Philippa Gregory says 18th-century novels taught her how to write
Philippa Gregory describes how reading shaped her as a writer, from childhood stories to historical fiction and works of social history. She says studying more than 100 popular 18th-century novels for her PhD gave her a practical apprenticeship in novel-writing, teaching her about structure, character and pace.
Gregory recalls Alison Goudge, Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer among her early influences, and says EP Thompson’s history helped her see how writing can reveal hidden pasts. She later came to appreciate Dickens, particularly *Dombey and Son*, rereads Iris Murdoch’s *The Sea, the Sea* for comfort, and has recently discovered Molly Keane’s *Good Behaviour*.
In short
- Gregory studied more than 100 18th-century novels for her PhD.
- Austen and historical fiction shaped her early reading.
- She praises Dickens, Iris Murdoch and Molly Keane.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Philippa Gregory: ‘I read 100 of the best 18th century novels – the perfect author’s apprenticeship’”.