Our Tempestuous Day: A History of Regency England Paperback – February 1, 2011

I've read tons of nonfiction on the Regency and have been disappointed by some works that just seem to regurgitate the same facts and gossipy tidbits that I've already read. J.B. Priestley's 'The Prince of Pleasure' has long been the authority I've referred back to, and that other nonfiction authors seem to pale in comparison to.This work, however, is incredibly well researched with lots of fresh information I hadn't encountered before. It's obviously well sourced, referring to newspapers accounts of the day, and contemporary letters and journals. A few things that jumped out at me: how incredibly militarized this period was is glossed over in so man other books. I'm assuming romance fans and Austen-ites in particular may have less interest in this aspect of the Regency period, but it was an enormous shadow over those years - the threat of invasion, the fear of revolution, and the impact of so many soldiers' deaths shouldn't be just a footnote. As someone who isn't super interested in military history, the details in the text are still interesting if sometimes grim, and give a fresh perspective on a time period I thought I was familiar with.However, for those readers who still want the juicy social gossip this period is famous for, there's lots of detail on Byron I hadn't encountered before (she takes his affair with his half-sister as a matter of fact), fleshes out a great more detail on the Regent himself (as well as Princess Charlotte), and gives a counterpoint in detailing Hannah More's religious movement. The harping on Princess Charlotte's weight felt a little odd - I've seen enough pictures of her that, while I'm sure they were painted to be flattering, it felt a little jarring to read her constantly described as fat and elephantine.Super enjoyable. This will find a place on my self to refer back to for sure.

I don't qualify as any part of an expert historian, but I do read a bit of it. I have read other of Erickson's side by side (as it were) with other authors works covering the same era. Erickson, as best as I can tell, is solid.That said, her prose, while more than adequate, is not as riveting as Doris Kearns Goodwin; hardly a huge complaint.This book was, for me, fascinating. First, all the nonsense about George III that I was taught in grade school was set straight. Americans are fed as much propaganda as the Soviets ever were. (That comment is not based on this book alone; just bolstered by it.)Second, I had a good bit of the politics filled in which made a bit more sense of my college 18th Century Literature class from ever so many years ago. Finally, the author takes us into the ninteenth century including a good bit of background on Lord Byron. Erickson leads us through the swing from what might be called libertine-ism into the religious mania that resulted in the Victorian (double) standards of behavior.Very good stuff.

This book is a beautifully detailed history of the 10-year period from 1810 to 1820 known as the Regency. This is the time period when the old King, George III, loses his mental stability, and Parliament is forced to transfer legal authority to his son, the Prince Regent.The author introduces us to all kinds of fascinating characters, including all the dysfunctional members of the Royal Family ... as well as such Regency stalwarts as Lord Byron (mad, bad, and dangerous to know) and his social counterpart Hanna More, Christian moralist and tract writer. It was the best of times and worst of times ... with England wracking up immense war debts trying to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte in a war with France that has been going on since the French Revolution. The book is also an astute portrait of the age, vividly describing the societal manias and psychological foibles of the time. Well worth reading.

Excellent non fiction book about life in Regency England....Can't understand why it is not available on Kindle!With the ongoing interest in all things Austen/ Regency I would have thought there was a crying need for a readable but factual book like this, written by a notable historian and biographer. Carolly Erickson has a Ph.D in Medieval history and has written many biographies of major Tudor characters.This book which covers 1810-1820 is very thorough, it covers some of the main characters of the era, as well as the life of the average person of that time period.

Erickson writes in a conversational style about English High-Society from 1810-1820. The overiding theme is the illness of the king, George III, who struggled periodically with insanity (porphyria, according to modern medicine). The real meat of the book, through a variety of sources, is the description of daily life during the times. No one got up before noon, and parties usually didn't end until the sun rose. The use of laudanum (opium) was prevalent, as were marital affairs--if discreet. We are introduced to Luddites, George Gordon (Lord Byron), the purgatory of Princess Caroline, Hannah More, Wellington, Bonaparte and a cast of thousands. Kuddos for an easy romp through the period.

I bought this book for research and did learn a few new details, so it was worth the price and I would recommend it. It is focused on the more notorious, and therefore popular, figures of the regency, and I would like more detail about other classes. That is a personal opinion, though and it does deliver what it promises on the dust jacket.

Rich in historical detail. Good writing and enlightening. If you want to know more about this fascinating period in history, y, this is worthwhile. The classications were some what confusing and duplicative. Wonderful companion to Georgette Heyer.

Extremely interesting and well worth the price. Clear and well recorded and very well written. It arrived after one week instead of the forecasted five weeks. Cassettes are SO practical non having to remember which track I have got to.

A good brief overview of the Regency period. The author covers the main features of the time (the social unrest, the Regent himself, attitudes to women, etc), by using contemporary sources. I read this as an adjunct to the more focussed histories of the period and found it very lively and readable. Would recommend it to anyone wishing for a flavour of the period.

Book was in good condition. Interesting read, well written, American spelling, focusses more on the upper classes. Enjoyable overall.

History certainly isn't boring when the spirit of an Age is brought to life this way - the personalities, the "madness" of King George III, Wellington's victory, Byron and the Dandies - this was certainly a Golden Age.

Interesting background to an era of which I had some general knowledge.

reads like a friendly novel but packed with interesting information-a great combination. read from start to finish without stopping once