Any suggestions for quality mannerpunk literature set in the Victorian time period?

Question

Recently, I've been quite taken by the mannerpunk genre due to Ellen Kushner's books, "Swordspoint: A Novel" and "The Privilege of the Sword". Both take place in a time period parallel to the late Renaissance. I have my eyes set on literature that is set in the Victorian time period, preferably with themes of horror or mystery. Think thrills, frills, and bloodied lace. If you've ever played the games "Cliver Barker's Undying" or "American Mcgee's Alice", that would give you an idea of my poison. Are there any books that fulfill my cravings, or are my tastes too eclectic for my own good?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

The only one I can think of right now is Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell. I didn't like it much, to tell the truth, but it seems to be generally a well-liked book.

Some people call the Gormenghast books (Mervyn Peake) mannerpunk, or a precursor of it. I'm not sure of that...it has the punk, but not so much the manners. Awesome series though.

Answer 2

Did you know of Donn Kushner's book, "The Book Dragon"? It takes place in dragon time, which includes late Renaissance, only Kushner's dragon sees history accurately, for a dragon. Or a friend or relative does, and tells him the story. It's one of my all-time favorite books, so I got "Swordspoint" by Ellen as well, though I've only read a few chapters yet. I figured they had been related somehow; the authors.

Anyway, I suggest one book by Michael Crichton to you, "Timeline," and another "The Three Musketeers" by Alexander Dumas pere (and if you want the Barnes and Noble classic, it's also by Barbara T. Cooper)...

...and perhaps "Bella Donna: A Renaissance Mystery (Renaissance Mysteries)" by Barbara Cherne '01, or maybe I-don't-know "Eva's Secret of Granada" by M.L. Eqatin, '07.

That's all I either already know or heard about.