With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Eleanor Burford Hibbert (1906-1993) firmly established her position in the world of literature. The British author deftly traversed the realms of historical fiction, gothic fiction, and romance novels, dazzling her readers with imaginative storylines and memorable characters. Known for her exceptional productivity, Eleanor cleverly explored various themes and periods under a multitude of pen names including Victoria Holt, Jean Plaidy, and Philippa Carr.
Exploring the Pen Names: An Insight into Eleanor’s Unique Style
Each of Eleanor’s pen names had its unique flair and distinct thematic focus. She wrote novels set in the Regency period under the name Jean Plaidy, whereas her gothic romances came to life under the Victoria Holt pseudonym. Her works under these names not only showcased her versatility but also earned her immense praise for their pinpoint accuracy and commendable writing quality.
Inspired by Literary Titans
Eleanor drew inspiration from literary greats like the Brontes, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy, attributing the depth and dynamism of her characters to these influences. Though she passed away in 1993, Eleanor’s extensive body of work continues to inspire and enthral readers.
Signature Novels and Series: Books in Order
From her debut novel ‘Daughter of Anna’, released in 1941 under her birth name, which has unfortunately become unavailable over time, to the celebrated novel ‘Together They Ride’ in 1945 under the pen name Jean Plaidy, Eleanor’s repertoire is truly impressive. Her first novel as Victoria Holt, the widely acclaimed ‘Mistress of Mellyn’, further solidified her standing in the genre of gothic romance.
Here, we present books in order across an array of Eleanor’s series like the Tudor Saga, Daughters of England, Stuart Saga, Georgian Saga, Plantagenet Saga, and Queens of England series, meticulously sorted by publication dates and chronological order:
Publication Order of Catherine De Medici Books
(as Jean Plaidy)
| Madame Serpent | (1952) |    |
| The Italian Woman / The Unholy Woman | (1952) | |
| Queen Jezebel | (1958) | |