Georgette Heyer

Born in Wimbledon, London, on 16 August 1902, Georgette Heyer began writing young and published her first novel, The Black Moth, in 1921. She went on to become one of the defining writers of historical romance, especially through her Regency novels, while also publishing detective fiction and a few contemporary works.

Heyer was known for the energy and polish of her storytelling. Readers and critics alike have credited her with shaping the modern Regency romance, thanks to her sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and deep interest in historical detail. Despite her popularity, she kept her private life very private and rarely sought public attention.

She married George Ronald Rougier in 1925 and continued writing for decades, producing a remarkably large body of work. Heyer died on 4 July 1974, but her novels have remained in print and continue to win new readers who enjoy historical fiction with humor, style, and a strong sense of place.