R. D. Blackmore
Biography
R. D. Blackmore (1825–1900) was an English novelist best known for Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor (1869), one of the most popular English novels of the Victorian era. Born Richard Doddridge Blackmore in Berkshire, he was educated at Oxford and worked briefly as a barrister before turning to writing and market gardening. He wrote fifteen novels, all set in the English countryside, but Lorna Doone overshadowed everything else. Set in 17th-century Devon and Somerset, it combines historical adventure with a passionate love story against the dramatic backdrop of Exmoor.
Common themes in R. D. Blackmore's work
Victorian romance
A recurring theme throughout R. D. Blackmore's writing.
Exmoor
A recurring theme throughout R. D. Blackmore's writing.
Historical adventure
A recurring theme throughout R. D. Blackmore's writing.
Devon and Somerset
A recurring theme throughout R. D. Blackmore's writing.
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Why R. D. Blackmore is still read today
Lorna Doone is one of the most beloved Victorian adventure romances. Its Exmoor setting has become inseparable from the novel, making it both a literary classic and a regional treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was R.D. Blackmore?
R. D. Blackmore (1825–1900) was an English novelist best known for Lorna Doone, one of the most popular Victorian novels.
What are his major works?
Lorna Doone and The Maid of Sker. Both are available free on TextStack.
Is Lorna Doone based on real events?
It is set against real 17th-century history but the main characters and plot are fictional.
Where can I read Blackmore free?
TextStack offers Blackmore’s novels to read free online.
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