Nicola here. A couple of weeks ago I received a copy of a
hardback foreign edition of one of my books, Lord of Scandal, in Polish. I was
thrilled to get this not only because it’s always lovely to see an older book
making a comeback but also because of the gorgeous cover. (Ben Hawksmoor, the
hero of Lord of Scandal, has fair hair but I’m not going to quibble about that
because this boy looks BAD which is exactly right for the story. That's why I have posted a big cover!)
Lord of Scandal is a book that’s very close to my heart. It
was only my second single title for HQN and it garnered a RITA nomination in
2008. I was writing it at the same time that I was researching my MA
dissertation and it was this research into 18th and 19th
century heroes and celebrity that fed into the book. I thought it would be
interesting to dig out some of the things I discovered and talk about them here
since the parallels between the cult of celebrity 200 years ago and the one we
have now are pretty strong.
The Written Word
Celebrity isn’t a new concept, of course. Roman gladiators
were the celebrities of their day. By the 18th century the growth of
metropolitan society and the spread of literacy meant that gossip about the
private lives of people in the public eye could be disseminated much more
easily than ever before. Scandal sheets, which started as early as Elizabethan
times, referred to celebrity gossip as “secret history.” Thus it was that the
public was as informed about Nelson’s ménage a trois with Sir William and Lady
Hamilton as it was with his naval victories. Journalists were not above hanging
out in seedy taverns to pick up gossip from servants over a game of dice or even hanging about in the street outside people's houses to try and pick up some juicy piece of information.
Self-publicity
Self-publicity was already going strong. One of the stories
I love is about the poet Byron. “I awoke one
morning and found myself famous,”
Byron said in 1812, after the publication of the first two cantos of Childe
Harold’s Pilgrimage had brought him instant literary success. However he had
been working on his celebrity for years and continued to do so, realising that
there was nothing so effective as spinning your own legend. He accompanied the
publication of his poem The Corsair in 1814 with a self-portrait complete with
exotic headscarf and cutlass, thus identifying himself explicitly with his smouldering piratical hero. Even his departure from England was a
piece of theatre as he took a coach that was modelled on Napoleon’s campaigning
carriage with the conceit of the initials NB (Noel Byron) emblazoned on the
side.
Horatio Nelson was another man who was skilled at talking
himself up. He consciously used the press to create the hero persona that drew
him to public attention and acclaim. His decisive tactics at the battle of St Vincent had
contributed much to the victory and his daring capture of two enemy ships was
seen as the most spectacular moment of the day. But this in itself would not
have been sufficient to elevate him to hero/celebrity status – many naval
captains had achieved just as much. However Nelson promoted himself by giving an
interview intended for publication to Colonel John Drinkwater, an author who
witnessed the Battle of St Vincent. He also published a narrative: “Nelson’s
Patent Bridge for Boarding First-Rates” (editors take note of the catchy title!)
which was a huge popular success.
Public Appearances
Just as the film stars of the modern day turn out to wave to
the crowds at premieres and parties, so the celebrities of the Regency age were
feted in streets. In Lord of Scandal I feature a curricle race through London and the crowds turn out to cheer on the celebrity contestants. This was based on the idea of people thronging the streets when a Regency "superstar" passed through.
On his return to England in the summer of 1797 Nelson was
greeted with public acclaim wherever he went. Success at the Battle of the Nile
in 1798 and Copenhagen in 1801 served as further moments that cemented his
fame, and each of his victories was celebrated by huge popular demonstrations.
Lady Elizabeth Foster described Nelson’s appeal rather well, I think:
"Wherever (Nelson) appears he electrifies the cold English
character. Rapture and applause follow his steps. Sometimes a poor woman asks
to touch his coat. The very children learn to bless him as he passes, and doors
and windows are crowded."
Nor was Nelson the only Regency celebrity to receive such
popular acclaim. During the state visit of Czar Alexander of Russia and King
Frederick of Prussia in 1814, for example, celebrity-watchers went to
ridiculous lengths to catch a glimpse of their heroes, some people renting
windows along the route of the Grand Procession, others holding parties in
kitchens and basements so that they could peer through the area grating to see
the famous visitors pass by. Yet in the same manner as celebrities are sometimes
built up today only to be criticised in the press, interest in the Regency
celebrities could also wane. Lady Shelley felt that the foreign visitors were
ubiquitous and had outstayed their welcome: “Their stay became, at last, a
positive nuisance.”
Sporting heroes of the day also used their popularity to
generate public celebrity. George
Wilson, famed for his achievements in the sport of pedestrianism, understood
the value of publicity and used to advertise his events in advance, selling
engravings of himself in action to onlookers. By 1815 he was so famous that when he turned up for a pedestrian event
in Blackheath there was such a huge crowd that he had to employ men with whips
and ten foot staves to cut his way through the throng, the equivalent of the
modern day bodyguard.
Images
Cara/Andrea wrote a wonderful blog piece here on how
satirical cartoons spread gossip about figures such as the Prince Regent and
fed the appetite for scandal. Portraiture was another way in which celebrities
could use the visual arts to project an image. There was a growing demand for
glamorous and humorous pictures. Sporting heroes such as boxers Jem Belcher and
Tom Cribb had their reputations enhanced through the production of tinted
drawings like modern day sporting posters.
Opera singers and actresses were celebrated in a similar way. Benjamin
Haydon’s portrait of the poet Wordsworth was painted against a backdrop of the
mountain Helvellyn – a hero in the setting of his deeds. The artists who
painted Nelson were colluding with the subject to present him in heroic guise
and burnish his celebrity. The 1798-9 picture of Nelson by Guy Head, for
example, paints him at the moment of victory at the Battle of the Nile,
“showing a phallic sword thrust suggestively into the furled French colours.” (It always reminds me of the bit in Blackadder when Wellington gives the Prince Regent a gift of a cigarillo case "engraved with the regimental crest of two crossed dead Frenchmen emblazoned on a mound of dead Frenchman motif." Not subtle at all.)
The meaning of the portrait could scarcely
be more obvious and was no doubt immediately understood by every Englishman who
saw it. In a further twist on the phallic symbolism, Nelson gave the painting
as a personal gift to Emma Hamilton.
The fame of most Regency celebrities was based on
accomplishment, whether military, sporting or other. It that respect it could
be said to have a greater intrinsic worth than some modern day celebrity,
though it could also be argued that the fame of Beau Brummell, for example,
based on his skill as an arbiter of fashion, was no different from that of a
top model today. As for the beautiful Misses
Gunning, a comparison with reality
television might be drawn when a crowd turned out at an inn one night simply to
watch them eat.
Do you have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests you? I’m offering a
copy of Lord of Scandal (in English or Polish!) to one commenter. (And here's another gorgeous Polish cover, this time for Deceived. I like them so much I couldn't resist posting it up.)
As you already quoted Nelson, another of my fave celebrities of the Regency is for sure Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
They say he was disciplined, distant, controlled. He was successful in every career he pursued and good looking too (at least, according to my standards), as in the portraits by Thomas Lawrence or Thomas Phillips.
He could be an interesting character for historical romance 😉
As you already quoted Nelson, another of my fave celebrities of the Regency is for sure Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
They say he was disciplined, distant, controlled. He was successful in every career he pursued and good looking too (at least, according to my standards), as in the portraits by Thomas Lawrence or Thomas Phillips.
He could be an interesting character for historical romance 😉
As you already quoted Nelson, another of my fave celebrities of the Regency is for sure Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
They say he was disciplined, distant, controlled. He was successful in every career he pursued and good looking too (at least, according to my standards), as in the portraits by Thomas Lawrence or Thomas Phillips.
He could be an interesting character for historical romance 😉
As you already quoted Nelson, another of my fave celebrities of the Regency is for sure Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
They say he was disciplined, distant, controlled. He was successful in every career he pursued and good looking too (at least, according to my standards), as in the portraits by Thomas Lawrence or Thomas Phillips.
He could be an interesting character for historical romance 😉
As you already quoted Nelson, another of my fave celebrities of the Regency is for sure Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
They say he was disciplined, distant, controlled. He was successful in every career he pursued and good looking too (at least, according to my standards), as in the portraits by Thomas Lawrence or Thomas Phillips.
