The Black Moth
What is The Black Moth about?
The Black Moth (1921) — Heyer’s dazzling debut, written at age 19. Set in Georgian England, it follows Jack Dorado, a disgraced nobleman turned highwayman, as he rescues a beautiful heiress from the villainous Duke of Dorado. Swashbuckling romance with the wit and period detail that would become Heyer’s trademark.
Main themes in The Black Moth
Highwayman hero
In The Black Moth, highwayman hero provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Georgian England
The presence of georgian england in The Black Moth connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Swashbuckling romance
Swashbuckling romance emerges as a defining element in The Black Moth, shaping character development.
Debut novel
The Black Moth thoughtfully explores debut novel through its central conflicts.
Why The Black Moth is still relevant today
The novel that launched Heyer's career and planted the seeds for the entire Regency romance genre.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Black Moth about?
A disgraced nobleman becomes a highwayman and rescues an heiress from a villain. Heyer’s debut at age 19.
Where can I read it?
Free on TextStack.