These Old Shades - (Historical Romances) by Georgette Heyer (Paperback)

About the Book

Set in the Georgian period, about 20 years before the Regency, "These Old Shades" features two of Heyer's most memorable characters: Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, and Leonie, whom he rescues from a life of ignominy and comes to love and marry.

Book Synopsis

"Heyer was one of the great protagonists of the historical novel in the post-war golden age..." --Philippa Gregory

Considered the book that launched Gerogette Heyer's career, These Old Shades features two of Heyer's most memorable characters: Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, and Leonie, whom he rescues from a life of ignominy and comes to love and marry.

The Duke is known for his coldness of manner, his remarkable omniscience, and his debauched lifestyle. Late one evening, he is accosted by a young person dressed in ragged boy's clothing running away from a brutal rustic guardian. The Duke buys "Leon" and makes the child his page. "Leon" is in fact Leonie, and she serves the Duke with deep devotion. When he uncovers the true story of her birth, he wreaks an unforgettable revenge on her sinister father in a chilling scene of public humiliation.

PRAISE FOR GEORGETTE HEYER:

"Our Georgette Heyer display of the Sourcebooks reprints has been a huge success, not only to those early fans like myself, but to many new readers who appreciate her style and wit."

Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

"Reading Georgette Heyer is the next best thing to reading Jane Austen."

Publishers Weekly

"Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to."

Katie Fforde

"Absolute monarch of the Regency romance."

Kirkus Reviews

Review Quotes

"These Old Shades is not only a pleasure to read as a romance, but also for the heartwarming manner in which its young heroine attracts friends, and the way they all rally to her cause." -- BookLoons.com

"For a truly exceptional read, Regency or otherwise, that makes you giddy with glee you need to pick up These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. " -- Love Romance Passion

"Heyer made me laugh, cry, and sigh with warmth. " -- The Book Faery Reviews

"I was captivated by the story line from the beginning, delighted in the plot twists, enchanted by the budding romance, and teased by the chapter headings into reading far into the night. " -- Rundpinne

"If the story that unfolds is outrageous and unbelievable, the characters develop beautifully, the dialog bubbles delightfully, and we love the rollicking ride." -- Jane Austen's World

"It's nice to find a book that you want to frantically flip through to find out what is going to happen next, yet want to read slowly so you can savor every word at the same time." -- Virginie Barbeau

"Mistaken identity, intrigue, and romance are only a few of the plot lines that make These Old Shades a fascinating read. " -- Laura's Reviews

"The dialogue sparkles." -- Starting Fresh

"There will never be another Regency writer this perfect." -- Book Pleasures

About the Author

The late Georgette Heyer was a very private woman. Her historical novels have charmed and delighted millions of readers for decades, though she rarely reached out to the public to discuss her works or private life. She was born in Wimbledon in August 1902. She wrote her first novel, The Black Moth, at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother; it was published in 1921 and became an instant success.

Heyer published 56 books over the next 53 years, until her death from lung cancer in 1974. Heyer's large volume of works included Regency romances, mysteries and historical fiction. Known as the Queen of Regency romance, Heyer was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously in 1975. She was married to George Ronald Rougier, a barrister, and they had one son, Richard.