He could be an interesting character for historical romance 😉
I think Beau Brummell was a fairly popular celebrity. He defined and shaped the fashions of the time and people vied for his favor.
I think Beau Brummell was a fairly popular celebrity. He defined and shaped the fashions of the time and people vied for his favor.
I think Beau Brummell was a fairly popular celebrity. He defined and shaped the fashions of the time and people vied for his favor.
I think Beau Brummell was a fairly popular celebrity. He defined and shaped the fashions of the time and people vied for his favor.
I think Beau Brummell was a fairly popular celebrity. He defined and shaped the fashions of the time and people vied for his favor.
I think Wellington was a fascinating character, Carla. The contrast of his character with that of Nelson, who was so emotional in his private life, is very striking. It’s also interesting that Nelson died at the height of his fame whereas Wellington had much longer to become unpopular and for his celebrity to diminish. I often wonder how things would have turned out for Nelson if he had not died at Trafalgar.
I think Wellington was a fascinating character, Carla. The contrast of his character with that of Nelson, who was so emotional in his private life, is very striking. It’s also interesting that Nelson died at the height of his fame whereas Wellington had much longer to become unpopular and for his celebrity to diminish. I often wonder how things would have turned out for Nelson if he had not died at Trafalgar.
I think Wellington was a fascinating character, Carla. The contrast of his character with that of Nelson, who was so emotional in his private life, is very striking. It’s also interesting that Nelson died at the height of his fame whereas Wellington had much longer to become unpopular and for his celebrity to diminish. I often wonder how things would have turned out for Nelson if he had not died at Trafalgar.
I think Wellington was a fascinating character, Carla. The contrast of his character with that of Nelson, who was so emotional in his private life, is very striking. It’s also interesting that Nelson died at the height of his fame whereas Wellington had much longer to become unpopular and for his celebrity to diminish. I often wonder how things would have turned out for Nelson if he had not died at Trafalgar.
I think Wellington was a fascinating character, Carla. The contrast of his character with that of Nelson, who was so emotional in his private life, is very striking. It’s also interesting that Nelson died at the height of his fame whereas Wellington had much longer to become unpopular and for his celebrity to diminish. I often wonder how things would have turned out for Nelson if he had not died at Trafalgar.
Brummell, another fascinating character, Betty. To have built up so much and become such an arbiter of fashion only to throw it all away intrigues me. Fame is fickle!
Brummell, another fascinating character, Betty. To have built up so much and become such an arbiter of fashion only to throw it all away intrigues me. Fame is fickle!
Brummell, another fascinating character, Betty. To have built up so much and become such an arbiter of fashion only to throw it all away intrigues me. Fame is fickle!
Brummell, another fascinating character, Betty. To have built up so much and become such an arbiter of fashion only to throw it all away intrigues me. Fame is fickle!
Brummell, another fascinating character, Betty. To have built up so much and become such an arbiter of fashion only to throw it all away intrigues me. Fame is fickle!
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity.
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity.
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity.
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity.
I’m afraid I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity.
I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests me.
I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests me.
I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests me.
I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests me.
I don’t have a favourite Regency celebrity or a public figure from the period who particularly interests me.
Wonderful post, and wonderful cover, Nicola! You’ve picked two of my favorite celebrities in Byron and Nelson. I find them both fascinating, complex figures . . .and don’t get me started on Tsar Alexander. Another incredibly interesting, complicated man who embodied much of the spirit of the era.
It’s hard to pick just two or three, though! The women from the era—Mary Wollstonecraft, her daughter, Mary Shelley, Ada Lovelace . . . courageous, smart females who dared to challenge the boundaries of feminine behavior. I’m also a fan of the portrait painter, Sir Thomas Lawrence, a child prodigy who went on to paint most of the celebrities of the times. He had a gift for capturing the essence of people (especially women—he cheerfully admitted he adored all women)and has left us with a brilliant visual picture of the regency.
Okay, I’ll stop now, because I could turn this into a book! But thank you for reminding us about what a fabulously interesting time it was!
Wonderful post, and wonderful cover, Nicola! You’ve picked two of my favorite celebrities in Byron and Nelson. I find them both fascinating, complex figures . . .and don’t get me started on Tsar Alexander. Another incredibly interesting, complicated man who embodied much of the spirit of the era.
It’s hard to pick just two or three, though! The women from the era—Mary Wollstonecraft, her daughter, Mary Shelley, Ada Lovelace . . . courageous, smart females who dared to challenge the boundaries of feminine behavior. I’m also a fan of the portrait painter, Sir Thomas Lawrence, a child prodigy who went on to paint most of the celebrities of the times. He had a gift for capturing the essence of people (especially women—he cheerfully admitted he adored all women)and has left us with a brilliant visual picture of the regency.
Okay, I’ll stop now, because I could turn this into a book! But thank you for reminding us about what a fabulously interesting time it was!
Wonderful post, and wonderful cover, Nicola! You’ve picked two of my favorite celebrities in Byron and Nelson. I find them both fascinating, complex figures . . .and don’t get me started on Tsar Alexander. Another incredibly interesting, complicated man who embodied much of the spirit of the era.
It’s hard to pick just two or three, though! The women from the era—Mary Wollstonecraft, her daughter, Mary Shelley, Ada Lovelace . . . courageous, smart females who dared to challenge the boundaries of feminine behavior. I’m also a fan of the portrait painter, Sir Thomas Lawrence, a child prodigy who went on to paint most of the celebrities of the times. He had a gift for capturing the essence of people (especially women—he cheerfully admitted he adored all women)and has left us with a brilliant visual picture of the regency.
Okay, I’ll stop now, because I could turn this into a book! But thank you for reminding us about what a fabulously interesting time it was!
Wonderful post, and wonderful cover, Nicola! You’ve picked two of my favorite celebrities in Byron and Nelson. I find them both fascinating, complex figures . . .and don’t get me started on Tsar Alexander. Another incredibly interesting, complicated man who embodied much of the spirit of the era.
It’s hard to pick just two or three, though! The women from the era—Mary Wollstonecraft, her daughter, Mary Shelley, Ada Lovelace . . . courageous, smart females who dared to challenge the boundaries of feminine behavior. I’m also a fan of the portrait painter, Sir Thomas Lawrence, a child prodigy who went on to paint most of the celebrities of the times. He had a gift for capturing the essence of people (especially women—he cheerfully admitted he adored all women)and has left us with a brilliant visual picture of the regency.
Okay, I’ll stop now, because I could turn this into a book! But thank you for reminding us about what a fabulously interesting time it was!
Wonderful post, and wonderful cover, Nicola! You’ve picked two of my favorite celebrities in Byron and Nelson. I find them both fascinating, complex figures . . .and don’t get me started on Tsar Alexander. Another incredibly interesting, complicated man who embodied much of the spirit of the era.
It’s hard to pick just two or three, though! The women from the era—Mary Wollstonecraft, her daughter, Mary Shelley, Ada Lovelace . . . courageous, smart females who dared to challenge the boundaries of feminine behavior. I’m also a fan of the portrait painter, Sir Thomas Lawrence, a child prodigy who went on to paint most of the celebrities of the times. He had a gift for capturing the essence of people (especially women—he cheerfully admitted he adored all women)and has left us with a brilliant visual picture of the regency.
Okay, I’ll stop now, because I could turn this into a book! But thank you for reminding us about what a fabulously interesting time it was!
Fantastic post, Nicola! And that cover is just amazing. Hope it sells you a zillion copies!
Fantastic post, Nicola! And that cover is just amazing. Hope it sells you a zillion copies!
Fantastic post, Nicola! And that cover is just amazing. Hope it sells you a zillion copies!
Fantastic post, Nicola! And that cover is just amazing. Hope it sells you a zillion copies!
Fantastic post, Nicola! And that cover is just amazing. Hope it sells you a zillion copies!
Fabulous post, Nicola, and I want to steal that Polish cover!
