Historical Fiction Involving London Theatre
Explore captivating historical fiction books set in London's vibrant theatre scene. Discover tales of drama, intrigue, and romance behind the curtains of iconic stages.
Book
Life Mask
by Emma Donoghue
In a tale set against a backdrop of revolution-imminent eighteenth-century England, the eccentric widow Mrs. Damer works as the period's only woman sculptor, the horse race innovator Lord Derby endures public mockery in spite of his wealth, and a Drury Lane actress endeavors to gain entry into aristocratic circles. By the author of Slammerkin. Reader's Guide available. Reprint.
Book
Invitation To A Funeral
by Molly Brown
Lady playwright Aphra Behn investigates a double murder in 17th century England. It is Restoration time, the country emerging from Puritan dictatorship, court intrigues abound and the theater is famous for irreverent wit.
Book
Tipping the Velvet
by Sarah Waters
“Erotic and absorbing…Written with startling power.”—The New York Times Book Review Nan King, an oyster girl, is captivated by the music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler, a male impersonator extraordinaire treading the boards in Canterbury. Through a friend at the box office, Nan manages to visit all her shows and finally meet her heroine. Soon after, she becomes Kitty's dresser and the two head for the bright lights of Leicester Square where they begin a glittering career as music-hall stars in an all-singing and dancing double act. At the same time, behind closed doors, they admit their attraction to each other and their affair begins.
Book
The Queen's Fool
by Philippa Gregory
A young woman caught in the rivalry between Queen Mary and her half sister, Elizabeth must find her true destiny amid treason, poisonous rivalries, loss of faith, and unrequited love.
Book
The Players
by Stephanie Cowell
Presents a historical novel drawn from extensive research that traces the young Will's involvement in a tempestuous love triangle involving a lord and a mistress
Book
Quicksilver
by Neal Stephenson
Quicksilver is the story of Daniel Waterhouse, fearless thinker and conflicted Puritan, pursuing knowledge in the company of the greatest minds of Baroque-era Europe, in a chaotic world where reason wars with the bloody ambitions of the mighty, and where catastrophe, natural or otherwise, can alter the political landscape overnight. It is a chronicle of the breathtaking exploits of "Half-Cocked Jack" Shaftoe -- London street urchin turned swashbuckling adventurer and legendary King of the Vagabonds -- risking life and limb for fortune and love while slowly maddening from the pox. And it is the tale of Eliza, rescued by Jack from a Turkish harem to become spy, confidante, and pawn of royals in order to reinvent Europe through the newborn power of finance. A gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive novel that brings a remarkable age and its momentous events to vivid life, Quicksilver is an extraordinary achievement from one of the most original and important literary talents of our time. And it's just the beginning ...