22:42

Why didn't I think of Georgette Heyer? I have read every single one about 10 times - totally brilliant books if you like that sort of thing ... No need to titter, they have no resemblence to Barbara Cartland as some like to think ....
Mostly set in Regency times but the few set in late 18th Century are fab too.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 02/05/2007 18:40

I love Georgette Heyer books as well. But I tend not to admit it too loudly as people do snigger.

RosaLuxembourg · 02/05/2007 21:13

They are my comfort reading for when I am in bed with a feverish cold or such like and can't face anything too challenging. I have the full set

Original poster
MadeForIt · 09/05/2007 10:20

Hello! Just to feedback, so far, I've read Coram Boy.... Gosh, how heart wrenching I never realised that we used to be soooo awful to children! I have also just finished The convienent marriage by Georgette Heyer and thought it was just FANTASTIC! What a contrast! The language was particularly helpful, as was the characters, Lord Rule sounded just divine! And how humourous is was! I am moving onto Daniel Defoe next and then The Aristocrats. Would really like to get hold of the BBC series too, bought a book about the TV prog first by mistake, (its a beautiful book to accompany the programme.)

Thanks so much for the suggestions, the ideas for the play are coming thick and fast.

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RumBumAndConcertina · 09/05/2007 10:25

If you are in London MadeforIt, the Barbican Library (which any person living, working or studying in London can join ) has a copy of Aristocrats on VHS - no DVD though.
As it is not currently available in the UK that might be a good call!

Original poster
MadeForIt · 09/05/2007 10:30

ooo ok rum, i do work in london occasionally, i wonder if I would qualify. If not, im sure i could get a friend that lives down there to join for me. Yes I have had a look around for the Series and can't seem to find it. So that might be a very good option! Cheers

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Bucketsofdynomite · 09/05/2007 10:37

Am I right in thinking Clarissa was 18th century? You could get the video with Sean Bean in it.

RosaLuxembourg · 09/05/2007 14:42

Glad you are enjoying your reading. Coram Boy is brilliant, isn't it.

Original poster
MadeForIt · 09/05/2007 22:23

Yes rosa, coram boy is very good! It disturbed me for a week whilst i was reading it though. Made me cry more than once.

Luckily the georgette heyer book has lifted my spirits!

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