First published 1983
An editor working in London's publishing world finds himself caught between commercial pressures and literary merit during the Regency era. He must balance the demands of profitable romance novels with his desire to publish works of substance. The social expectations of early 19th century England complicate his professional relationships as he moves between drawing rooms and printing houses. His position gives him access to both aspiring authors and established writers, but also exposes him to the petty rivalries and financial struggles that define the literary marketplace. The editor faces choices that will determine not only his career but his place in a society where reputation matters more than talent. His story reveals the tension between artistic integrity and survival in a world where books are both cultural artifacts and commercial products.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 19th-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: career-challenges, reputation-matters
Setting: London, England
Period: Regency-Era, Early-19th-Century
200 pages · Hardcover · Aberdeen University Press