```html Dame Jilly Cooper, Author of 'Riders' and 'Rivals', Dies at 88 Dame Jilly Cooper, the celebrated author best known for her racy and humorous novels depicting the lives of the British upper class, has died at the age of 88. Her death, following a fall, was confirmed by her family on Sunday. Cooper’s "Rutshire Chronicles," beginning with the 1985 bestseller "Riders," captivated readers with their blend of romance, scandal, and social satire, selling over 11 million copies in the UK alone. Her influence on popular fiction is undeniable, cementing her status as a literary icon.

Tributes Pour In for the 'Queen of the Bonkbuster' Queen Camilla, a longtime admirer of Cooper's work, led the tributes, describing her as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend" and a "legend." In a heartfelt statement, she added, "May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs." The Prime Minister's office also released a statement acknowledging Cooper's significant contribution to British culture, highlighting her "wit, warmth, and wisdom."

Felicity Blunt, Cooper's agent, remembered her as "emotionally intelligent, fantastically generous, sharply observant and utter fun." Blunt noted the surprising longevity of Cooper's novels, attributing it to her insightful commentary on "class, sex, marriage, rivalry, grief and fertility."

The Legacy of the Rutshire Chronicles Cooper's most enduring legacy is undoubtedly the "Rutshire Chronicles," a series of novels that chronicled the lives and loves of the wealthy, horse-loving elite in the fictional county of Rutshire. "Riders," the first book in the series, introduced readers to Rupert Campbell-Black, the charismatic and often controversial protagonist who became a defining figure in British popular culture. The series explored themes of social class, infidelity, and ambition, all while delivering a healthy dose of humour and steamy romance.

The popularity of the "Rutshire Chronicles" extended beyond the page. The recent Disney+ adaptation of "Rivals," the second book in the series, introduced Cooper's work to a new generation of fans. Executive producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alex Lamb fondly recalled their collaborative experience with Cooper, emphasizing her storytelling prowess and infectious enthusiasm.

Expert Analysis: Cooper's Impact on Genre Fiction Dr. Sarah Waters, a literary historian specializing in genre fiction, commented on Cooper's unique contribution to the landscape of British literature. "Jilly Cooper wasn't just writing 'bonkbusters'; she was subtly subverting the genre," Dr. Waters explained. "While her novels were certainly entertaining and escapist, they also offered a sharp critique of British society and its obsession with class and privilege. She used humour as a weapon, exposing the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper classes while simultaneously indulging in their glamorous lifestyle."

Furthermore, Dr. Waters argues that Cooper paved the way for subsequent generations of female authors writing in the romance and erotica genres. "She proved that it was possible to write commercially successful novels that were both sexually explicit and intellectually stimulating. She empowered women to write about their desires and experiences without shame or apology."

From Journalism to Literary Fame Cooper began her career as a journalist, writing for publications such as The Sunday Times and The Daily Mail. Her early work often focused on social commentary and relationships, providing a foundation for her later fiction. She published her first book, a guide called "How To Stay Married," in 1969. Her writing career truly took off with a series of humorous non-fiction guides on men, women, and the British class system. These books, along with her romance novels, laid the groundwork for the success of the "Rutshire Chronicles."

Bill Scott-Kerr, Cooper's publisher, described her as "a true trailblazer" who "changed the course of popular fiction forever." He emphasized her "glorious storytelling, wicked social commentary, and deft, lacerating characterisation."

Historical Context: The Evolution of Romance Fiction Cooper's success occurred during a period of significant change in the landscape of romance fiction. The genre, traditionally dominated by formulaic plots and chaste heroines, was beginning to embrace more explicit and realistic portrayals of sex and relationships. Authors like Cooper, along with contemporaries such as Jackie Collins and Shirley Conran, challenged the conventions of the genre and paved the way for a more diverse and liberated representation of female desire.

Cooper's novels reflected the changing social attitudes of the 1980s and 1990s, a time of increased sexual liberation and a growing awareness of gender inequality. Her characters, while often flawed and complicated, were also strong and independent women who took control of their own destinies.

A Lasting Impact Dame Jilly Cooper's death marks the end of an era in British popular fiction. Her novels, with their blend of humour, romance, and social commentary, have entertained and captivated millions of readers around the world. Her influence on the genre is undeniable, and her legacy as a literary icon is secure.

A private family funeral will be held, with a public service of thanksgiving planned for Southwark Cathedral in London in the coming months. ```