A fellow romance author was over at my apartment, naturally browsing my bookshelves, and she remarked that our “research” shelves contained pretty much all the same volumes. Below is a list of books I turn to again and again:What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th Century England by Daniel PoolThis is a fantastic resource for the basics, like the calendar (find out which months, exactly, encompass “the season”), how to address titled people, how to play card games, the details on “houses with names” and, well, everything else. It also includes a glossary for quick reference.Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine HughesThis book covers two topics particularly of interest to the romance novelist: household matters and society. My favorite section is 19th century home remedies for things like chapped hands, headaches, destroying “vermin of the hair” and preventing hysteria. It also includes recipes, which I have yet to try.Regency Etiquette: The Mirror of Graces by A Lady of DistinctionThis one, first published in 1811, is the real deal. Our heroines would have read it (or, more likely, would have been strongly encouraged to read it thoroughly).An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England by Venetia MurrayThe truth might just be more scandalous than fiction…or not. I’ve heard this one has numerous inaccuracies. But even so, it is full of delightful and hilarious stories to illustrate life in the Regency era. There are entire chapters devoted to men (Bucks, Beaux and ‘Pinks of the Ton’), clubs, mistresses, fashion, manners, country houses…everything we love about the Regency era. If nothing else, it’s an amusing read, and may provide some story ideas.Debrette’s Book of PeerageYes, they do still publish this definitive list of every member of the British Aristocracy. For a ridiculous sum, you can own a copy. It took a few years but I managed to convince my mother to invest in this lovely volume. I am forbidden to remove it from her library, so in a pinch, I rely on the next best thing—www.answers.com. Type in “list of earls” and you’ll find more than you ever need to know.