A Courtly History: Romance in the 19th Century

by Stephanie Insley Hershinow, The Great Courses

The rituals and pageantry of courtship in the 19th century can seem foreign to us today. Some of us may look back and see a more romantic age, while others will see a minefield of strict rules and stuffy protocol. Either way you look at it, it was worlds away from what dating is in the 21st century.
From coming-out parties and neighborhood balls to the rules of letter writing and marriage proposals, there were a lot of etiquette rules to observe if you wanted to find love—and, even more important, to secure your future through marriage. Novels like Pride and Prejudice and period dramas like Bridgerton may give us glimpses into the nature of 19th-century romance, but what about the fuller historical and social context? In the six lessons of A Courtly History: Romance in the 19th Century, Professor Stephanie Insley Hershinow gives you a detailed look at the complex and ever-evolving rules of romance in 19th-century Britain. Along the way, you will see why this fascinating era keeps drawing us back to novels and Netflix.

The conventions of romance—from first introductions to wedding vows—were highly formalized and carefully structured, increasingly so as the 19th century wore on. These rituals, particularly as they are portrayed in novels and film, have shaped our conceptions of romance, offering a very different experience from our modern reality. At the same time, there were other options beyond traditional love and marriage, which Professor Hershinow highlights in the lives of famous figures like Jane Austen, Lord Byron, and Emily Dickinson. As you will see, despite how different the past may feel, the search for love and happiness is remarkably timeless.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Sociology, Romance, Historical

4 pages, Audible Audio

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muestra un vistazo desde el punto de vista femenino de cómo operaba el romance en el siglo 19. Cómo era el cortejo, las distintas situaciones sociales que promovían encontrar pareja, cómo eran los matrimonios de la época, los intercambios que se realizaban. Todo muy a lo Jane Austen.

Es bastante entretenido, y muestra una mirada a un tema que, si bien no es nuevo e innovador, tiene muchos puntos interesantes para relevar. Se me hizo muy interesante la comparación entre el amor de antes con el de ahora. También me gustó que no solamente se hablara de las relaciones entre hombres y mujeres, sino que también se mencionan otros ejemplos.

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick guide to romance in the 19th century, very factual and enjoyable to listen to. If you’ve read a few period dramas, good to further your understanding or a base if you’ve not read any before.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, enjoyable series. Perfect for fans of Jane Austin.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second audiobook from professor Stephanie Insley Hershinow. I enjoyed her first book so much that I immediately launched into this one, listening to it nearly every day when I had a few minutes of time to listen to it intently.

For anyone interested in Jane Austen, history, romantic fiction, and literature, this is a fun romp through all of that.

Hershinow does a fantastic job of laying out what you'll be learning and recapping in each chapter. I would love to take a real-time course with her in real life.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in modern romance as its portrayed in books, movies and series. I love period dramas and have tried to watch nearly every adaptation of Jane Austen that I can find. Truth really is stranger than fiction, which is why the more authentic the period drama, the better. I haven't been keen on "Bridgerton" after watching the first season, bu I get it - it's about making money, it's not about being authentic.

Audible making so many Great Courses available as part of its membership pays off with audiobooks such as this.

I hope Professor Hershinow continues to produce more books, audio or print. I'm also going to look into her podcasts.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short course was so much more interesting than I expected it to be.

I was braced for yet another Guide for Young Ladies Who Want To Wear Corsets And Say Shan't.

What Hershinow delivers instead is an intellectually intriguing, socially aware overview that I wish had been twice as long, at least. Her delighted engagement with her source material is evident and infectious, her examples are on point, and she inspires me to delve further into the broader era's literature: I shan't have neglected to read Frances Burney before the year is out.

Just ask yourself--

How did 18th century English divorce law differ for men and for women?
How about pre-nups? Did they actually have those, and what stipulations did they make?
And, was it better to be a spinster or a widow, and why?

If you don't know the answers to those questions, or you're not sure, or you have no idea how fascinating the answers might be, oh, please, don't delay. Listen to this course today--before you lace another corset. You shan't be disappointed.

[Lenka Příplatová · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across A Courtly History not because of any recommendation this time, but simply because it popped up as part of The Great Courses series. It turned out to be a neat, concise overview of how courtship worked in 19th‑century Britain—especially among the upper classes, with all their etiquette rules, tiny theatrical dances, and formal letter writing.

What really held my interest was the reassessment of Jane Austen’s image. The usual biographies paint her as a conservative puritan—but Hershinow, drawing on Austen’s own letters, shows that much of that characterization comes from family editing, not the real woman. That kind of nuance made the whole thing feel more honest.

The tone is mild and conversational—more like a friendly lecture than a dense history book. It didn’t feel flashy, but it wasn’t boring either. I found it appealing not just as a summary of customs you might know from Austen or Bridgerton, but as a historical snapshot with details you don’t usually see on TV.

[Catherine Puma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the real life courtship expectations and marriage laws behind some of our favorite Regency Era British fiction, namely Jane Austen's works, "Downton Abbey", and "Bridgerton". Stephanie Hershinow's delivery is conversational and engaging. I learned interesting aspects of this period about which I was previously unaware, and this work is helping to buoy me up until "Bridgerton"'s Season 3 Netflix release.

I highly recommend this quick listen to all other Regency Era fans. I especially appreciate the final lecture, which highlights relationships outside the social conventions for the time, including Jane Austen's unmarried status, Lord Byron's bisexual escapades, and Emily Dickinson's lesbian love letters.

[Rodica · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read a lot of historical romance, or watched reruns of period TV shows, Bridgerton (a category of its own), this little course might be for you - it provides helpful historical context and facts to better understand the time period and the social roles and relationships. It covers information on courtship, marriage proceedings, divorce, same sex relationships, misalliances etc in an easy to understand upbeat tone. Nothing groundbreaking, but I still learned quite a few things.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful in understanding the attitudes of 19th century women and all the rules of courtship. I will probably listen to this audio course again.

Contents
Introduction
Lecture 1: Entering the Social World
Lecture 2: The Rules of the Game
Lecture 3: Locking It Down
Lecture 4: Tying the Knot
Lecture 5: Love, Loss, and Starting Over
Lecture 6: Romantic Rule Breakerse

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Well researched, entertaining, and educational. I think if people like period romance they should listen to this to get a better understanding of the intricacy of the relationships and obligations

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome read! I will be honest, I mainly read to gain a better look into the world of the Bridgertons, but I came out on the other side enthralled by what I learned. I have a better understanding on titles, courtship, engagement, marriage, and scandal in the 19th century!

[Abeer Ayyoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this like two months ago and went to put it on goodreads and was devastated to find out it wasn’t there. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been checking almost everyday waiting for someone to upload it. It’s truly a blessed international women’s day.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful work and beautifully narrated. Goes into detail about 19th century courtship from coming out to being widowed with plenty of examples from popular works.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s cool to see how much I’ve learned from reading regency era novels. And cool to have it all explained clearly in one place rather than from inference.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A helpful overview of courtship and marriage during the Regency period. Format was a bit limiting but seemed to accomplish what it set out to do.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty knowledgeable about 19th century literature but learned a lot from this audiobook. Really enjoyed it

[Floriane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving those Great Courses Audiobooks 🖤 I enjoyed this one and very much want to reread my favorites Jane Austen's books now !

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick overview of romance in 1800s England with a lot of references to Jane Austen