Jane Austen is often cited as the original Regency romance author. Living during the heady opening years of the nineteenth century, she wrote of lively, intelligent heroines who maneuvered through the complex social rules of the era. Austen's works, such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Northanger Abbey remain perennial favorites. The modern Regency, though, was the creation of Georgette Heyer. Heyer's charming, character-driven novels, such as Frederica, The Nonesuch, and Charity Girl, were best sellers during the 1950's and '60's. They remain popular even now. Today, the tradition of Heyer's delightful Regencies is still going strong. With a devoted readership in the tens of thousands, the Regency remains one of the most important, popular romance sub-genres.
As its many fans know, the Regency has a unique, distinctive appeal. A large part of that appeal is the historical period itself. The early years of the nineteenth century were among English history's most dynamic periods. The Napoleonic Wars, a turning point in world history, raged across Europe. In England, the technological advances of the Industrial Revolution were transforming people's lives, as factories and railroads sprang up throughout the country. The high society of the time, led by intriguing people like the formidable Lady Jersey, was glamorous and active. Ladies and gentlemen rode horses in London parks, visited luxurious country manor houses, and danced the night away at grand balls. This exciting era provides the ideal backdrop for romantic fiction.
Another vital aspect of the Regency's appeal is its Jane Austen-inspired charm. Sparkling, witty dialogue is a hallmark of the sub-genre. Although strong plotting is as important in a Regency as it is in any other fiction, Regencies are usually quite character-driven, focusing on personality rather than outrageous plot twists. Authors really develop their characters' personalities in depth. Dynamic heroines and heroes grow
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