The story of how romance novelist Barbara Cartland, who sold hundreds of millions, faded from memory
Barbara Cartland, one of the best-selling authors in history, is back in the spotlight with Matthew Sweet's new biography.
Despite selling 750 million copies, British romance novelist Barbara Cartland has faded into obscurity today, and her works can no longer be found in bookstores.
A Forgotten Legend Brought to Light by a Biography
British journalist Matthew Sweet has brought Barbara Cartland, one of the most widely read authors of the 20th century, back into the spotlight with his new biography.
Titled The Great Dictator: The Life of Barbara Cartland, the work sheds light on the author's working habits and the reasons behind her oblivion.
The Third Best-Selling Author in History
Following William Shakespeare and Agatha Christie, Cartland is the third best-selling author in history, reaching 750 million book sales.
However, despite extraordinary sales figures and massive success, today it is nearly impossible to find her works in bookstores.
Her Colorful Life and the Themes of Her Works
Starting her career as a gossip columnist, the author wrote 723 novels throughout her life.
Her novels typically consisted of historical romance stories featuring innocent young women trying to tame handsome lords or captains.
Her Productivity in the Golden Age of Paperbacks
The 1960s, 70s, and 80s were the golden age of cheap, mass-produced paperbacks, and Cartland experienced her brightest days during this period.
Completing a novel every two weeks in line with the demands of publishing houses, the author exhibited an extraordinary writing speed.