Bestselling British-American novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford passed away on Sunday following a brief illness, as confirmed by publisher HarperCollins. She was 91 years old.
Barbara was best known for her novel A Woman of Substance, published in 1979. The novel sold 30 million copies, was adapted into a television miniseries, and remains the most-watched program in the history of the Channel 4 network in the UK. The story, which follows the journey of Emma Harte, a housemaid who rises to become a powerful businesswoman, resonated deeply with readers and viewers alike.
A Woman of Substance marked the beginning of Bradford’s Emma Harte series, which eventually included six sequels and a prequel. The success of these books cemented her reputation as a master storyteller and one of the world’s most successful authors.
Born Barbara Taylor, she grew up during World War II in the suburbs of Leeds, England. Her parents had a son who tragically lost his life to meningitis before she was born, a loss that profoundly shaped her mother, who “put all her frustrated love into me.” Barbara later drew inspiration from her parents’ relationship for her 1986 novel, An Act of Will.
Barbara’s love for literature began early. She immersed herself in the works of Charles Dickens, the Brontës, Thomas Hardy, and Colette, which inspired her to start writing. At just 10 years old, she sold her first story to a magazine for seven shillings and six pence, money she used to buy gifts for her parents.
At 15, she left school to begin her career in journalism. After a brief stint with a local newspaper, she joined the Yorkshire Evening Post as a reporter. By 20, she had moved to London, where she worked for various publications and became known for her syndicated interior decoration column.
In 1961, Barbara met the love of her life, Robert E. Bradford, on a blind date arranged by screenwriter Jack Davies. The couple married in 1963 and later emigrated to the United States, where Barbara wrote the novels that made her a household name.
Over her career, Barbara Taylor Bradford authored 39 novels, which collectively sold more than 90 million copies worldwide. Many of her books, including A Woman of Substance, were adapted for television, with Bradford often taking an active role in ensuring her stories retained their integrity on screen.
Barbara’s contributions to literature earned her numerous accolades. She was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame of America and received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2007 for her services to literature. Additionally, she received several lifetime achievement awards and honorary degrees recognizing her immense impact on contemporary fiction.
Barbara Taylor Bradford’s legacy is one of inspiration and resilience, both in her novels and in her life story. She leaves behind her husband of over 60 years, a body of work that continues to captivate readers, and a profound influence on the literary world.
For more on Barbara’s life, please read her obituary from her website.