What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain
This book takes an entertaining peek at the secrets and scandals of Regency Britain, a period in which the heir to the throne was making merry with his mistress whilst his ailing father attempted to keep a grip on both his crown and his finances. From Princess Caraboo to the Peterloo Massacre, the Regency was a period of immense upheaval in both personal and public lives as well as in politics. We’ll see how the advent of the modern media brought ‘spin’ to scandal and focus on stories of those people and events who encapsulated the age.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
216 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 6, 2021
103 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 13, 2022
Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain by Violet Finn is a 2022 publication.
With so many historical romance novels set during the Regency period one might get the impression the era was longer than it really was.
Yet, it remains one the most popular periods of history to read about or study, although it has been mythologized by lighter romantic stories featuring members of the Ton, and those proper Dukes, Viscounts, etc.
There are a few historical mystery series, though, that explore the darker aspects of this era in Britain- C.S. Harris's 'Sebastian St. Cyr' series, for one.
But, as far as nonfictional studies of the period, Violet Fenn takes us on a journey through Regency Britain that gives the reader a sobering look at some of the most disturbing events, laws, and crimes of the time.
I would say that much of what is written here is not well-known and there are many obscure stories that are odd, disgusting, and horrifying, while others are quirky, or sad, but always very interesting.
This is a short book, but is packed with brief pieces of history, highlighting the harshness of life during this time, the prison system, the treatment of women, the poverty, tragedies, and includes a few recognizable names, as well, painting a vivid enough portrait of Regency Britain to send one off to do more in depth studies.
Overall, a well-researched book, very organized, fast moving and interesting. If you think you know a thing or two about the Regency era based on romance novels or Netflix series, this book will probably surprise you. For those who prefer looking at the realistic aspects of history, this book will get you off to a great start.
4 stars
With so many historical romance novels set during the Regency period one might get the impression the era was longer than it really was.
Yet, it remains one the most popular periods of history to read about or study, although it has been mythologized by lighter romantic stories featuring members of the Ton, and those proper Dukes, Viscounts, etc.
There are a few historical mystery series, though, that explore the darker aspects of this era in Britain- C.S. Harris's 'Sebastian St. Cyr' series, for one.
But, as far as nonfictional studies of the period, Violet Fenn takes us on a journey through Regency Britain that gives the reader a sobering look at some of the most disturbing events, laws, and crimes of the time.
I would say that much of what is written here is not well-known and there are many obscure stories that are odd, disgusting, and horrifying, while others are quirky, or sad, but always very interesting.
This is a short book, but is packed with brief pieces of history, highlighting the harshness of life during this time, the prison system, the treatment of women, the poverty, tragedies, and includes a few recognizable names, as well, painting a vivid enough portrait of Regency Britain to send one off to do more in depth studies.
Overall, a well-researched book, very organized, fast moving and interesting. If you think you know a thing or two about the Regency era based on romance novels or Netflix series, this book will probably surprise you. For those who prefer looking at the realistic aspects of history, this book will get you off to a great start.
4 stars
March 12, 2022
A whistle stop tour through the highs and lows of Regency England.
The author touches on the harsh penal system, the poverty and hunger faced by so many. Such a background was the catalyst for radical thinking and action. Unfortunately, the state and particularly the monarchy were keen to keep the status quo, ensuring brutal repression.
The behaviour of the monarchy and particularly the Prince Regent, made them deeply unpopular with the country. Not that they seemed to care.
The personal lives of the Royal family, were frequently scandalous. Prinny, the Prince Regent seemed to aim for excess in all areas of his life.
We are also given vignettes on the lives of the notorious or celebrated (often the same person).
The author combines a witty and sardonic turn of phrase, with beautifully chosen quotes.
When talking about Byron, the first celebrity to get fanmail she writes “Byron’s wife Annabella Milbanke coined the phrase ‘Byromaniacs’for those women who obsessed over her husband”
This is a highly entertaining read and I’m happy to recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The author touches on the harsh penal system, the poverty and hunger faced by so many. Such a background was the catalyst for radical thinking and action. Unfortunately, the state and particularly the monarchy were keen to keep the status quo, ensuring brutal repression.
The behaviour of the monarchy and particularly the Prince Regent, made them deeply unpopular with the country. Not that they seemed to care.
The personal lives of the Royal family, were frequently scandalous. Prinny, the Prince Regent seemed to aim for excess in all areas of his life.
We are also given vignettes on the lives of the notorious or celebrated (often the same person).
