005: The Grand Sophy (1950) versus The Duke and I [Bridgerton #1] (2000)

In this episode I compare the Regency romances The Grand Sophy, by pink of the Ton Georgette Heyer, and The Duke and I, by barque of frailty Julia Quinn. I pull caps by suggesting that Quinn is too smoky by half, and indeed makes a cake of herself in her attempt to render the sexual mores of the Regency period. Meanwhile Heyer remains a Top-of-the-Trees in her splendid evocation of a bygone era, backed up with extensive research, which render her a regular out and outer. By the end you’ll find Quinn and her fustian nonsense is quite rolled up – even, I daresay, brought to Point Non Plus. Which is exactly where Heyer would expect to find someone so completely beneath her touch.



Timestamps:

00:50 Introduction; or, If Georgette Heyer Were Alive, She’d Be Cancelled
14:30 The Grand Sophy; or, In This House We Stan A Practical Queen
27:40 The Duke and I; or, Save Yourself, Just Watch The Show
51:25 Conclusion; or, In Defence Of Romance (And Souffles)

Podcast transcript with references: https://templesmadewithhands.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @tmwhpodcast

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Email: tmwh.podcast@gmail.com

Music credits: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3338-achaidh-cheide

Chapters

• 0:53 Introduction
• 14:30 The Grand Sophy
• 27:40 The Duke and I
• 39:30 Sex in the Regency Era
• 51:25 Conclusion