The Black Moth

The Black Moth focuses on Lord Jack Carstares, an 18th-century earl who has retreated from society and become a highwayman after taking the blame for cheating at cards years ago. He meets our heroine, Diana Beauleigh, when he rescues her from an attempted abduction by the Duke of Andover, and the three of them proceed to have grand adventures. Published in 1921, The Black Moth is Georgette Heyer’s first novel, and marks her debut as one of the originators of the modern historical romance. Set in the Georgian period, the novel features many of the elements that are characteristic of Heyer’s work: action, romance, and aristocratic characters in a historical setting, all focusing on themes of love and honor.