The author combines a witty and sardonic turn of phrase, with beautifully chosen quotes.
When talking about Byron, the first celebrity to get fanmail she writes “Byron’s wife Annabella Milbanke coined the phrase ‘Byromaniacs’for those women who obsessed over her husband”
This is a highly entertaining read and I’m happy to recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
February 24, 2022
‘Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain’ is a fast paced and entertaining, yet well written and clearly well researched book introducing readers to some of the juicier bits of Regency England’s history. An excellent book to whet the appetite of anyone looking for the personalities behind the names and dates they might find in a ‘dry’ history tome, this is clearly written not only to educated and inform but to hook the reader into wanting to learn more. Chapters are brief and cover everything from the Peterloo Massacre and the shocking (by today’s standards) approaches to alcoholism and drug abuse to the scandals of George III’s children, Lord Byron, Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter, among others. This was the most I’ve ever read about the affair between Nelson and Lady Hamilton and definitely has me ready to read more. Fortunately Violet Fenn includes a bibliography to get us started once we’re hooked.
Humorous yet empathetic, personal while still showing how individual cases describe the Regency overall, this is an excellent choice to start off those who know little about the time period, or to interest those who have yet to find history fascinating. And a fun read for those who are already familiar with the time period and its movers and shakers. There is always something new to discover.
I received an Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Humorous yet empathetic, personal while still showing how individual cases describe the Regency overall, this is an excellent choice to start off those who know little about the time period, or to interest those who have yet to find history fascinating. And a fun read for those who are already familiar with the time period and its movers and shakers. There is always something new to discover.
I received an Arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 16, 2022
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book was a pretty fun and interesting read. I didn't know a lot about the Regency period and this was a light and funny introduction to it. The stories were short and compelling and definitely guided and interested me enough to want to check out more books about some of the subjects and people mentioned in here.
Would recommend if you are interested in history, customs and scandals of different eras and specially looking for something short and fun.
This book was a pretty fun and interesting read. I didn't know a lot about the Regency period and this was a light and funny introduction to it. The stories were short and compelling and definitely guided and interested me enough to want to check out more books about some of the subjects and people mentioned in here.
Would recommend if you are interested in history, customs and scandals of different eras and specially looking for something short and fun.
June 14, 2022
* Thank you so much to Rosie Crofts and Pen & Sword books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Regency Period lasted a relatively short amount of time – only nine years – but it was filled with scandal! Violet Fenn’s book Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain: Sex, Drugs and Proxy Rule highlights some of the biggest scandals of the era, as well as some you may not have previously heard of.
Today, when most people think of Regency Britain, they automatically think of Bridgerton (I’m still not a fan, sorry!) however, this book gives us a sobering, and far more realistic peak behind the curtain. Each scandal has its own short chapter and discusses Regency Britain’s darker side: poverty, Human Zoos, foundlings, mental health, the penal system, affairs, secret love children, drugs, and the unruly Prince Regent and his family.
As well as some familiar names such as Byron, and Shelley, there are also lots of names featured that weren’t well-known to me, and some I had never heard of at all - perfect for those of us who like to do further research after we read a book!
Impeccably researched, and well-written, this was the first of Violet Fenn’s books I have read, it was a fascinating and engaging read. I loved reading about the shadier side of Regency Britain, it was a sobering look at an era that is often glamorised. If you want to find out about the true Regency Britain, then I highly recommend you read this book!
The Regency Period lasted a relatively short amount of time – only nine years – but it was filled with scandal! Violet Fenn’s book Secrets and Scandals in Regency Britain: Sex, Drugs and Proxy Rule highlights some of the biggest scandals of the era, as well as some you may not have previously heard of.
Today, when most people think of Regency Britain, they automatically think of Bridgerton (I’m still not a fan, sorry!) however, this book gives us a sobering, and far more realistic peak behind the curtain. Each scandal has its own short chapter and discusses Regency Britain’s darker side: poverty, Human Zoos, foundlings, mental health, the penal system, affairs, secret love children, drugs, and the unruly Prince Regent and his family.
As well as some familiar names such as Byron, and Shelley, there are also lots of names featured that weren’t well-known to me, and some I had never heard of at all - perfect for those of us who like to do further research after we read a book!
Impeccably researched, and well-written, this was the first of Violet Fenn’s books I have read, it was a fascinating and engaging read. I loved reading about the shadier side of Regency Britain, it was a sobering look at an era that is often glamorised. If you want to find out about the true Regency Britain, then I highly recommend you read this book!
