Reading the Regency — Almack’s

I’m writing this on Book Day.  Lord of the Rakes is in stores an online today, so naturally I’m all about that.  (Note: If you haven’t noticed elsewhere on this page, you can read an exerpt and order your copy here.)

But I’m still all about reading, and my love of really, really old books.  Today’s book is ALMACK’S, by Marianne Spencer Stanhope Hudson and published by Saunders and Otley in 1826.

This is one of the famous (or infamous) three volume novels.  When it came out, the book created a massive sensation, because it exposed (or purported to expose) the secret system by which the lady patronesses — those women who controlled access to the most exclusive assembly rooms in Regency London — determined who got into the Wednesday night balls, and who was left out in the cold.

The book is sharply satirical about the Almack’s system and the patronesses, among other things, and people.  There’s also a highly satisfying love story at the center of it.  Like most books of the era, it can appear a bit rambling to the modern reader, but I found it holds up very well.  It is rich in eye-witness observations and details for the period, including little things like the complexity of arranging guest’s bedrooms for a country house party (two words: bachelor’s row).

It is also available via Google books.  Enjoy!