I hate the thought of a celebrity culture, but you’re right. People have played to that mentality through the centuries. I just caught a few minutes of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre on Selfridge’s, and that’s precisely what Selfridge was playing to–marketing his persona to the masses, as well as his department store.
If I’m partial to any Regency character, it would be Brummel for forcing men to bathe and pay attention to their clothes.
Fabulous post, Nicola, and I want to steal that Polish cover!
I hate the thought of a celebrity culture, but you’re right. People have played to that mentality through the centuries. I just caught a few minutes of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre on Selfridge’s, and that’s precisely what Selfridge was playing to–marketing his persona to the masses, as well as his department store.
If I’m partial to any Regency character, it would be Brummel for forcing men to bathe and pay attention to their clothes.
Fabulous post, Nicola, and I want to steal that Polish cover!
I hate the thought of a celebrity culture, but you’re right. People have played to that mentality through the centuries. I just caught a few minutes of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre on Selfridge’s, and that’s precisely what Selfridge was playing to–marketing his persona to the masses, as well as his department store.
If I’m partial to any Regency character, it would be Brummel for forcing men to bathe and pay attention to their clothes.
Fabulous post, Nicola, and I want to steal that Polish cover!
I hate the thought of a celebrity culture, but you’re right. People have played to that mentality through the centuries. I just caught a few minutes of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre on Selfridge’s, and that’s precisely what Selfridge was playing to–marketing his persona to the masses, as well as his department store.
If I’m partial to any Regency character, it would be Brummel for forcing men to bathe and pay attention to their clothes.
Fabulous post, Nicola, and I want to steal that Polish cover!
I hate the thought of a celebrity culture, but you’re right. People have played to that mentality through the centuries. I just caught a few minutes of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre on Selfridge’s, and that’s precisely what Selfridge was playing to–marketing his persona to the masses, as well as his department store.
If I’m partial to any Regency character, it would be Brummel for forcing men to bathe and pay attention to their clothes.
Those are beautiful covers! That’s part of the excitement of historical romances. I also love history which is yet another reason I read them. Celebrity? Jane Austen hands down but she wasn’t one in her day, nor did she probably want to be. Percy Bysshe Shelley & Mary Wollstonecraft are two others; what a scandal in their day.
Those are beautiful covers! That’s part of the excitement of historical romances. I also love history which is yet another reason I read them. Celebrity? Jane Austen hands down but she wasn’t one in her day, nor did she probably want to be. Percy Bysshe Shelley & Mary Wollstonecraft are two others; what a scandal in their day.
Those are beautiful covers! That’s part of the excitement of historical romances. I also love history which is yet another reason I read them. Celebrity? Jane Austen hands down but she wasn’t one in her day, nor did she probably want to be. Percy Bysshe Shelley & Mary Wollstonecraft are two others; what a scandal in their day.
Those are beautiful covers! That’s part of the excitement of historical romances. I also love history which is yet another reason I read them. Celebrity? Jane Austen hands down but she wasn’t one in her day, nor did she probably want to be. Percy Bysshe Shelley & Mary Wollstonecraft are two others; what a scandal in their day.
Those are beautiful covers! That’s part of the excitement of historical romances. I also love history which is yet another reason I read them. Celebrity? Jane Austen hands down but she wasn’t one in her day, nor did she probably want to be. Percy Bysshe Shelley & Mary Wollstonecraft are two others; what a scandal in their day.
Thanks for your comment, Olga.
Hi Cara/Andrea! I am so pleased you liked the post. Wow, you list such a number of fascinating people. I too love the strong women of the era who really challenged the norm. As for Nelson, I ended up finding him fascinating but not really liking him very much. There are aspects of his character I admire so much and others not at all, which I think is an interesting study for a writer.
Thanks for your comment, Olga.
Hi Cara/Andrea! I am so pleased you liked the post. Wow, you list such a number of fascinating people. I too love the strong women of the era who really challenged the norm. As for Nelson, I ended up finding him fascinating but not really liking him very much. There are aspects of his character I admire so much and others not at all, which I think is an interesting study for a writer.
Thanks for your comment, Olga.
Hi Cara/Andrea! I am so pleased you liked the post. Wow, you list such a number of fascinating people. I too love the strong women of the era who really challenged the norm. As for Nelson, I ended up finding him fascinating but not really liking him very much. There are aspects of his character I admire so much and others not at all, which I think is an interesting study for a writer.
Thanks for your comment, Olga.
Hi Cara/Andrea! I am so pleased you liked the post. Wow, you list such a number of fascinating people. I too love the strong women of the era who really challenged the norm. As for Nelson, I ended up finding him fascinating but not really liking him very much. There are aspects of his character I admire so much and others not at all, which I think is an interesting study for a writer.
Thanks for your comment, Olga.
Hi Cara/Andrea! I am so pleased you liked the post. Wow, you list such a number of fascinating people. I too love the strong women of the era who really challenged the norm. As for Nelson, I ended up finding him fascinating but not really liking him very much. There are aspects of his character I admire so much and others not at all, which I think is an interesting study for a writer.
Thank you very much, Mary. I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi Pat! I am going to send it to my editor in the hope they will model the hero of my next book on him!
Yes, the cult of personality. I hadn’t thought of Selfridge but he branded his personality in a similar way to marketing his store! And LOL on Brummell getting men to bathe. He did the women of the Regency a great service!
Thank you very much, Mary. I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi Pat! I am going to send it to my editor in the hope they will model the hero of my next book on him!
Yes, the cult of personality. I hadn’t thought of Selfridge but he branded his personality in a similar way to marketing his store! And LOL on Brummell getting men to bathe. He did the women of the Regency a great service!
Thank you very much, Mary. I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi Pat! I am going to send it to my editor in the hope they will model the hero of my next book on him!
Yes, the cult of personality. I hadn’t thought of Selfridge but he branded his personality in a similar way to marketing his store! And LOL on Brummell getting men to bathe. He did the women of the Regency a great service!
Thank you very much, Mary. I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi Pat! I am going to send it to my editor in the hope they will model the hero of my next book on him!
Yes, the cult of personality. I hadn’t thought of Selfridge but he branded his personality in a similar way to marketing his store! And LOL on Brummell getting men to bathe. He did the women of the Regency a great service!
Thank you very much, Mary. I am so pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi Pat! I am going to send it to my editor in the hope they will model the hero of my next book on him!
Yes, the cult of personality. I hadn’t thought of Selfridge but he branded his personality in a similar way to marketing his store! And LOL on Brummell getting men to bathe. He did the women of the Regency a great service!
You came up with amazing information! I’d not really thought about some of those aspects of celebrity. I guess everyone has always wanted their 15 minutes of fame!
And that cover!! Wow!! I don’t read Polish, but I’d love to just have the cover!!
You came up with amazing information! I’d not really thought about some of those aspects of celebrity. I guess everyone has always wanted their 15 minutes of fame!
And that cover!! Wow!! I don’t read Polish, but I’d love to just have the cover!!
You came up with amazing information! I’d not really thought about some of those aspects of celebrity. I guess everyone has always wanted their 15 minutes of fame!
And that cover!! Wow!! I don’t read Polish, but I’d love to just have the cover!!
You came up with amazing information! I’d not really thought about some of those aspects of celebrity. I guess everyone has always wanted their 15 minutes of fame!
And that cover!! Wow!! I don’t read Polish, but I’d love to just have the cover!!
You came up with amazing information! I’d not really thought about some of those aspects of celebrity. I guess everyone has always wanted their 15 minutes of fame!
And that cover!! Wow!! I don’t read Polish, but I’d love to just have the cover!!
Thanks for the comment, Maria. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of her celebrity status in the present day. Do you think she would have been horrified?
Cate, I’m so pleased you like the cover! I think it’s stunning.
Thanks for the comment, Maria. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of her celebrity status in the present day. Do you think she would have been horrified?
Cate, I’m so pleased you like the cover! I think it’s stunning.
Thanks for the comment, Maria. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of her celebrity status in the present day. Do you think she would have been horrified?
Cate, I’m so pleased you like the cover! I think it’s stunning.
Thanks for the comment, Maria. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of her celebrity status in the present day. Do you think she would have been horrified?