November 9, 2022
The scandals of today's British princes have nothing in comparison to the Regency period! This is a true, dark period of time-- child labor, women had no rights, men created armies to fight wars for rich men, and a few lived fabulous lives while the great majority did not. It was really interesting reading about true stories of Regency Britain. I love a regency historical novel, but this was a somber reminder that they are stories! Fenn writes in an interesting way that keeps the reader hooked. I'd love to see this made into a documentary as well!
I received an ARC of this book, and my opinion that you should pick this one up if you're interested in British history or scandalous bits of history is my own.
This book would also be great on audiobook! I just went to audible to pre-order (not released in US until April) and there is not an audiobook. I would definitely buy on audiobook and I think others would as well, if that is on publisher's radar.
I received an ARC of this book, and my opinion that you should pick this one up if you're interested in British history or scandalous bits of history is my own.
This book would also be great on audiobook! I just went to audible to pre-order (not released in US until April) and there is not an audiobook. I would definitely buy on audiobook and I think others would as well, if that is on publisher's radar.
August 13, 2022
This is a very entertaining look at what was really going on during the Regency period in British history, which turns out to be a much shorter period than I thought and one that includes so intriguing scandals at all levels of society. Some of these stories are simply amusing while others are rather disturbing and chilling showing the depths of discrimination and contempt held by some people and groups against others. Fenn's writing blends the academic side with reality giving the right amount of detail to bring each scandal to life without losing the stories under the sordid details. Fenn is also careful to put each in the context of the time and not to judge matters by today's standards but she does still make links with the modern era where appropriate. A thoroughly enjoyable and insightful read.
March 16, 2022
Wow, I had no idea how...rough regency England was until I got my hands on this book. The author shows (with great examples) the poverty, the penal system, the hunger, the drugs, and the general repression of the population. While we think regency England is quite glamorous due to the portrayal of the regency romance, this book gives another viewpoint altogether, and sadly a more accurate one.
However, the author also includes info about the "richer," upper-class folks and their lives. It's a really well-done piece that encompasses many different classes and gives examples, quotes, and anecdotes to truly show how they lived.
However, the author also includes info about the "richer," upper-class folks and their lives. It's a really well-done piece that encompasses many different classes and gives examples, quotes, and anecdotes to truly show how they lived.
September 5, 2022
This book was definitely an interesting read for me. It covers the secrets and scandals of the regency Britain period. The book gives great insight into how harsh life was in this time period. The prison system, poverty, tragedies, all of these are discussed in the book as well. I learned a lot more about this time period, and learned things I never knew as well. It was a very interesting read, and I'd definitely recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
September 6, 2022
This book was definitely an interesting read for me. It covers the secrets and scandals of the regency Britain period. The book gives great insight into how harsh life was in this time period. The prison system, poverty, tragedies, all of these are discussed in the book as well. I learned a lot more about this time period, and learned things I never knew as well. It was a very interesting read, and I'd definitely recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
February 25, 2022
An interesting read on some of the various scandals in Britain. The stories are a quick read, and will hold your interest. If you enjoy these types of stories, this is the book for you!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2022
An interesting, well written, and informative book about an age which is famous for romance but less for the number of scandals.
I had fun and found it entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I had fun and found it entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 19, 2023
More like 3.5 stars.
The book covers a vast number of topics, people, and historical events, there were the ones I loved and wanted to read more about, like the chapters on the Massacre of Peterloo, the Georgian prison system in taking prisoners, rather than to actual prisons in England, to England's colonies, Mary Shelly, her mom Mary Wollstonecraft, Lord Byron, and the cruel depiction of mental health during the Regency Period.
Other chapters weren't as interesting, and these covered some people and events that I haven't heard about before and that I didn't care much for.
My main frustration while reading this book was the number of typos that existed in almost every chapter, typos that were very apparent and could have been easily avoided. Some of these typos were the reason why I did not get invested in certain chapters.
The book covers a vast number of topics, people, and historical events, there were the ones I loved and wanted to read more about, like the chapters on the Massacre of Peterloo, the Georgian prison system in taking prisoners, rather than to actual prisons in England, to England's colonies, Mary Shelly, her mom Mary Wollstonecraft, Lord Byron, and the cruel depiction of mental health during the Regency Period.
Other chapters weren't as interesting, and these covered some people and events that I haven't heard about before and that I didn't care much for.
My main frustration while reading this book was the number of typos that existed in almost every chapter, typos that were very apparent and could have been easily avoided. Some of these typos were the reason why I did not get invested in certain chapters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews