Dame Barbara Cartland (1901-2000) remains one of the most astonishing romance novelists ever. An incredible romance novelist, she made one of the world's best-selling records in the Guinness Book of World Records after selling over 750 million copies worldwide. She published an estimated 723 books throughout her lifetime and even received a world record for it. Through her endeavours, she became the centre of attention with historical romance fiction and introduced a legacy that greatly appeals to countless readers worldwide.

Cartland delicately explored real-world issues through novel bubbles of optimism, such as Jigsaw. She released her first novel in 1923, marking the start of her eternal career as a writer. Though her earlier works focused on contemporary society, her true calling was in historical romance novels. The books made her a hit for their positive reinforcements, making readers feel good.

Cartland was not only an astonishing writer but also a unique character in her own right. She maintained a public image as unique as her novels, always appearing in her signature pink attire, with gaudy jewellery and conspicuous false eyelashes. This flamboyant style, often dismissed as eccentric, was a deliberate choice to stand out in the literary world. She was quite progressive in many ways, including campaigning for health reform, advancing women's rights while serving as a Conservative councillor, and even launching her own line of vitamins and health foods.

The British royalty connections further added to her remarkable life. She was step-grandmother to Diana, Princess of Wales, who claims to have bent under her guidance. Cartland filled several roles during World War II, including a welfare officer for Hertfordshire and a member of the War Office. Her output was remarkable, and so was her approach; later in life, she started to dictate her work to secretaries, finishing a book within two weeks.

Cartland's novels were not just stories, they were a unique structure of romance. Set primarily during the Victorian period, they featured virginal heroines and aristocratic heroes whose conflicts were always resolved through the power of love. Critics may have dismissed these works as overly simplistic and repetitive, but they had a loyal following. Readers understood that Cartland's novels offered more than just escapism; they provided moral certainty and the enduring victory of love.

Barbara Cartland's novels were more than just stories; they were an unmistakable vision of romance. They reassured readers that love would always triumph in the battle of life. Even after her countless achievements and accolades, Cartland's astonishing bibliography remains a testament to her enduring legacy. She personifies a remarkable period in history, characterized by romantic idealism, relentless productivity, and captivatingly bold fiction. This book examines her life and work, shedding light on evolving perceptions of romance, women's reading in the 20th century, and the emerging phenomena of popular literature.

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