Cate, I’m so pleased you like the cover! I think it’s stunning.
Thanks for the comment, Maria. I often wonder what Jane Austen would have made of her celebrity status in the present day. Do you think she would have been horrified?
Cate, I’m so pleased you like the cover! I think it’s stunning.
Lord Byron; always have the impression he’s tragically romantic.
The foreign covers seem nicer than the ones I have!
Lord Byron; always have the impression he’s tragically romantic.
The foreign covers seem nicer than the ones I have!
Lord Byron; always have the impression he’s tragically romantic.
The foreign covers seem nicer than the ones I have!
Lord Byron; always have the impression he’s tragically romantic.
The foreign covers seem nicer than the ones I have!
Lord Byron; always have the impression he’s tragically romantic.
The foreign covers seem nicer than the ones I have!
Oh, WOW, Nicola, that cover! Be still, my heart. *G*
What a great post. So many interesting people have been mentioned here: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelance, Nelson, Byron, et al. But I must admit to a long time fondness for Wellington. I read Elizabeth Longford’s two volume bio in the course of researching my Fallen Angels series, which had a lot of the Napoleonic wars (and some of Wellington) in the stories.
I liked Wellington’s integrity and pragmatism. He was an aristocrat to the bone, but he made sure that peasants weren’t looted by his army, and he looked out for his men, even if they were ‘a rabble in arms.’
Oh, WOW, Nicola, that cover! Be still, my heart. *G*
What a great post. So many interesting people have been mentioned here: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelance, Nelson, Byron, et al. But I must admit to a long time fondness for Wellington. I read Elizabeth Longford’s two volume bio in the course of researching my Fallen Angels series, which had a lot of the Napoleonic wars (and some of Wellington) in the stories.
I liked Wellington’s integrity and pragmatism. He was an aristocrat to the bone, but he made sure that peasants weren’t looted by his army, and he looked out for his men, even if they were ‘a rabble in arms.’
Oh, WOW, Nicola, that cover! Be still, my heart. *G*
What a great post. So many interesting people have been mentioned here: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelance, Nelson, Byron, et al. But I must admit to a long time fondness for Wellington. I read Elizabeth Longford’s two volume bio in the course of researching my Fallen Angels series, which had a lot of the Napoleonic wars (and some of Wellington) in the stories.
I liked Wellington’s integrity and pragmatism. He was an aristocrat to the bone, but he made sure that peasants weren’t looted by his army, and he looked out for his men, even if they were ‘a rabble in arms.’
Oh, WOW, Nicola, that cover! Be still, my heart. *G*
What a great post. So many interesting people have been mentioned here: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelance, Nelson, Byron, et al. But I must admit to a long time fondness for Wellington. I read Elizabeth Longford’s two volume bio in the course of researching my Fallen Angels series, which had a lot of the Napoleonic wars (and some of Wellington) in the stories.
I liked Wellington’s integrity and pragmatism. He was an aristocrat to the bone, but he made sure that peasants weren’t looted by his army, and he looked out for his men, even if they were ‘a rabble in arms.’
Oh, WOW, Nicola, that cover! Be still, my heart. *G*
What a great post. So many interesting people have been mentioned here: Mary Wollstonecraft, Ada Lovelance, Nelson, Byron, et al. But I must admit to a long time fondness for Wellington. I read Elizabeth Longford’s two volume bio in the course of researching my Fallen Angels series, which had a lot of the Napoleonic wars (and some of Wellington) in the stories.
I liked Wellington’s integrity and pragmatism. He was an aristocrat to the bone, but he made sure that peasants weren’t looted by his army, and he looked out for his men, even if they were ‘a rabble in arms.’
I think the Polish covers are the nicest ones I’ve seen in a long time, Linda. I agree; I would have liked to have met Byron – for lots of reasons!
I think the Polish covers are the nicest ones I’ve seen in a long time, Linda. I agree; I would have liked to have met Byron – for lots of reasons!
I think the Polish covers are the nicest ones I’ve seen in a long time, Linda. I agree; I would have liked to have met Byron – for lots of reasons!
I think the Polish covers are the nicest ones I’ve seen in a long time, Linda. I agree; I would have liked to have met Byron – for lots of reasons!
I think the Polish covers are the nicest ones I’ve seen in a long time, Linda. I agree; I would have liked to have met Byron – for lots of reasons!
LOL, Mary Jo! I had a similar reaction to the cover! Wellington – absolutely. I think integrity is a heroic quality and I admire him hugely. I must dig out the Longford bio. Thank you!
LOL, Mary Jo! I had a similar reaction to the cover! Wellington – absolutely. I think integrity is a heroic quality and I admire him hugely. I must dig out the Longford bio. Thank you!
LOL, Mary Jo! I had a similar reaction to the cover! Wellington – absolutely. I think integrity is a heroic quality and I admire him hugely. I must dig out the Longford bio. Thank you!
LOL, Mary Jo! I had a similar reaction to the cover! Wellington – absolutely. I think integrity is a heroic quality and I admire him hugely. I must dig out the Longford bio. Thank you!
LOL, Mary Jo! I had a similar reaction to the cover! Wellington – absolutely. I think integrity is a heroic quality and I admire him hugely. I must dig out the Longford bio. Thank you!
I would like to meet Lady Byron and hear her side of the story. She’s often cast as the villain of the piece, but I suspect she had many legitimate grievances.
Their daughter Ada would only have been a child in the Regency but of course she went on to become an excellent mathematician and to work with Charles Babbage on his difference engine, which was the first computer, so I suspect she was a very interesting child!
Jo
I would like to meet Lady Byron and hear her side of the story. She’s often cast as the villain of the piece, but I suspect she had many legitimate grievances.
Their daughter Ada would only have been a child in the Regency but of course she went on to become an excellent mathematician and to work with Charles Babbage on his difference engine, which was the first computer, so I suspect she was a very interesting child!
Jo
I would like to meet Lady Byron and hear her side of the story. She’s often cast as the villain of the piece, but I suspect she had many legitimate grievances.
Their daughter Ada would only have been a child in the Regency but of course she went on to become an excellent mathematician and to work with Charles Babbage on his difference engine, which was the first computer, so I suspect she was a very interesting child!
Jo
I would like to meet Lady Byron and hear her side of the story. She’s often cast as the villain of the piece, but I suspect she had many legitimate grievances.
Their daughter Ada would only have been a child in the Regency but of course she went on to become an excellent mathematician and to work with Charles Babbage on his difference engine, which was the first computer, so I suspect she was a very interesting child!
Jo
I would like to meet Lady Byron and hear her side of the story. She’s often cast as the villain of the piece, but I suspect she had many legitimate grievances.
Their daughter Ada would only have been a child in the Regency but of course she went on to become an excellent mathematician and to work with Charles Babbage on his difference engine, which was the first computer, so I suspect she was a very interesting child!
Jo
In all the talk of Nelson, let’s not forget Emma Hamilton. Standards of beauty change from era to era, but I think that she would still be considered stunningly beautiful. The George Romney portraits of a young Emma have certainly graced many book covers.
While Emma was genetically gifted, most of her fame came from her association with famous men. I think you make an excellent point when you note that most Regency celebrities were known for something they did and so earned their celebrity. Too many of today’s celebrities are merely known for being known, which is an empty sort of fame if you ask me (of course, nobody has, but I thought I’d mention it just in case it ever happens).
In all the talk of Nelson, let’s not forget Emma Hamilton. Standards of beauty change from era to era, but I think that she would still be considered stunningly beautiful. The George Romney portraits of a young Emma have certainly graced many book covers.
While Emma was genetically gifted, most of her fame came from her association with famous men. I think you make an excellent point when you note that most Regency celebrities were known for something they did and so earned their celebrity. Too many of today’s celebrities are merely known for being known, which is an empty sort of fame if you ask me (of course, nobody has, but I thought I’d mention it just in case it ever happens).
In all the talk of Nelson, let’s not forget Emma Hamilton. Standards of beauty change from era to era, but I think that she would still be considered stunningly beautiful. The George Romney portraits of a young Emma have certainly graced many book covers.
