Barbara Cartland
"Because some people dressed more expensively and lived in a higher stratum of society, it did not make them less human. They were born and they died. They sought for happiness in the same way as the h"
Barbara Cartland was one of the best-selling authors of the 20th century, with her works being translated into numerous languages and making her the fifth most translated author in the world. She is most known for her romance novels, but also wrote everything from biographies to cook books. With more than 700 books to her name, she is easily one of the most prolific writers of her time, not to mention a businesswoman and society figure.
Meet Barbara Cartland
Barbara Cartland was born just after the turn of the century in 1901 in Birmingham, England. Her father was an officer in the British Army and would pass away during World War I, and her two younger brothers would also join the military, but sadly also both be killed early in World War II.
Despite being born into money, the family’s finances quickly fell into ruin. Her mother opened a store after her father’s death, so Barbara had an early introduction into business.
She attended private girls’ schools, and became a society reporter in her early 20s. She claimed to have turned down dozens of marriage proposals, before marring an army officer – a marriage that lasted just six years. Three years later, she married again.
Throughout all this time, she was publishing novels and books. One of her earliest was Jigsaw, a thriller that quickly became a best-seller. Some of her works were banned for their raciness, but her later novels were somewhat more toned down.
In 1976, she wrote no fewer than 23 novels, which won her a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records for the most novels published in a single year. These were her most prolific years, and by the 1990s, it was estimated that she had sold more than a billion books, earning her the nickname of ‘The True Queen of Romance’.
Aside from writing, she was also interested in aviation, often attending the Brooklands aerodrome. She also served in the St John Ambulance Brigade and served in the War Office. She was even a councillor on the Hertfordshire County Council for nine years.
In 1991, she became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire due to her literacy, political, and social contributions. There is a waxwork display of Cartland in Madame Tussauds, and she was the subject of This Is Your Life twice.
What genres did Barbara Cartland write in?
She is best known for romance novels but also wrote biographies, cookbooks and earlier thrillers (her early bestseller Jigsaw is described as a thriller).
How prolific was Barbara Cartland and how many books did she publish?
Extremely prolific, she wrote more than 700 books, wrote 23 novels in 1976 (earning a Guinness World Record) and by the 1990s had sold an estimated billion books; she is also one of the most translated authors worldwide.
Where should I start if I want to read Barbara Cartland?
If you want her signature work, begin with one of her romance novels. If you’re curious about her early style, look for the thriller Jigsaw. Retailer or publisher listings and collected editions can help identify popular or recommended starting titles.
Are her books part of long series or mostly standalone?
Most of Cartland’s novels are standalone romances, though there are many titles and some may be issued in collections or themed sets, check edition notes or publisher listings for any linked volumes.
What themes and tone can I expect in her books?
Expect romantic plots often set among higher social strata and focused on pursuit of happiness; some early works were considered racier, while her later novels tended to be more moderately toned.