Historical romance is a type of fiction book that focuses on love stories set in the past. This genre became more popular in the early 1800s because of writer Byron. These stories are usually written as novels.
Varieties
Viking books often include stories about warriors from the Dark Ages or Middle Ages. Heroes in these stories are usually described as tall, blonde, and very handsome men. These men are often influenced by the women in their lives. Viking culture allows stories to include travel, as Vikings were known for exploring and establishing colonies around the world. In a 1997 survey of more than 200 readers, Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey was named the best Viking romance. This type of story is less popular now, and few books in this category have been published since the 1990s.
Medieval romances are set between 938 and 1485. During this time, women were often treated as property, with little control over their lives. Heroines in these stories must use their intelligence to find a husband who will respect their independence while also protecting them. The hero is usually a knight who learns to admire the heroine’s ideas and then falls in love. Heroes are described as strong and powerful, while heroines remain in a lower position, even though they choose to stay with their husbands for safety and love.
Tudor romances are set in England from 1485 to 1558. Elizabethan romances take place in England between 1558 and 1603, during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. Stuart romances are set in England from 1603 to 1714. Georgian romances are set in England from 1714 to 1811. Regency romances are set in England from 1811 to 1820, during the Regency era. Victorian romances are set in England from 1832 to 1901, including the time of Queen Victoria’s rule. Some stories set in this period take place in fictional countries, like those written by Beatrice Heron-Maxwell. Other stories focus on British rule in India, as seen in works by M.M. Kaye.
Pirate novels include stories about characters who sail as pirates or privateers. Heroes in these stories are often described as strong and focused on wealth and freedom. Heroines are usually captured by the hero early in the story and then follow his wishes before falling in love. If the heroine is the pirate, the story often shows her struggle to keep her freedom while living as a man. Most of the action in these books happens at sea.
Colonial United States novels are set in the United States between 1630 and 1798. Civil War novels are set during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era, which includes stories from both the Confederacy and the Union.
Western novels are set in the frontier areas of the United States, Canada, or Australia. Unlike Western films, which often ignore women, Western romance novels focus on the experiences of female characters. Heroes in these stories seek adventure and are often described as loners who live on the edge of society. Heroines are usually forced to move to the frontier due to events beyond their control. These women must learn to survive in a man’s world and, by the end of the story, overcome their fears with love. Many stories include challenges that the couple must face together, leading to a strong future relationship.
Native American novels may belong to the Western subgenre but always include Native American characters, historically called "Red Indians." Their heritage is important to the story, and the books often highlight their connection to nature and freedom. Native American characters are usually shown as people from different cultures who are admired for their independence. These characters often face challenges due to racial prejudice and must work to preserve their way of life. By the end of the story, these problems are resolved. Heroes in these stories often struggle with their desires. In many cases, a character is captured and then falls in love with a member of the tribe. The tribe is always shown as civilized and misunderstood, not as savages.
When asked why they read Native American romances, many readers say they want to learn about the beliefs, customs, and culture of Native American tribes. These stories are not limited to specific tribes, locations, or time periods. Readers appreciate the way these books show how Native American tribes have different traditions, values, and views of the world. Many stories highlight the tribes’ love for nature.
Americana novels are set in the United States between 1880 and 1920, often in small towns or the Midwest.
History
One of the first popular historical romance novels was published in 1921 by Georgette Heyer. The book, The Black Moth, is set in 1751. Heyer did not write her first Regency novel until 1935. These novels are set during the English Regency period (1811–1820), when the Prince Regent ruled England because his father, King George III, was ill. Heyer’s Regency novels were inspired by the works of Jane Austen, who wrote during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Since her stories were set more than 100 years before her time, Heyer included real details from that time to help readers understand the setting. Historical events in her books were used as background, not as main parts of the story. Heyer’s heroines often had modern ideas, and other characters in the books sometimes criticized their choices, like wanting to marry for love.
The modern romance genre began in America in 1972 with the publication of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. This book was the first romance novel to include scenes between the main characters in private settings. It was also groundbreaking because it was published as a paperback original, not first in hardcover, and sold in drug stores and other mass-market outlets. The book sold 2.35 million copies. In 1974, Avon published Woodiwiss’s next novel, The Wolf and the Dove, and two books by Rosemary Rogers. One of Rogers’s novels, Dark Fires, sold 2 million copies in its first three months. By 1975, Avon originals had sold a total of 8 million copies. The following year, over 150 historical romance novels were published, many as paperbacks, and sold more than 40 million copies. Unlike Woodiwiss, Rogers’s stories often included couples who traveled the world, were separated for a time, and had multiple partners in the same book.
The success of these novels led to a new style of romance writing, focusing on historical stories about a heroine in danger and a hero who saves her, even if he caused the danger. These books often had covers showing women in revealing clothing being grabbed by the hero, and were called "bodice-rippers." A 1980 article in The Wall Street Journal described these books as "publishing's answer to the Big Mac: They are juicy, cheap, predictable, and devoured in stupifying quantities by legions of loyal fans." Today, the term "bodice-ripper" is considered offensive by many in the romance industry.
In this new style of historical romance, heroines were often strong and independent, and their heroes became caring and respectful men who admired their strength. This was different from contemporary romances at the time, which often featured weak female characters who fell in love with powerful, dominant men. Although heroines played active roles in the story, they were described as passive in their relationships with the hero. During this time, heroines were usually between 16 and 21 years old, while heroes were slightly older, around 30. Heroines were often described as virgins, and heroes were not. Both characters were usually described as beautiful.
In the late 1980s, historical romance was the most popular type of romance novel. The most popular stories featured warriors, knights, pirates, and cowboys. In the 1990s, the genre began to include more humor, especially in the works of Julie Garwood, who added funny characters and situations to her stories.
Market
Historical romance novels are rarely published in hardcover, with fewer than 15 released in this format each year. Contemporary romance novels are usually published in hardcover 4 to 5 times as often. Since historical romances are mostly published in mass-market format, their sales depend partly on trends in mass-market books. Retailers and large stores are selling fewer mass-market paperbacks now, choosing instead to sell trade paperbacks or hardcovers. This change stops historical romances from being sold in some price clubs and other mass-market outlets.
In 2001, 778 historical romance novels were published, the highest number in 10 years. By 2004, this number had dropped to 486. This was still 20% of all romance novels published that year. Kensington Books reports receiving fewer submissions for historical romance novels and notes that some of their previously published authors are now writing contemporary romance novels.