“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”
Romance novels have always been a surefire way of invoking feelings of idealism and escapism from readers, though how these stories have been presented has swung wildly throughout history. Typically, the conventional approach to these old-time classics involved a female protagonist defying social norms to pursue a better life and ride off into the sunset with financial stability and a handsome hunk by her side. And, whilst thankfully we’ve learned to broaden our horizons somewhat in the years since some of these historical titles have gone down as absolute literary classics. With all of that in mind, check out What We Reading for our top 7 best romance books from across history.
Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded – Samuel Richardson (1740)
Considered by many to be the origin point of the contemporary history of romance books, Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded is an epistolary novel written by Samuel Richardson first published in 1740.
Certainly a controversial book back in its day, Pamela deals with themes around class divides, male aggression, domestic violence, and social expectations put on women through the story of an innocent maidservant being propositioned by her wealthy employer. One of the defining moments of English literature, the book received a sequel (Pamela in her Exalted Condition) in 1742 and a male-focused interpretation with Sir Charles Grandison in 1753.
Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen (1811)
The first romance novel to put Jane Austen on the map as a literary master, Sense, and Sensibility sold out all 750 copies during its original run back in 1811. The story follows three sisters and their mother as they relocate to a modest home in Devonshire, where they embark on their quests for love with various locals.
Sense and Sensibility is a unique Austen novel in how uncertain parts can feel upon reading. Writing the novel, Austen was famously unsure whether the ‘sense’ or ‘sensibility’ would overcome in the end, which gives the novel a powerful feeling of things constantly teetering on the edge throughout.
Pride And Prejudice – Jane Austen (1813)
Undoubtedly the most famous Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice has inspired countless pieces of fiction since its initial release in 1813. The book is set in a Hertfordshire estate with Mr. Bennett and his five daughters attempting to marry well to avoid bankruptcy once he dies.
Following protagonist Elizabeth Bennett, the novel focuses on the differences between what appears to be good and what actual goodness looks like, as well as the consequences of hastily-made decisions. For a more energetic, fairy-tale-esque approach to historical romance novels, Pride and Prejudice is certainly one of the best romance books to have in a library.
Check Out Our Interview With Jane Austen Fan Fiction Author Ruth Leigh
Emma – Jane Austen (1815)
When preparing to write Emma, Austen claimed she was going to: “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like,” and boy does she nail that. Emma is a novel all about the hubris and misgivings that comes with youth and is told through the eyes of a protagonist who has never had to contend with too many repercussions for her actions.
The last Jane Austen novel to be published whilst she was still alive, it fared better with most reviewers of the time, who praised it for its relatability to contemporary life at the time.
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte (1847)
Published under the pen name ‘Currer Bell’ across three editions in 1847, Jane Eyre has become the go-to romance novel when it comes to understanding Victorian approaches to feminism, class, sexuality, and spirituality.
One of the pioneering forces behind prose fiction, the novel emphasises the psychological developments of protagonist Jane Eyre through her first-person accounting. Another absolute classic piece of female-led literature, whilst Jane Eyre wasn’t particularly lauded during its initial run, it remains one of the best romance books of its era.
The Sheik – E. M. Hull (1919)
‘Desert romances’ are a unique genre unto themselves in the world of romance, however, their revival in the mainstream began with 1919’s The Sheik.
Written by E. M. Hull, The Sheik revolves around the protagonist Diana being kidnapped by a Sheik named Ahmed Ben Hassan. The pair have a slightly torrid relationship, though eventually fall in love with one another. The book certainly has some controversial themes that are, frankly, hard to ignore, however, there are also some subtle feminist nods and interesting tropes lying underneath the surface that help make this a defining release for its time.
The Black Moth – Georgette Heyer (1921)
The debut novel of Georgette Heyer and released when she was just 19, The Black Moth is a Georgian-era romance book first published in 1921.
Set around 1751, the book follows Lord Jack Carstares, a nobleman turned highwayman who falls in love with a woman named Diana Beauleigh after being outcasted for a cheating scandal. The historical setting and charming characters would go on to become two of the defining parts of Heyer’s works, however, they arguably feel most at home here in The Black Moth through Lord Jack and his tumultuous tale.
Check Out Our Tips On How To Read Classic Literature
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