While Emma was genetically gifted, most of her fame came from her association with famous men. I think you make an excellent point when you note that most Regency celebrities were known for something they did and so earned their celebrity. Too many of today’s celebrities are merely known for being known, which is an empty sort of fame if you ask me (of course, nobody has, but I thought I’d mention it just in case it ever happens).
In all the talk of Nelson, let’s not forget Emma Hamilton. Standards of beauty change from era to era, but I think that she would still be considered stunningly beautiful. The George Romney portraits of a young Emma have certainly graced many book covers.
While Emma was genetically gifted, most of her fame came from her association with famous men. I think you make an excellent point when you note that most Regency celebrities were known for something they did and so earned their celebrity. Too many of today’s celebrities are merely known for being known, which is an empty sort of fame if you ask me (of course, nobody has, but I thought I’d mention it just in case it ever happens).
In all the talk of Nelson, let’s not forget Emma Hamilton. Standards of beauty change from era to era, but I think that she would still be considered stunningly beautiful. The George Romney portraits of a young Emma have certainly graced many book covers.
While Emma was genetically gifted, most of her fame came from her association with famous men. I think you make an excellent point when you note that most Regency celebrities were known for something they did and so earned their celebrity. Too many of today’s celebrities are merely known for being known, which is an empty sort of fame if you ask me (of course, nobody has, but I thought I’d mention it just in case it ever happens).
P.S. In one of those interesting examples of synchronicity, I just bought a copy of Lord of Scandal at my library’s used book sale last week. Must say that I lust after the Polish cover. Perhaps I’ll figure out how to print it and then use as a book cover for my version. Or maybe there’s an amazon.pol or somewhere I could order it. That cover is too delicious not to own in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps you could get your English publisher to reuse it on a future book (hint, hint).
P.S. In one of those interesting examples of synchronicity, I just bought a copy of Lord of Scandal at my library’s used book sale last week. Must say that I lust after the Polish cover. Perhaps I’ll figure out how to print it and then use as a book cover for my version. Or maybe there’s an amazon.pol or somewhere I could order it. That cover is too delicious not to own in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps you could get your English publisher to reuse it on a future book (hint, hint).
P.S. In one of those interesting examples of synchronicity, I just bought a copy of Lord of Scandal at my library’s used book sale last week. Must say that I lust after the Polish cover. Perhaps I’ll figure out how to print it and then use as a book cover for my version. Or maybe there’s an amazon.pol or somewhere I could order it. That cover is too delicious not to own in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps you could get your English publisher to reuse it on a future book (hint, hint).
P.S. In one of those interesting examples of synchronicity, I just bought a copy of Lord of Scandal at my library’s used book sale last week. Must say that I lust after the Polish cover. Perhaps I’ll figure out how to print it and then use as a book cover for my version. Or maybe there’s an amazon.pol or somewhere I could order it. That cover is too delicious not to own in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps you could get your English publisher to reuse it on a future book (hint, hint).
P.S. In one of those interesting examples of synchronicity, I just bought a copy of Lord of Scandal at my library’s used book sale last week. Must say that I lust after the Polish cover. Perhaps I’ll figure out how to print it and then use as a book cover for my version. Or maybe there’s an amazon.pol or somewhere I could order it. That cover is too delicious not to own in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps you could get your English publisher to reuse it on a future book (hint, hint).
I think Caro Lamb was interesting: she was just about the first recorded star stalker. She’s very modern! Think what she could have done with facebook or tumblr!
I think Caro Lamb was interesting: she was just about the first recorded star stalker. She’s very modern! Think what she could have done with facebook or tumblr!
I think Caro Lamb was interesting: she was just about the first recorded star stalker. She’s very modern! Think what she could have done with facebook or tumblr!
I think Caro Lamb was interesting: she was just about the first recorded star stalker. She’s very modern! Think what she could have done with facebook or tumblr!
I think Caro Lamb was interesting: she was just about the first recorded star stalker. She’s very modern! Think what she could have done with facebook or tumblr!
Recently read Christine Trent’s A Royal Likeness, based on Tussaud’s wax figures of a host of celebrities, among others, Nelson.
Recently read Christine Trent’s A Royal Likeness, based on Tussaud’s wax figures of a host of celebrities, among others, Nelson.
Recently read Christine Trent’s A Royal Likeness, based on Tussaud’s wax figures of a host of celebrities, among others, Nelson.
Recently read Christine Trent’s A Royal Likeness, based on Tussaud’s wax figures of a host of celebrities, among others, Nelson.
Recently read Christine Trent’s A Royal Likeness, based on Tussaud’s wax figures of a host of celebrities, among others, Nelson.
I am curious and fascinated by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Her name (minus Shelley) is often mentioned in books where the heroine is a bluestocking with “radical” independent thinking. I didn’t realize Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were the same person until I did a little research. her relationship with spouse, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and connection with Lord Byron through her husband is also interesting to me.
I am curious and fascinated by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Her name (minus Shelley) is often mentioned in books where the heroine is a bluestocking with “radical” independent thinking. I didn’t realize Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were the same person until I did a little research. her relationship with spouse, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and connection with Lord Byron through her husband is also interesting to me.
I am curious and fascinated by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Her name (minus Shelley) is often mentioned in books where the heroine is a bluestocking with “radical” independent thinking. I didn’t realize Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were the same person until I did a little research. her relationship with spouse, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and connection with Lord Byron through her husband is also interesting to me.
I am curious and fascinated by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Her name (minus Shelley) is often mentioned in books where the heroine is a bluestocking with “radical” independent thinking. I didn’t realize Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were the same person until I did a little research. her relationship with spouse, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and connection with Lord Byron through her husband is also interesting to me.
I am curious and fascinated by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Her name (minus Shelley) is often mentioned in books where the heroine is a bluestocking with “radical” independent thinking. I didn’t realize Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were the same person until I did a little research. her relationship with spouse, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and connection with Lord Byron through her husband is also interesting to me.
LOL, Susan! I agree that a lot of celebrity today is not achievement based. I don’t begrudge sporting, film or pop stars their celebrity as it is based on a talent but reality TV “celebrity” does strike me as rather hollow.
Emma Hamilton – yes, very beautiful. I think it’s interesting the way that standards of beauty change but some people are always considered beautiful. We have a portrait at Ashdown House of Princess Elizabeth Palatine who was apparently considered the greatest beauty of her age (early 17th century). She was very pretty but I think her sister Louise was far more beautiful.
I hope you enjoy Lord of Scandal. I am sending my editor the Polish cover in the hope that they will come up with something similar for my next book!
LOL, Susan! I agree that a lot of celebrity today is not achievement based. I don’t begrudge sporting, film or pop stars their celebrity as it is based on a talent but reality TV “celebrity” does strike me as rather hollow.
Emma Hamilton – yes, very beautiful. I think it’s interesting the way that standards of beauty change but some people are always considered beautiful. We have a portrait at Ashdown House of Princess Elizabeth Palatine who was apparently considered the greatest beauty of her age (early 17th century). She was very pretty but I think her sister Louise was far more beautiful.
I hope you enjoy Lord of Scandal. I am sending my editor the Polish cover in the hope that they will come up with something similar for my next book!
LOL, Susan! I agree that a lot of celebrity today is not achievement based. I don’t begrudge sporting, film or pop stars their celebrity as it is based on a talent but reality TV “celebrity” does strike me as rather hollow.
Emma Hamilton – yes, very beautiful. I think it’s interesting the way that standards of beauty change but some people are always considered beautiful. We have a portrait at Ashdown House of Princess Elizabeth Palatine who was apparently considered the greatest beauty of her age (early 17th century). She was very pretty but I think her sister Louise was far more beautiful.
I hope you enjoy Lord of Scandal. I am sending my editor the Polish cover in the hope that they will come up with something similar for my next book!
LOL, Susan! I agree that a lot of celebrity today is not achievement based. I don’t begrudge sporting, film or pop stars their celebrity as it is based on a talent but reality TV “celebrity” does strike me as rather hollow.
