The fantasy of manners evolved from the literary tradition of the comedy of manners, which reached prominence with writers such as Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. These works employed humour and irony to critique and explore societal norms, particularly among the upper classes. As fantasy literature diversified in the late 20th century, authors began combining these traditions with speculative world-building.

Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint (1987) is widely regarded as a foundational work in the genre, introducing readers to a fantasy city where politics, relationships, and duels coexist in a culture obsessed with etiquette and honour. Kushner’s world lacks overt magic, relying instead on sophisticated social manoeuvring and character dynamics. This narrative style inspired other writers to explore fantasy settings grounded more in manners than in magical spectacle.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw further development of the subgenre through works like Martha Wells’ The Death of the Necromancer and Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which wove Regency-era sensibilities and magical scholarship into intricate social fabrics. The genre also gained popularity among writers seeking to challenge traditional fantasy tropes by emphasising diplomacy, deception, and conversation over swords and sorcery.

Fantasy of manners has expanded in recent years to incorporate more diverse voices and settings. Authors like Zen Cho (Sorcerer to the Crown) and Tasha Suri (The Jasmine Throne) blend social complexity with unique cultural backgrounds, enriching the genre with fresh perspectives. The rise of queer narratives and nuanced explorations of gender, identity, and power have further energized the subgenre.

Today, fantasy of manners thrives as a refined, character-centric alternative to action-heavy fantasy. It continues to explore how societies function, how people interact within rigid systems, and how change can be wrought through words rather than weapons.