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moonlightcupofcocoa 's review for:
Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain
by Anne Glover
informative
slow-paced
First things first, thank you to Pen and Sword and Netgalley for Advanced Copy! As always, all opinions shared are 100% my own.
When I picked up this book, it was out of curiousity as someone who's always adored masquerades in books and media. As a historical fiction reader, I was always aware that fiction often takes creative liberties. How, then, did masquerades unfold in reality?
This book is an excellent deeply researched study on masquerades in the regency era (arguably at the height of their popularity). You will find everything from venues, decor, costumes and refreshments to entertainment and even critical reception. I now know all about lighting up a masquerade for both social and critical reception as well as the reasons why floors were chalked and how. Just one of many details I learned from this.
In addition to that, the book digs into how masquerades reflect cultural and societal views, prejudices and national identity as well as how that evolved and changed in the Victorian era. It was especially interesting to look into 'gender play' and how that was approached and received.
I think my favourite part was the author's recommendations for how masquerades in fiction could be approached for a more realistic experience as well as actually more intrigue and fun. It was like the author could read the questions I had on mind when I picked up the book.
I will say that the only thing I wish was different was I felt there was some repetition that could at times bloat the reading experience. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if this was changed in the final copy as I must remind you, dearest review reader, that what I read was an ARC, not the published copy.
While the book can be a bit academic in writing style, a history hobbyist like me with curiousity in the topic still enjoyed it. So, do not let that deter you.
If you are interested in the history of masquerades in England, or you are a historical fiction author considering a masquerade for your plot, this is a highly recommended read!
You can also find me on: Instagram
When I picked up this book, it was out of curiousity as someone who's always adored masquerades in books and media. As a historical fiction reader, I was always aware that fiction often takes creative liberties. How, then, did masquerades unfold in reality?
This book is an excellent deeply researched study on masquerades in the regency era (arguably at the height of their popularity). You will find everything from venues, decor, costumes and refreshments to entertainment and even critical reception. I now know all about lighting up a masquerade for both social and critical reception as well as the reasons why floors were chalked and how. Just one of many details I learned from this.
In addition to that, the book digs into how masquerades reflect cultural and societal views, prejudices and national identity as well as how that evolved and changed in the Victorian era. It was especially interesting to look into 'gender play' and how that was approached and received.
I think my favourite part was the author's recommendations for how masquerades in fiction could be approached for a more realistic experience as well as actually more intrigue and fun. It was like the author could read the questions I had on mind when I picked up the book.
I will say that the only thing I wish was different was I felt there was some repetition that could at times bloat the reading experience. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if this was changed in the final copy as I must remind you, dearest review reader, that what I read was an ARC, not the published copy.
While the book can be a bit academic in writing style, a history hobbyist like me with curiousity in the topic still enjoyed it. So, do not let that deter you.
If you are interested in the history of masquerades in England, or you are a historical fiction author considering a masquerade for your plot, this is a highly recommended read!
You can also find me on: Instagram