Emma Hamilton – yes, very beautiful. I think it’s interesting the way that standards of beauty change but some people are always considered beautiful. We have a portrait at Ashdown House of Princess Elizabeth Palatine who was apparently considered the greatest beauty of her age (early 17th century). She was very pretty but I think her sister Louise was far more beautiful.
I hope you enjoy Lord of Scandal. I am sending my editor the Polish cover in the hope that they will come up with something similar for my next book!
LOL, Susan! I agree that a lot of celebrity today is not achievement based. I don’t begrudge sporting, film or pop stars their celebrity as it is based on a talent but reality TV “celebrity” does strike me as rather hollow.
Emma Hamilton – yes, very beautiful. I think it’s interesting the way that standards of beauty change but some people are always considered beautiful. We have a portrait at Ashdown House of Princess Elizabeth Palatine who was apparently considered the greatest beauty of her age (early 17th century). She was very pretty but I think her sister Louise was far more beautiful.
I hope you enjoy Lord of Scandal. I am sending my editor the Polish cover in the hope that they will come up with something similar for my next book!
Hi Janice! Yes, sometimes someone comes along who does feel very modern. Caro Lamb is a good example. LOL on the star stalker!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Liz. I will look that out. It sounds very interesting.
Hi Janice! Yes, sometimes someone comes along who does feel very modern. Caro Lamb is a good example. LOL on the star stalker!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Liz. I will look that out. It sounds very interesting.
Hi Janice! Yes, sometimes someone comes along who does feel very modern. Caro Lamb is a good example. LOL on the star stalker!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Liz. I will look that out. It sounds very interesting.
Hi Janice! Yes, sometimes someone comes along who does feel very modern. Caro Lamb is a good example. LOL on the star stalker!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Liz. I will look that out. It sounds very interesting.
Hi Janice! Yes, sometimes someone comes along who does feel very modern. Caro Lamb is a good example. LOL on the star stalker!
Thanks for the book recommendation, Liz. I will look that out. It sounds very interesting.
Sara, I’m confused as I thought that Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were mother and daughter. I guess it’s extra confusing that Mary Shelley was called Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin before her marriage which is pretty unusual in England since usually one doesn’t have both parents’ surnames. But both were exceptional women of their time, I think.
Sara, I’m confused as I thought that Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were mother and daughter. I guess it’s extra confusing that Mary Shelley was called Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin before her marriage which is pretty unusual in England since usually one doesn’t have both parents’ surnames. But both were exceptional women of their time, I think.
Sara, I’m confused as I thought that Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were mother and daughter. I guess it’s extra confusing that Mary Shelley was called Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin before her marriage which is pretty unusual in England since usually one doesn’t have both parents’ surnames. But both were exceptional women of their time, I think.
Sara, I’m confused as I thought that Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were mother and daughter. I guess it’s extra confusing that Mary Shelley was called Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin before her marriage which is pretty unusual in England since usually one doesn’t have both parents’ surnames. But both were exceptional women of their time, I think.
Sara, I’m confused as I thought that Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley were mother and daughter. I guess it’s extra confusing that Mary Shelley was called Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin before her marriage which is pretty unusual in England since usually one doesn’t have both parents’ surnames. But both were exceptional women of their time, I think.
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite celebrity from then or now. Too many become celebrities for the wrong reasons. Dee
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite celebrity from then or now. Too many become celebrities for the wrong reasons. Dee
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite celebrity from then or now. Too many become celebrities for the wrong reasons. Dee
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite celebrity from then or now. Too many become celebrities for the wrong reasons. Dee
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite celebrity from then or now. Too many become celebrities for the wrong reasons. Dee
I have to vote for the strong woman of the period, Mary Wollstonecraft. I do love reading the history of the era, though, especially the military history so of course I also have a soft spot for the brilliant Wellington.
I agree with everyone else here: that Polish cover is drool-worthy!
I have to vote for the strong woman of the period, Mary Wollstonecraft. I do love reading the history of the era, though, especially the military history so of course I also have a soft spot for the brilliant Wellington.
I agree with everyone else here: that Polish cover is drool-worthy!
I have to vote for the strong woman of the period, Mary Wollstonecraft. I do love reading the history of the era, though, especially the military history so of course I also have a soft spot for the brilliant Wellington.
I agree with everyone else here: that Polish cover is drool-worthy!
I have to vote for the strong woman of the period, Mary Wollstonecraft. I do love reading the history of the era, though, especially the military history so of course I also have a soft spot for the brilliant Wellington.
I agree with everyone else here: that Polish cover is drool-worthy!
I have to vote for the strong woman of the period, Mary Wollstonecraft. I do love reading the history of the era, though, especially the military history so of course I also have a soft spot for the brilliant Wellington.
I agree with everyone else here: that Polish cover is drool-worthy!
What a fantastic cover, Nicola. I think the European covers get the costumes much better than the US ones do.
Hm, heroes. I like Wellington a lot. I alwasy felt sorry for him that he felt obligated to marry a woman he didn’t care for that much, nor she him. Though I did not like the role he played in devesting poor Mrs. Fitzhubert of her letters. I also greatly admire Juana Smith, wife of Harry Smith.
What a fantastic cover, Nicola. I think the European covers get the costumes much better than the US ones do.
Hm, heroes. I like Wellington a lot. I alwasy felt sorry for him that he felt obligated to marry a woman he didn’t care for that much, nor she him. Though I did not like the role he played in devesting poor Mrs. Fitzhubert of her letters. I also greatly admire Juana Smith, wife of Harry Smith.
What a fantastic cover, Nicola. I think the European covers get the costumes much better than the US ones do.
Hm, heroes. I like Wellington a lot. I alwasy felt sorry for him that he felt obligated to marry a woman he didn’t care for that much, nor she him. Though I did not like the role he played in devesting poor Mrs. Fitzhubert of her letters. I also greatly admire Juana Smith, wife of Harry Smith.
What a fantastic cover, Nicola. I think the European covers get the costumes much better than the US ones do.
Hm, heroes. I like Wellington a lot. I alwasy felt sorry for him that he felt obligated to marry a woman he didn’t care for that much, nor she him. Though I did not like the role he played in devesting poor Mrs. Fitzhubert of her letters. I also greatly admire Juana Smith, wife of Harry Smith.
What a fantastic cover, Nicola. I think the European covers get the costumes much better than the US ones do.
Hm, heroes. I like Wellington a lot. I alwasy felt sorry for him that he felt obligated to marry a woman he didn’t care for that much, nor she him. Though I did not like the role he played in devesting poor Mrs. Fitzhubert of her letters. I also greatly admire Juana Smith, wife of Harry Smith.
Thank you, Donna. I am so glad you like the cover! I agree – the inspiring women of the era are especially important because of the trailblazing they did. I admire them hugely.
Ella, great choice with Juana Smith. They were an interesting couple!
Thank you, Donna. I am so glad you like the cover! I agree – the inspiring women of the era are especially important because of the trailblazing they did. I admire them hugely.
Ella, great choice with Juana Smith. They were an interesting couple!
Thank you, Donna. I am so glad you like the cover! I agree – the inspiring women of the era are especially important because of the trailblazing they did. I admire them hugely.
Ella, great choice with Juana Smith. They were an interesting couple!
Thank you, Donna. I am so glad you like the cover! I agree – the inspiring women of the era are especially important because of the trailblazing they did. I admire them hugely.
Ella, great choice with Juana Smith. They were an interesting couple!
Thank you, Donna. I am so glad you like the cover! I agree – the inspiring women of the era are especially important because of the trailblazing they did. I admire them hugely.
Ella, great choice with Juana Smith. They were an interesting couple!
In quite a few of the Regency stories I’ve read, the Prince Regent has been portrayed as a gossip monger, a rotund busy body, and other not-so-good descriptions of a not-so-nice character. I’d like to know more about him … if anyone tackles that subject. I’m not even sure who he was!
In quite a few of the Regency stories I’ve read, the Prince Regent has been portrayed as a gossip monger, a rotund busy body, and other not-so-good descriptions of a not-so-nice character. I’d like to know more about him … if anyone tackles that subject. I’m not even sure who he was!
