
The Black Moth (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Georgian-Era Romance of Disguise, Honor, Highwaymen, Aristocratic Scandal, and Social Exile RedemptionBy Georgette HeyerLength12h 48m
About this audiobook
The Black Moth is a spirited tale of disguise, honor, and romantic intrigue set in the Georgian world of beaux, highwaymen, duels, and country-house maneuverings. Centering on Jack Carstares, a disgraced nobleman turned gentleman outlaw, and his conflict with the sinister Duke of Andover, the novel fuses melodrama with social comedy. Its brisk dialogue, theatrical plotting, and carefully ornamented period atmosphere place it within the tradition of historical romance while anticipating Heyer's later refinement of the Regency mode. Georgette Heyer wrote The Black Moth while still in her teens, reportedly to entertain her convalescent brother, and published it in 1921. Though an apprentice work, it already reveals her fascination with aristocratic codes, costume, speech, and manners. Heyer's later reputation would rest on her meticulous historical research and sparkling wit; here one sees the early formation of those gifts, alongside a youthful delight in adventure and dramatic moral contrast. Readers interested in the origins of modern historical romance will find The Black Moth especially rewarding. It is not merely a charming debut but a revealing blueprint for Heyer's mature art: elegant escapism grounded in style, wit, and an affectionate command of the past.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreRomance, Historical Fiction
Length12 hrs 48 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 5, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Black Moth (Annotated)
21CHAPTER XV O'HARA'S MIND IS MADE UP
2Introduction
22CHAPTER XVI MR. BETTISON PROPOSES
3Synopsis
23CHAPTER XVII LADY O'HARA WINS HER POINT
4Historical Context
24CHAPTER XVIII ENTER CAPTAIN HAROLD LOVELACE
5Author Biography
25CHAPTER XIX THE REAPPEARANCE OF HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
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6PROLOGUE
26CHAPTER XX HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER TAKES A HAND IN THE GAME
7CHAPTER I AT THE CHEQUERS INN, FALLOWFIELD
27CHAPTER XXI MRS. FANSHAWE LIGHTS A FIRE AND O'HARA FANS THE FLAME
8CHAPTER II MY LORD AT THE WHITE HART
28CHAPTER XXII DEVELOPMENTS
9CHAPTER III INTRODUCING THE HON. RICHARD CARSTARES
29CHAPTER XXIII LADY LAVINIA GOES TO THE PLAY
10CHAPTER IV INTRODUCING THE LADY LAVINIA CARSTARES
30CHAPTER XXIV RICHARD PLAYS THE MAN
11CHAPTER V HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER
31CHAPTER XXV HIS GRACE OF ANDOVER CAPTURES THE QUEEN
12CHAPTER VI BATH: 29 QUEEN SQUARE
32CHAPTER XXVI MY LORD RIDES TO FRUSTRATE HIS GRACE
13CHAPTER VII INTRODUCING SUNDRY NEW CHARACTERS
33CHAPTER XXVII MY LORD ENTERS BY THE WINDOW
14CHAPTER VIII THE BITER BIT
34CHAPTER XXVIII IN WHICH WHAT THREATENED TO BE TRAGEDY TURNS TO COMEDY
15CHAPTER IX LADY O'HARA INTERVENES
35CHAPTER XXIX LADY O'HARA IS TRIUMPHANT
16CHAPTER X LADY O'HARA RETIRES
36EPILOGUE
17CHAPTER XI MY LORD TURNS RESCUER AND COMES NIGH ENDING HIS LIFE
37Analysis
18CHAPTER XII MY LORD DICTATES A LETTER AND RECEIVES A VISITOR
38Reflection
19CHAPTER XIII MY LORD MAKES HIS BOW
39Memorable Quotes
20CHAPTER XIV MISTRESS DIANA IS UNMAIDENLY