Flamboyant historical romance novelist Barbara Cartland left 160 unpublished manuscripts on her death and her estate is publishing these books.
Cartland, who died in May 2000 at the age of 98, wrote and published 723 books before her death. Her books were translated into 38 languages, making her the most prolific author of the 20th century.
Cartland’s son Ian McCorquodale, who was her literary manager, claims she sold over 1,000 million books in 38 languages, a Guinness record.
“She left behind a staggering 160 unpublished manuscripts which we have decided to publish,” McCorquodale, who runs the website Barbaracartland.com with his daughter Iona, said in a statement.
The unpublished books by Cartland, who was step-grandmother of Diana, Princess of Wales, are being released and published as The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection. Mr McCorquodale said that the project will help continue “my mother’s aim to bring love and happiness to her millions of readers.”
“The Pink Collection is classic Barbara Cartland, glorious romances with spellbinding adventure, thrilling suspense and, of course, the triumph of love over every adversity,” he said. More than 103 titles from the Pink Collection are currently available in print and e-book formats. The novels, which till now were available through the website, will also be published by publisher M-Y Books. “Barbara Cartland is a unique author known worldwide for her pure romance writing and novels that are perfect for family reading,” Jonathan Miller, managing director, M-Y Books, said. “Through the comprehensive services of Ingram, once again all of the titles of one of the most popular authors of all time will be available worldwide.” Cartland was made a Dame of the Order of the British Empire in 1981.