Books & Websites to Help You Research Your Historical Novel

I'm a non-fiction history junkie. As a result, I enjoy doing research for my Regency England novels. I love it but I realize it isn't everyone's cup of tea. Last month, a writer friend of mine asked me to put together a list of some research books and websites I use. She shared the list with people at a workshop and I thought I'd share it with you. I hope you enjoy it and please feel free to comment with any other research resources you use.

Good History Series Books for Different Time Periods.

What Was life Like… – Covers all time periods. Time Life Books

A History of Private Life – Many volumes covering all time periods. Editor Phillippe Aries

A Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in… – Writer’s Digest Books. Each book covers a different time
period and it is a great quick reference on various topics of everyday life.

You Wouldn't Want to Be - series of children's books. Despite being for youngsters there is a lot of great information, detail and historical facts. It's all presented in a fun and entertaining way.

Ancient Egypt

Anything by Joyce Tyldesley

Tudor England

Anything by Alison Weir, David Starkey or Antonia Fraser

Regency and Georgian England

The Regency Companion - Sharon Laudermilk & Teresa L.Hamlin - hard to find but if your library has it then check it out!

An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England –Venetia Murray

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Foxhunting to Whist – the Facts of Daily Life in 19th Century England –Daniel Pool

Candice Hern’s Regency World - http://www.candicehern.com/regency.htm

Kristen Koster's Regency Primer - http://www.kristenkoster.com/

Jane Austen Society - http://www.janeaustensoci.freeuk.com/

Jane Austen’s World - http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/social-customs-and-the-regency-world/

The Georgian Index - http://www.georgianindex.net/fd/