In quite a few of the Regency stories I’ve read, the Prince Regent has been portrayed as a gossip monger, a rotund busy body, and other not-so-good descriptions of a not-so-nice character. I’d like to know more about him … if anyone tackles that subject. I’m not even sure who he was!
In quite a few of the Regency stories I’ve read, the Prince Regent has been portrayed as a gossip monger, a rotund busy body, and other not-so-good descriptions of a not-so-nice character. I’d like to know more about him … if anyone tackles that subject. I’m not even sure who he was!
In quite a few of the Regency stories I’ve read, the Prince Regent has been portrayed as a gossip monger, a rotund busy body, and other not-so-good descriptions of a not-so-nice character. I’d like to know more about him … if anyone tackles that subject. I’m not even sure who he was!
Great post, Nicola, and I love that cover. I’ve a real soft spot for Wellington, but I get the feeling he wouldn’t have approved of a celebrity culture at all so I’m going to choose Admiral Lord Cochrane. He’s not so well known as Nelson nowadays, but he was incredibly famous during the Regency with a reputation for audacity and bravery: writers like Patrick O’Brian and C.S.Forester have used him as a model for their fictional naval heroes. Cochrane was also a man who understood the value of PR and took care to push his own version of his exploits so I think he would have enjoyed the idea of being included in this discussion.
Great post, Nicola, and I love that cover. I’ve a real soft spot for Wellington, but I get the feeling he wouldn’t have approved of a celebrity culture at all so I’m going to choose Admiral Lord Cochrane. He’s not so well known as Nelson nowadays, but he was incredibly famous during the Regency with a reputation for audacity and bravery: writers like Patrick O’Brian and C.S.Forester have used him as a model for their fictional naval heroes. Cochrane was also a man who understood the value of PR and took care to push his own version of his exploits so I think he would have enjoyed the idea of being included in this discussion.
Great post, Nicola, and I love that cover. I’ve a real soft spot for Wellington, but I get the feeling he wouldn’t have approved of a celebrity culture at all so I’m going to choose Admiral Lord Cochrane. He’s not so well known as Nelson nowadays, but he was incredibly famous during the Regency with a reputation for audacity and bravery: writers like Patrick O’Brian and C.S.Forester have used him as a model for their fictional naval heroes. Cochrane was also a man who understood the value of PR and took care to push his own version of his exploits so I think he would have enjoyed the idea of being included in this discussion.
Great post, Nicola, and I love that cover. I’ve a real soft spot for Wellington, but I get the feeling he wouldn’t have approved of a celebrity culture at all so I’m going to choose Admiral Lord Cochrane. He’s not so well known as Nelson nowadays, but he was incredibly famous during the Regency with a reputation for audacity and bravery: writers like Patrick O’Brian and C.S.Forester have used him as a model for their fictional naval heroes. Cochrane was also a man who understood the value of PR and took care to push his own version of his exploits so I think he would have enjoyed the idea of being included in this discussion.
Great post, Nicola, and I love that cover. I’ve a real soft spot for Wellington, but I get the feeling he wouldn’t have approved of a celebrity culture at all so I’m going to choose Admiral Lord Cochrane. He’s not so well known as Nelson nowadays, but he was incredibly famous during the Regency with a reputation for audacity and bravery: writers like Patrick O’Brian and C.S.Forester have used him as a model for their fictional naval heroes. Cochrane was also a man who understood the value of PR and took care to push his own version of his exploits so I think he would have enjoyed the idea of being included in this discussion.
My favorite Regency celebrity is the Prince Regent himself. I think he’s pretty interesting, and have heard such differing accounts of him – I’d love to know the truth.
My favorite Regency celebrity is the Prince Regent himself. I think he’s pretty interesting, and have heard such differing accounts of him – I’d love to know the truth.
My favorite Regency celebrity is the Prince Regent himself. I think he’s pretty interesting, and have heard such differing accounts of him – I’d love to know the truth.
My favorite Regency celebrity is the Prince Regent himself. I think he’s pretty interesting, and have heard such differing accounts of him – I’d love to know the truth.
My favorite Regency celebrity is the Prince Regent himself. I think he’s pretty interesting, and have heard such differing accounts of him – I’d love to know the truth.
It is a great cover, but I knew I’d seen that cover before, and sure enough I found it. It’s on Bronwyn Scott’s book, “How To Ruin A Reputation”. http://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Reputation-Harlequin-Historical/dp/0373297084/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#reader_0373297084
It is a great cover, but I knew I’d seen that cover before, and sure enough I found it. It’s on Bronwyn Scott’s book, “How To Ruin A Reputation”. http://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Reputation-Harlequin-Historical/dp/0373297084/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#reader_0373297084
It is a great cover, but I knew I’d seen that cover before, and sure enough I found it. It’s on Bronwyn Scott’s book, “How To Ruin A Reputation”. http://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Reputation-Harlequin-Historical/dp/0373297084/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#reader_0373297084
It is a great cover, but I knew I’d seen that cover before, and sure enough I found it. It’s on Bronwyn Scott’s book, “How To Ruin A Reputation”. http://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Reputation-Harlequin-Historical/dp/0373297084/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#reader_0373297084
It is a great cover, but I knew I’d seen that cover before, and sure enough I found it. It’s on Bronwyn Scott’s book, “How To Ruin A Reputation”. http://www.amazon.com/How-Ruin-Reputation-Harlequin-Historical/dp/0373297084/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#reader_0373297084
Thanks, Karin! I must tell Bronwyn we share a gorgeous cover!
Janice, Barbara, I think the Prince Regent definitely deserves a mention. He was probably all the things people said of him; outrageous, extravagant, a gossip monger himself and at the same time very cultured and a great collector. Lucy Worsley’s programme about the Regency showed both sides of his character very well.
Thanks, Karin! I must tell Bronwyn we share a gorgeous cover!
Janice, Barbara, I think the Prince Regent definitely deserves a mention. He was probably all the things people said of him; outrageous, extravagant, a gossip monger himself and at the same time very cultured and a great collector. Lucy Worsley’s programme about the Regency showed both sides of his character very well.
Thanks, Karin! I must tell Bronwyn we share a gorgeous cover!
Janice, Barbara, I think the Prince Regent definitely deserves a mention. He was probably all the things people said of him; outrageous, extravagant, a gossip monger himself and at the same time very cultured and a great collector. Lucy Worsley’s programme about the Regency showed both sides of his character very well.
Thanks, Karin! I must tell Bronwyn we share a gorgeous cover!
Janice, Barbara, I think the Prince Regent definitely deserves a mention. He was probably all the things people said of him; outrageous, extravagant, a gossip monger himself and at the same time very cultured and a great collector. Lucy Worsley’s programme about the Regency showed both sides of his character very well.
Thanks, Karin! I must tell Bronwyn we share a gorgeous cover!
Janice, Barbara, I think the Prince Regent definitely deserves a mention. He was probably all the things people said of him; outrageous, extravagant, a gossip monger himself and at the same time very cultured and a great collector. Lucy Worsley’s programme about the Regency showed both sides of his character very well.
Thanks for commenting, Gail, and for suggesting Cochrane. I’ve just picked up the biography of him that I have on the shelf as you have whetted my appetite!
Thanks for commenting, Gail, and for suggesting Cochrane. I’ve just picked up the biography of him that I have on the shelf as you have whetted my appetite!
Thanks for commenting, Gail, and for suggesting Cochrane. I’ve just picked up the biography of him that I have on the shelf as you have whetted my appetite!
Thanks for commenting, Gail, and for suggesting Cochrane. I’ve just picked up the biography of him that I have on the shelf as you have whetted my appetite!
Thanks for commenting, Gail, and for suggesting Cochrane. I’ve just picked up the biography of him that I have on the shelf as you have whetted my appetite!
Lord Byron, of course. Some say that his popularity was the beginning of the modern cult of celebrity.
I am most impressed by the fact that he sold 10000 copies of the Corsair in a day in 1814. Most authors would do anything legal ( and some wouldn’t insist on it being legal) to make 10000 sales in one day.
Of course, not all the people mention all those others mentioned in the blog.
Brummell was influential as long as he had the ear of the Prince of Wales/ Prince Regent. But even then there were Tories who called him a cursed dandy and a tailor’s dummy. can’t stand him.
