By the time that this is published, we will be less than 24 hours away from the second half of the third season of Bridgerton. However, even if you are discovering this post later, you will want this book! I am often asked about the history behind Bridgerton and like shows, and while there are a lot of books on the Regency, the size of books and the number to chose from can often be overwhelming. If you are interested in the history behind Bridgerton and want an easy to read book, you need Inside the World of Bridgerton by Catherine Curzon!
Inside the World of Bridgerton: True Stories of Regency High Society, Catherine Curzon
In Inside the World of Bridgerton, author and Regency period expert Catherine Curzon explores the historical inspirations behind the hit series, and illuminates the fascinating details of real life in Regency high society.
Examining a range of key topics, this revealing guide covers everything from the class structure of the era and the crucial role played by marriage to the stunning fashion, culture and social events of the time that have enchanted audiences and history fanatics for centuries. With further chapters dedicated to sex, race, the media and more, this is a window into the real history that has helped make Bridgerton into such a global phenomenon.
Offering insightful advice on what to – and what not to – wear, how to see and be seen, the reality of ‘coming out’ into the public arena, and decoding the real-life scandal sheets on which the beloved TV show is largely based, Inside the World of Bridgerton highlights how the real ladies and gentlemen of Regency England lived and loved.
Why You Should Read This…
The Regency period is a fairly popular period in the general public for a few reasons (in my opinion). Firstly, it is visually easy for us to pick out both the female and male silhouettes in clothing of the time- we have some idea of what we are looking at. Secondly, Jane Austen’s novels and associated adaptations keep it in the spotlight, including loosely related shows like Bridgerton. However, that does not mean that there are not a lot of questions about the Regency.
Curzon is a great historian- she writes for the general public, and this makes her books incredibly readable. While she does have a full bibliography of sources used at the end of the book, the book does not have footnotes or endnotes; this isn’t a textbook. It is easy to follow and she explains any terms and figures that you might need more information on without info-dumping.
She also touches on a lot of practical questions that most of us would have. How is menstruation dealt with in the Regency? How far can you actually get in a day when travelling in a horse-drawn carriage? How long were engagements in the Regency? It might seem “basic” but that is what makes it such a great introduction to the period. She also references Bridgerton periodically, connecting the history with specific characters and/or events, which is even more helpful for fans.
At just under 200 pages, this is a great intro book for anyone interested in the history behind Bridgerton!
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Want more Brigderton-inspired reading lists? You can find my fiction recommendations here and my non-fiction recommendations here!
Is Inside the World of Bridgerton by Catherine Curzon on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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