Barbara Cartland

Thousands of people around the world still read author Barbara Cartland’s books. She remains one of the most respected writers in the UK. Sadly, Cartland passed away in May of 2000, but she remained the enthusiastic person she had always been up until her death.

Barbara wrote novels of romantic intrigue. Hers were some of first books that were considered novels with sensational value to them. She published her first book in 1923 and this novel called "Jigsaw" was said to be a very naughty society novel. This became the theme of many of her award winning novels. Barbara knew her novels of chastity were considered a contradiction in society, but her writings gave her a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records in 1983. By the mid 90’s this author was placed in the well-known magazine "Vogue," naming her the "true queen of romance."

Although many believe that her readers were mostly women, it is said that even men enjoyed reading the elegant tales of love and romance that Cartland created. Her novels tell tales of every part of romance, including love, marriage, fashion, society status and romantic adventures. Princess Diana admitted to being a fan of Cartland's novels. Barbara Cartland wrote 723 romantic novels and was still writing up until her death at 98 years old. Not only was she an author, but she had a fond interest in science and the environment. At her request she was buried on her estate under a tree that was actually planted by the Queen of England herself.