Poor Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin had her reputation ruined by the her memoir her husband had published. Much of her bad publicity came after that and added fuel to the fire of her opponents. “Look what education does to females. They go off and have affairs and illegitimate children.”
Nelson had a reason to brag but he badly misjudged the public opinion of his adultery with Lady Hamilton.
How much Lady Caroline sought publicity and how much was publicity visited on her because of her crazy actions is hard to judge.
Lord Byron, of course. Some say that his popularity was the beginning of the modern cult of celebrity.
I am most impressed by the fact that he sold 10000 copies of the Corsair in a day in 1814. Most authors would do anything legal ( and some wouldn’t insist on it being legal) to make 10000 sales in one day.
Of course, not all the people mention all those others mentioned in the blog.
Brummell was influential as long as he had the ear of the Prince of Wales/ Prince Regent. But even then there were Tories who called him a cursed dandy and a tailor’s dummy. can’t stand him.
Poor Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin had her reputation ruined by the her memoir her husband had published. Much of her bad publicity came after that and added fuel to the fire of her opponents. “Look what education does to females. They go off and have affairs and illegitimate children.”
Nelson had a reason to brag but he badly misjudged the public opinion of his adultery with Lady Hamilton.
How much Lady Caroline sought publicity and how much was publicity visited on her because of her crazy actions is hard to judge.
Lord Byron, of course. Some say that his popularity was the beginning of the modern cult of celebrity.
I am most impressed by the fact that he sold 10000 copies of the Corsair in a day in 1814. Most authors would do anything legal ( and some wouldn’t insist on it being legal) to make 10000 sales in one day.
Of course, not all the people mention all those others mentioned in the blog.
Brummell was influential as long as he had the ear of the Prince of Wales/ Prince Regent. But even then there were Tories who called him a cursed dandy and a tailor’s dummy. can’t stand him.
Poor Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin had her reputation ruined by the her memoir her husband had published. Much of her bad publicity came after that and added fuel to the fire of her opponents. “Look what education does to females. They go off and have affairs and illegitimate children.”
Nelson had a reason to brag but he badly misjudged the public opinion of his adultery with Lady Hamilton.
How much Lady Caroline sought publicity and how much was publicity visited on her because of her crazy actions is hard to judge.
Lord Byron, of course. Some say that his popularity was the beginning of the modern cult of celebrity.
I am most impressed by the fact that he sold 10000 copies of the Corsair in a day in 1814. Most authors would do anything legal ( and some wouldn’t insist on it being legal) to make 10000 sales in one day.
Of course, not all the people mention all those others mentioned in the blog.
Brummell was influential as long as he had the ear of the Prince of Wales/ Prince Regent. But even then there were Tories who called him a cursed dandy and a tailor’s dummy. can’t stand him.
Poor Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin had her reputation ruined by the her memoir her husband had published. Much of her bad publicity came after that and added fuel to the fire of her opponents. “Look what education does to females. They go off and have affairs and illegitimate children.”
Nelson had a reason to brag but he badly misjudged the public opinion of his adultery with Lady Hamilton.
How much Lady Caroline sought publicity and how much was publicity visited on her because of her crazy actions is hard to judge.
Lord Byron, of course. Some say that his popularity was the beginning of the modern cult of celebrity.
I am most impressed by the fact that he sold 10000 copies of the Corsair in a day in 1814. Most authors would do anything legal ( and some wouldn’t insist on it being legal) to make 10000 sales in one day.
Of course, not all the people mention all those others mentioned in the blog.
Brummell was influential as long as he had the ear of the Prince of Wales/ Prince Regent. But even then there were Tories who called him a cursed dandy and a tailor’s dummy. can’t stand him.
Poor Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin had her reputation ruined by the her memoir her husband had published. Much of her bad publicity came after that and added fuel to the fire of her opponents. “Look what education does to females. They go off and have affairs and illegitimate children.”
Nelson had a reason to brag but he badly misjudged the public opinion of his adultery with Lady Hamilton.
How much Lady Caroline sought publicity and how much was publicity visited on her because of her crazy actions is hard to judge.
Cochrane had an incredible life. he was an MP for many eyars as well as being in the navy( he had also been signed up for the army and had tried that for a brief spell.) He was tried and convicted for stock fraud and his honours were stripped from him and his flag was kicked down the steps . A public outcry kept him from being put into the stocks as part of his sentence. His was a courtesy title. He went off and set up a South American navy– I think Brazil– where he won honours, came back and got himself pardoned .
A really interesting man.
However, because sailors spend so much time away from home, it is hard to write a romance about one.
Cochrane had an incredible life. he was an MP for many eyars as well as being in the navy( he had also been signed up for the army and had tried that for a brief spell.) He was tried and convicted for stock fraud and his honours were stripped from him and his flag was kicked down the steps . A public outcry kept him from being put into the stocks as part of his sentence. His was a courtesy title. He went off and set up a South American navy– I think Brazil– where he won honours, came back and got himself pardoned .
A really interesting man.
However, because sailors spend so much time away from home, it is hard to write a romance about one.
Cochrane had an incredible life. he was an MP for many eyars as well as being in the navy( he had also been signed up for the army and had tried that for a brief spell.) He was tried and convicted for stock fraud and his honours were stripped from him and his flag was kicked down the steps . A public outcry kept him from being put into the stocks as part of his sentence. His was a courtesy title. He went off and set up a South American navy– I think Brazil– where he won honours, came back and got himself pardoned .
A really interesting man.
However, because sailors spend so much time away from home, it is hard to write a romance about one.
Cochrane had an incredible life. he was an MP for many eyars as well as being in the navy( he had also been signed up for the army and had tried that for a brief spell.) He was tried and convicted for stock fraud and his honours were stripped from him and his flag was kicked down the steps . A public outcry kept him from being put into the stocks as part of his sentence. His was a courtesy title. He went off and set up a South American navy– I think Brazil– where he won honours, came back and got himself pardoned .
A really interesting man.
However, because sailors spend so much time away from home, it is hard to write a romance about one.
Cochrane had an incredible life. he was an MP for many eyars as well as being in the navy( he had also been signed up for the army and had tried that for a brief spell.) He was tried and convicted for stock fraud and his honours were stripped from him and his flag was kicked down the steps . A public outcry kept him from being put into the stocks as part of his sentence. His was a courtesy title. He went off and set up a South American navy– I think Brazil– where he won honours, came back and got himself pardoned .
A really interesting man.
However, because sailors spend so much time away from home, it is hard to write a romance about one.
Hi Nancy! Yes, 10 000 sales in one day (without social media!) is phenomenal. I suppose he harnessed the power of word of mouth just as a modern author might do. There are a lot of parallels.
I was very sorry that Mary Godwin’s reputation was ruined by the memoir. It was so very damaging and a tool in the hands of those who wanted to regress.
Hi Nancy! Yes, 10 000 sales in one day (without social media!) is phenomenal. I suppose he harnessed the power of word of mouth just as a modern author might do. There are a lot of parallels.
I was very sorry that Mary Godwin’s reputation was ruined by the memoir. It was so very damaging and a tool in the hands of those who wanted to regress.
Hi Nancy! Yes, 10 000 sales in one day (without social media!) is phenomenal. I suppose he harnessed the power of word of mouth just as a modern author might do. There are a lot of parallels.
I was very sorry that Mary Godwin’s reputation was ruined by the memoir. It was so very damaging and a tool in the hands of those who wanted to regress.
Hi Nancy! Yes, 10 000 sales in one day (without social media!) is phenomenal. I suppose he harnessed the power of word of mouth just as a modern author might do. There are a lot of parallels.
I was very sorry that Mary Godwin’s reputation was ruined by the memoir. It was so very damaging and a tool in the hands of those who wanted to regress.
Hi Nancy! Yes, 10 000 sales in one day (without social media!) is phenomenal. I suppose he harnessed the power of word of mouth just as a modern author might do. There are a lot of parallels.
I was very sorry that Mary Godwin’s reputation was ruined by the memoir. It was so very damaging and a tool in the hands of those who wanted to regress.