Art and Architecture Collection > The Empire and Regency Styles > Background Research

England – Social History

George, the Prince of Wales, was born the eldest son of King George III. From an early age, the Prince became disaffected with his role: he was denied any extensive education or foreign travel, and not permitted active service in the military. Deprived of all appropriate occupations, he turned to the pursuit of pleasure, distressing his father with his fondness for wine, women, and conspicuous consumption. Over time, George became a sophisticated patron of the fine and decorative arts, and he did much to encourage noteworthy innovations in English architecture and decoration. The Regency Style owes a great debt to George’s active patronage during his years as Prince, Regent, and King.

Erickson, Carolly. Our Tempestuous Day: A History of Regency England. New York: Morrow, 1986. (JLE 86-2146)
A rich evocation of the powerful passions and personalities of the Regency period, dominated by the Prince Regent himself, but manifest in various artistic, literary, and political figures. Explains the racy nature of the times.

Murray, Venetia. High Society: A Social History of the Regency Period, 1788-1830. London; New York: Viking, 1998. (JFE 99-2690)
An informative study of the upper classes in Britain and their contributions to progress. Social customs and mores are exposed.

Parissien, Steven. George IV: The Grand Entertainment. London: John Murray, 2001. (JFE 01-6106)
Biographical study focuses on George’s accomplishments in both the arts and politics. Discusses his architectural patronage and the factors that led to the Regency Style being named after him.

Priestley, J.B. The Prince of Pleasure and His Regency 1811-1820. London: Heinemann, 1969. (F-11 6272)
Examines the events of the Regency years and how they affected George, and how he in turn influenced England.

Smith, E.A. George IV. New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 1999. (JFE 00-11665)
A serious political study of the monarch in the making and his reign.