Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 240
Illustrations: 30 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036102944
Published: 5th June 2025
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The 18th-century masquerade didn’t die at the dawn of the new century. Instead, spectacle helped these risqué events achieve new grandeur. From indoor balloon displays to lavish food and wine, masquerades in the early 1800s were hyper-real sites of consumption. Dressed in dominoes, character costumes, and fancy dress, the fashionable and titled of London society flocked to these events in the hundreds to thousands to entertain and be entertained. Amidst the bacchanalian, motley events were signs and symbols that masquerade balls were about more than a good time.
In the first comprehensive look at early 19th-century British masquerades, Glover uses primary sources to identify venues, décor, performers, costumes, and other details about public and private masquerades.
Masquerades flourished from London to far-flung imperial strongholds. Comparing the details over the long Regency, Glover teases out common themes and then examines them through the lens of national identity, cultural appropriation, and gender. This research sheds new light on Regency people, culture, and society and on what we know about the British masquerade.
Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain was a fascinating read and it really opened the doors to see what masquerades were really like in the era of Bridgerton and other of my favorite period dramas.
NetGalley, Megan Clark
This was a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable read that offered fresh insight into the world of masquerade balls during the Regency period. While many of us are familiar with the glamour of these events through period dramas, particularly with the recent popularity of Bridgerton, this book goes beyond the fiction to reveal the historical realities behind the masks.
NetGalley, Kelly Smith
Glover engages thoughtfully with the work of other historians and makes excellent use of primary sources, demonstrating the depth her research. The result is a well-rounded and compelling account that brings to life both the opulence of the elite and the individuals involved in creating these spectacular entertainments.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the social history of the Regency period, especially those curious about the cultural and performative aspects of elite society. It's a valuable resource for researchers looking to explore more niche elements of the era.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Katie A
This fascinating work of scholarship is a feast for the imagination. The level of detail is incredible; the author definitely did her research!... it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys reading or writing about the Regency era in England. It makes me want to write a novel or watch a movie that includes a scene at one of these sumptuous parties!
I so enjoyed this book.
About Anne Glover
Anne Glover has been researching and writing about the Regency era since 2007 for her website Regency Reader. Anne has a PhD in Urban Studies and has leveraged her academic training to provide resources for other amateur historians, authors, and readers interested in Regency life. Anne makes her home in the Pacific NW with her husband and dog.
What Regency Women Did For Us (Paperback)
Regency women inhabited a very different world from the one in which we live today. Considered intellectually inferior to men, they received little education and had very few rights. This book tells the inspirational stories of twelve women, from very different backgrounds, who overcame often huge obstacles to achieve success. These women were pioneers, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, authors, scientists and actresses women who made an impact on their world and ours. In her debut non-fiction work, popular history blogger Rachel Knowles tells how each of these remarkable ladies helped change…
By Rachel KnowlesClick here to buy both titles for £32.99