035: The Complex History of Romance Novels: What is a Romance Novel, Their Criticism, and Their Popularity

In this episode of It's a History Podcast, I delve into the intricate history of romance novels. We explore the controversies surrounding the genre, from accusations of being 'wrong or dirty' to criticisms of anti-feminism. We first covers the origins of the romance genre. Then we discusses how romance novels have primarily been written by women, about women, and for women, and touch on their overwhelming popularity, noting that romance books made up over a third of book sales in 2021. I also address the criticism faced by the genre, including negative stereotypes and their exclusion from prominent reviews. Additionally, this episode goes into the subgenre of romantasy, and concludes with a look at one of the first romance novels, 'Pamela.' Tune in for a deep dive into the genre that has captivated readers for decades. Sources today include: A natural History of the Romance Novels by Pamela Regis, The Washington College Review, and The Guardian  If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at [email protected]. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!