Georgette Heyer’s Regency World by Jennifer Kloester is by far one of the best regency resource books I’ve read upto date. Pelisses, bonnets, hairstyles and so much more, Georgette Heyer’s Regency World was a delightful read as well as an incredibly informational haven . There are two whole pages on rules and etiquette to portray the guidelines that men and women used to comport themselves accordingly. Some of these sounded completely absurd…but having read a few Heyers, I could totally picture this.
For instance: ‘A lady could ride a horse and even hunt as long as she was correctly attired and rode side-saddle’. And the line immediately after that says: ‘Galloping in Hyde Park was prohibited.’
And although I don’t get this (I truly wonder how they possibly managed this), can you believe that: ‘ At a formal dinner one did not talk across the dinner table but confined conversation to those on one’s left and right’.!!
The last chapter was my favourite. I just loved the “who’s who in the Regency’ section with details on George III right upto Edward Hughes. The details and reference are precious. The appendixes with detailed glossary, newspapers and magazines of the times, a list of Heyer books and a timeline- are all wonderfully practical and entertaining. I feel so much more Heyer- Regency- learned now!
I strongly recommend this most informative easy read that’s entertaining as well as historical, and will no doubt bring great pleasure to all Regency lovers. Loved it!
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9 comments:
I just got this! I am loving it already! I haven't read any of Heyer's Regency works but it puts a lot of what I've read in Jane Austen's works into better perspective. :)
I have seen this around and have heard amazing things about it -- I cam't wait to read this one!!
I reviewed this one too and really liked it. But oh, the etiquette! Shall we say, living in the 21st century has its advantages?
Oh my...don't think I'd last very long is that society...lol So good to have you back here in blogland Lucy ;) Have a great week...I've got a lot going on and can't wait to share!
Fondly, Roberta
Dear Lucy,
The rules of etiquette sound amusing to say the least.
This looks like one I have to have. As far as etiquette goes - I once read, I think in "The Light of the Home" about Victorian women's lives including etiquette, that, just like today, books and magazines have all these must dos and must look likes, etc, but the truth is most people didn't then and they don't now. The perfect home, figure, style etc is found all over the place in the media, but in reality, most people just live normal lives and can't possibly be those perfect media specimens. The author of Light of the Home felt that was the case in Victorian times and all the rules for proper behavior. I suspect it is the same for the Regency. Of course, behavior WAS more restricted then, but perhaps books provided the ultimate instead of the real. Just my 2 pence, LOL.
I used to think I would LOVE Regency society.. but now I would have to make sure I say I would LOVE to be part of the Regency elite!
It seemed like it was not so fun otherwise!
I need to get this book for my "Reference Shelf."
This looks like so much fun, I just love this kind of stuff! It should add further enjoyment and understanding for both Heyer and Austen.
This is such a switch after having just read Allie's review over at Hist-Fic Chick, of The Countess and the King, and the bawdy, tawdry Restoration era. She made an interesting comment about the contrasts to Victorian times that makes me wonder if the Regency and Victorian eras were a repentant response to the Restoration period?
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