Barbara Cartland, one of the most prolific and recognizable figures in 20th-century English literature, continues to captivate readers worldwide decades after her passing. With an estimated 750 million books sold, Cartland's extensive body of work remains accessible today through the efforts of her granddaughter, Tara McCorquodale, who manages the Cartland backlist as eBooks and audiobooks. Living on the Camfield estate, McCorquodale also offers guided tours of the family property, helping to preserve her grandmother’s legacy.
Known for her distinctive style both in appearance and writing, Cartland was a polarizing figure during her lifetime. Her trademark look—characterized by powdery makeup, heavy false eyelashes, flowing pink tulle gowns, and always accompanied by her beloved Pekingese dogs—made her an unmistakable presence in British cultural life. This distinctive image became a target for satire and caricature, with critics like Clive James, a television critic for the Observer, offering famously biting descriptions of her appearance. Despite the mockery, Cartland accepted this scrutiny as part of the price of her success and handled personal criticism with remarkable resilience, reportedly purchasing unfavorable cartoons of herself to display in her home.
Beyond her flamboyant public persona, Cartland’s writing style has been credited with offering a clarity and straightforwardness that appeals particularly to readers new to English. Her romance novels, often featuring heroines overcoming adversity and forming bonds with charismatic aristocrats or adventurous aviators, continue to find an audience. McCorquodale emphasizes that Cartland’s simple prose and escapist storytelling keep her relevant, attracting readers seeking both comfort and fantasy.
While many of her contemporaries have faded into obscurity, Cartland remains a vivid cultural figure, visible in both literary and popular references. For instance, she was referenced in a 1973 episode of the British television series "Coronation Street," where the character Hilda Ogden whimsically emulates Cartland’s signature style during a themed party. This moment reflects the widespread recognition of Cartland’s persona in British popular culture.
Cartland’s contributions to literature and culture extend beyond sales figures and appearances. Over her lifetime, she reportedly received around 30,000 letters annually from readers seeking advice or sharing admiration, often on deeply personal matters. Such engagement underscores her status not only as a commercial success but also as a figure of influence and connection for her audience.
Her life and career are recently the focus of the new biography "The Great Dictator: A Life of Barbara Cartland," published by Sceptre, which aims to provide a nuanced account of her enduring impact on the English novel and British cultural history.