Transport yourself back to 1973, when romance novels were innovative fantasy escapes. What other notable events took place 50 years ago? As we are all about retro, Sweet Savage Flame looks at what made this year one to remember.
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Flashback to The Year 1973
Source: Alden Jewell Flickr, CC BY 4.0 Deed
What Was Going On 50 Years Ago?
Sweet Savage Flame invites you to join us in revisiting the past. We return to the iconic year of 1973, half a century ago. (And a few years before my time!) 1973 marked a significant time in history with several noteworthy occurrences.
From significant events to popular trends to the world of retro romance novels, let’s explore what made 1973 a year to remember.
Notable Occurrences in 1973
Before venturing into the world of romance novels, let’s dive into the other aspects that made 1973 a memorable year. Here’s a glimpse into the events that shaped the year:
Sports: A Perfect Season
In tennis, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match. Many rejoiced in her victory, as this showcased the power and skill of female athletes. But to be fair, they had a 25-year age difference. So maybe it’s more proof of the power of youthful limbs over old arthritic joints.
“The 55-year-old Riggs, who defeated Margaret Court in a $10,000 “Battle of the Sexes” May 13, is confident he can do the same to Mrs. King, who is 29, and strike a blow for male superiority.“
In American football, the Miami Dolphins accomplished an extraordinary feat by being the inaugural NFL team to achieve a perfect season. They emerged triumphant in each of their regular season and playoff matches.
Film: The Silver Screen’s Golden Year
The year saw the release of several iconic films, including The Exorcist, American Graffiti, The Sting, and Enter the Dragon.
The Mafia saga, The Godfather, based on the pulpy bestselling book by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, captured the Oscar for Best Picture, sealing its legacy as a cinematic masterpiece.
Music: The Soundtrack of a Generation
The music scene in 1973 saw the rise of various genres and memorable songs. Artists like Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Stevie Wonder dominated the charts.
Pink Floyd released the iconic album Dark Side of the Moon, captivating audiences with its progressive rock sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Pop Culture: The TV Shows That Raised Us
The fashion trends of 1973 were diverse, characterized by a blend of retro and modern styles ranging from the glam rock style with platform shoes and glittery outfits to the bohemian look with maxi dresses, fringe, and floppy hats.
Some popular trends included bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and tie-dye shirts. The disco culture was also emerging, bringing glamorous and flashy attire.
Pop Culture: The TV Shows That Raised Us
The television landscape in 1973 aired many beloved shows such as MAS*H, The Brady Bunch, and All in the Family, which tackled social issues and resonated with audiences.
The animated series “Schoolhouse Rock!” debuted, educating children through catchy songs about grammar, math, and history.
The Exorcist, a groundbreaking horror film, terrified audiences and sparked discussions about faith and the supernatural.
Politics: A Year of Scandals and Milestones
In the realm of politics, 1973 was marked by significant events. In the United States, Richard Nixon began his second term as President. The Watergate scandal unfolded, leading to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974. (How petty the “crime” of Richard Nixon seems compared to… well, what’s going on today.)
The Vietnam War was coming to an end, and the Paris Peace Accords were signed in January 1973, bringing a ceasefire and American troop withdrawal.
The world witnessed the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur War, a conflict that had far-reaching implications in the Middle East.
Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court case, legalized abortion in the United States, sparking ongoing debates and discussions about human rights and reproductive rights.
Popular Books of 1973
Now, let’s turn our attention to the literary world of 1973. Several influential books were published during this time. Here are a few notable ones:
- Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
- Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72 by Hunter S. Thompson
- Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
- The Summer of Katya by Trevanian
- Watership Down by Richard Adams
- Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Romance Novels in 1973
With all the changes in the culture, women sought more sensual escapes in fiction.
Romance novels continued to captivate readers in 1973. While specific information about the romance genre during that year might be limited, some timeless authors and books left their mark.
Gothic Romances and Bodice Rippers
Readers were anxiously awaiting Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’s next historical romance novel. Her sensational bestseller, The Flame and the Flower, transformed the romance genre the previous year, in 1972. Known as one of the first “bodice-ripper” romances, it captured readers’ attention with its passionate and sweeping love story.
Gothics were still popular, but the sensual historical romance, aka the bodice ripper, had exploded on the scene and was only about to skyrocket into the romance stratosphere in the upcoming year.
Victoria Holt, also known as Jean Plaidy and Phillippa Carr, was popular for her Gothic romance novels, publishing The Curse of the Kings in 1973.
50 Years of Harlequin Presents
In 1973, the romance genre witnessed a significant development with the introduction of Harlequin Presents, a modern and more erotic category romance line. Harlequin Presents, initially launched in the United States and Canada, brought a fresh wave of storytelling and captured readers’ hearts worldwide.
Harlequin Presents emerged as a response to the growing demand for romance novels that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
The series debuted with Gates of Steel by Anne Hampson, offering readers a captivating tale of love and passion. Harlequin Presents was introduced to North America as a repackaging of the popular Mills & Boon books from the United Kingdom.
The category line maintained its European settings, immersing readers in a world of aristocracy, glamour, and exotic locations.
The alpha male archetype and the virginal heroine became recurring themes, captivating readers with their irresistible chemistry and dramatic relationships. Harlequin Presents catered to readers’ desires for stories that combine passion, intensity, and escapism.
Over the past five decades, Harlequin Presents has maintained its position as the world’s most popular line of category romances.
Romance Novels Published in 1973
Here are some romance novels that were first published in 1973.
Final Thoughts on 1973
As we close our time capsule journey back to 1973, let us remember the year as a complex tapestry of social, cultural, and political milestones. In a time of change and upheaval, the romance genre also flourished, welcoming new sub-genres and a diverse array of storytelling.
It was a year that reshaped not just the romance novel industry but also the romance novel industry. In addition, it left an indelible imprint on our collective conscience.
From the world of politics to shifts in the fashion scene to contributions to the arts, 1973 was indeed a year to remember.