Historical. Fiction or non fiction.

[PeachesMcLean]

I read very infrequently and would like some recommendations please.

I read three of the Philippa Gregory ones last year and really enjoyed them. I like the historical side of it, the detail, but am wary of stuff that is just heaving bosoms in period dresses.

Am I being a snob? Did I really just give in to my inner Barbara Cartland? What do you think?

Or perhaps a good biography? Not averse to a bit of reality. the Duchess of Devonshire one was very good when i read that many moons ago. Anything similarly good? Perhaps about strong women rather than men.

What do you think?

Has anyone mentioned Georgette Heyer?

THE Regency Romance novelist, defined the historical romance genre back in the 1920s, taking inspiration from Austen etc. Impeccably written and researched, she inspired countless writers of historical fiction and fact, including Lady Antonia Fraser. Not to be put in the heaving bosom / Barbara Cartland category, far too good and funny!

I don't know how I forgot to mention Mary Renault.

You might like this thread talilac.

I love Mary Renault. Her Alexander trilogy is one of my top ten rereads.

Rosa - fabulous, thank you!