Subject
Aristocracy (Social class) -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
Georgette Heyer
The Black Moth: A Romance of the XVIIIth Century
"The Black Moth: A Romance of the XVIIIth Century" by Georgette Heyer is a Georgian era romance novel published in 1921. Set in 1751, the story follows Lord Jack Carstares, an English nobleman turned highwayman after taking the blame in a cheating scandal. When he rescues Miss Diana Beauleigh from the sinister Duke of Andover, they fall in love. But Jack's dark past and outlaw life threaten their chance at happiness, forcing him to confront his troubled history and fight for redemption.
Constantine Henry Phipps Normanby
Yes and no, Volume 1 (of 2) : $b A tale of the day
No description available.
William Le Queux
The sting
No description available.
Sheila Kaye-Smith
The end of the house of Alard
"The End of the House of Alard" by Sheila Kaye-Smith is a novel written in the early 20th century. This family saga centers around the Alard family and their estate following the aftermath of World War I, exploring their declining fortunes, internal conflicts, and shifting dynamics as they navigate life at Conster Manor. The story introduces Peter Alard, who returns from the war to assume familial responsibilities as the heir, and hints at the complexities of love, duty, and socio-economic pressures that surround him. The opening of the novel sets the stage by chronicling the illustrious yet dwindling legacy of the Alard family. It details their historical roots, the challenges posed by the war, and the family's deteriorating financial situation. As the narrative begins, Peter Alard returns home just before Christmas in 1918, where family tensions brew amidst the joy of his return. He faces the expectations of marriage, especially regarding financial alliances, while grappling with his feelings for Stella Mount, a woman untethered by wealth yet deeply cherished by him. This initial segment paints a vivid picture of the family's struggles, highlighting themes of love, legacy, and the burden of inheritance against a backdrop of post-war reality.
Constantine Henry Phipps Normanby
Yes and no, Volume 2 (of 2) : $b A tale of the day
No description available.
Ouida
The Massarenes
"The Massarenes" by Ouida is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the newly wealthy Massarene family as they navigate the complexities of high society in England, grappling with the challenges of social standing and acceptance. Central characters include Margaret Massarene, a lonely figure struggling to fit into upper-class society, and her ambitious husband, William Massarene, who seeks to elevate their status despite their humble beginnings. The opening of the novel introduces the Massarene family in a lavish yet isolating environment, showcasing Margaret's attempts to engage with the elite while highlighting her insecurities. At a resort in Homburg, she observes Lady Kenilworth, who epitomizes the social grace and connections that Margaret desires. The narrative depicts Margaret’s longing for acceptance amidst her blunders and misunderstandings in this new world, particularly in her interactions with the seemingly aloof individuals around her. This initial glimpse sets the tone for themes of ambition, social hierarchy, and the struggle for belonging that unfold as the Massarenes seek to establish themselves among the elite.
Henry Augustus Hering
The Burglars' Club: A Romance in Twelve Chronicles
"The Burglars' Club: A Romance in Twelve Chronicles" by Henry Augustus Hering is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces the titular Burglars' Club, a whimsical society of men, chiefly ex-soldiers and sportsmen, who seek excitement through a unique pastime involving urban burglaries as a form of adventure. The reader is initially acquainted with Sir John Carder, an affluent merchant grappling with financial ruin, who inadvertently becomes embroiled with a burglar, setting the stage for unexpected camaraderie and twists of fate. At the start of the tale, Sir John Carder confronts his insolvency alone in his office at the warehouse, contemplating despair with a revolver at hand. Just as he contemplates a final act, a burglar enters, surprising him, and engages in a philosophical conversation, revealing the existence of the Burglars' Club and its peculiar entry fee—committing a burglary. The burglar, possessing a clever and charismatic demeanor, offers Sir John a lifeline by suggesting he could help with his financial troubles through connections with the affluent. This initial encounter blends humor, tension, and intrigue, leading to a farcical situation where both characters must navigate their circumstances together.
Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
Transplanted : $b A novel
"Transplanted" by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of post-Civil War California and follows the life of an eleven-year-old girl named Lee Tarleton, who navigates the challenges of growing up in a boarding house after the death of her mother. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, personal ambition, and the complexities of youth relationships as Lee interacts with a range of characters, including her mother’s friends and her burgeoning friendship with an English boy named Cecil. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lee and her mother, Mrs. Tarleton, as they cope with the aftermath of the Civil War and their subsequent economic decline. Lee is portrayed as a responsible yet imaginative child who plays a crucial caregiving role for her ailing mother. Her interactions with the bustling atmosphere of San Francisco provide a vivid picture of urban life during the 1880s. The story takes a turn when her mother passes away, leading to Lee's transition into a life that is dependent on the kindness of her mother’s acquaintances. Notably, the arrival of Cecil Maundrell introduces elements of friendship and potential romance, while also setting the stage for Lee’s journey in search of identity and belonging in a rapidly changing society.
E. M. Delafield
A reversion to type
"A Reversion to Type" by E. M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Aviolet family, particularly focusing on Lady Aviolet, her daughter-in-law Rose, and young Cecil, as they navigate life at Squires, their ancestral home. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the contrasts between traditional British values and modern sensibilities. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the opulent yet suffocating environment of Squires, where Dr. Lucian, a family physician, is called to examine young Cecil. The interactions among Lady Aviolet, Rose, and Dr. Lucian reveal underlying tensions, particularly concerning young Cecil's upbringing and his struggle to adapt after returning from Ceylon, where he was raised by his mother Rose. As they discuss his health and education, it becomes evident that the family harbors high expectations, often at odds with Rose's intuitive maternal instincts, setting the stage for exploring deeper conflicts surrounding identity, truth, and societal norms.
Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
His fortunate Grace
"His Fortunate Grace" by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story appears to revolve around themes of wealth, social responsibility, and the complexities of romantic relationships amidst societal expectations. The main character, Augusta Forbes, is depicted as a progressive young woman grappling with her responsibilities as an heiress and her aspirations toward social reform, particularly in the context of women's suffrage and socialism. The opening of the novel introduces Augusta during a conversation with her father, Mr. Forbes, about her intense desire to use her wealth for the greater good and support socialist ideals. It highlights Augusta's strong will and her commitment to making a difference, contrasting her views with those of her more traditional mother, Virginia Forbes. The narrative then shifts focus to Augusta's social circle, where discussions about women's rights and political responsibilities unfold. Intriguingly, the story hints at romantic entanglements, particularly revolving around Augusta and the Duke of Bosworth, suggesting potential conflicts between personal desires and societal obligations as the plot progresses.
Guy Thorne
The Socialist
"The Socialist" by Guy Thorne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the life of the young Duke of Paddington, who possesses immense wealth and social status yet finds himself entwined in the socio-political upheavals of his time. As the narrative unfolds, the duke's interactions with those from varying social classes, including his valet and a prominent socialist figure, set the stage for a deeper exploration of class struggle and the transformative power of activism. The opening of the novel introduces John Augustus Basil FitzTracy, the Duke of Paddington, and provides a glimpse into his opulent life, revealing his wealth and status contrasted against the growing discontent among the working class. The duke is a student at Oxford, living in luxury while remaining somewhat detached from the realities of the lower classes he inadvertently affects. A pivotal moment occurs when his valet, Proctor, confronts him about the injustices faced by workers, leading to Proctor's departure as he embraces his own aspirations. This conflict hints at the broader themes of class inequality and social change that will likely permeate the story, setting up tensions that suggest a collision course between the privileged elite and the struggling masses.
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
The Heir Presumptive and the Heir Apparent
"The Heir Presumptive and the Heir Apparent" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lord Frogmore and his relationship with his heir presumptive, John Parke, as John announces his intention to marry Letitia Ravelstone, a woman from a modest background. The narrative explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and the expectations that come with titles and inheritance in Victorian society. The opening of the novel introduces us to the central characters of Lord Frogmore and his brother John Parke, the heir presumptive who is contemplating marriage. Frogmore is portrayed as a comfortable bachelor who takes great care of himself, while John, despite his privileged position, feels the pressures of familial obligation and societal expectations. When John reveals his desire to marry Letitia, a woman from a less prestigious background, Frogmore's reaction is one of amusement rather than concern. The scene sets up a complex web of relationships, honoring social hierarchies, personal aspiration, and the humorous, often precarious nature of navigating societal expectations. As the story unfolds, it hints at the evolution of both John's and Letitia's aspirations against the backdrop of class distinctions and familial loyalty.
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