Barbara Taylor Bradford (photo: Caroll Taveras/Bradford Enterprises) |
Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote 40 novels that have sold more than 91 million copies worldwide, died yesterday at age 91.
Her first novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and was an immediate hit, staying on the New York Times bestseller list for 43 weeks. The book set the style for Bradford's many blockbusters: it and six successive titles told a multi-generational saga about the intrigues of a wealthy, glamorous family, headed by a woman with a modest background who had built a retail empire. As Bradford said, "I write about mostly ordinary women who go on to achieve the extraordinary."
Bradford began writing fiction at age seven and sold a short story to a magazine when was 10. At age 15, she joined the typing pool at the Yorkshire Evening Post. A year later, she became a reporter on the paper and, aged 18, its first woman's editor. Two years later, she moved to London and worked as a columnist and editor on Fleet Street.
Her most recent novel, The Wonder of It All, was published in the U.S. by St. Martin's Press in December 2023. Ten of her books were made into TV films or drama series by her husband, Hollywood TV and movie producer Robert Bradford.
Jennifer Enderlin, president and publisher of St. Martin's Press, said: "I have worked with Barbara Taylor Bradford as her U.S. publisher and editor for almost 25 years. She was a legend in so many ways, but chief among them was her utmost professionalism and dedication to her craft. She never missed a deadline and if she said she was going to deliver her book on a Thursday, that's when it would arrive. Before she embarked on a new novel, we would invariably have a delicious lunch at one of her favorite spots: La Grenouille or Doubles in the Sherry Netherland hotel. And there, we would discuss the plot, the 'what ifs' of the book, and the arcs of the various characters. We would always have a glass or two of champagne, as Barbara said it stimulated creativity. She truly loved writing and creating her unforgettable worlds--whether that world was Yorkshire at the turn of the 20th century, or the glamorous watering holes of London in the present day. Barbara's novels would always transport you. She was the definition of A Woman of Substance."
Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins, Bradford's U.K. publisher, said: "Barbara Taylor Bradford was a truly exceptional writer whose first book, the international bestseller A Woman of Substance changed the lives of so many who read it--and still does to this day. She was a natural storyteller, deeply proud of her Yorkshire roots--she would regale us of her time working on the Yorkshire Evening Post with fellow reporter Keith Waterhouse and trainee photographer Peter O'Toole, the dawn of the Soho café society, and the many happy years shared with the love of her life, her husband, Bob. For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great, great friend--we will miss her so much--but there is some solace in the knowledge that she is now, once again, alongside her beloved Bob. A life well-lived...."
Lynne Drew, Bradford's long-term publisher and editor at HarperCollins, said: "Working with a storyteller as remarkable as Barbara for over 20 years was a huge privilege but also a huge amount of fun. Perennially curious, interested in everyone and extraordinarily driven, she loved writing and the conversations we had about her characters were unfailingly the best hours of my week. Dominating the bestseller lists, she broke new ground with her sweeping epic novels spanning generations, novels which were resolutely not romances, and she epitomised the woman of substance she created, particularly with her ruthless work ethic. She was an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers. I'm so proud to have been her publisher for over 20 years--working with her has been one of the great thrills of my career, and I and everyone at HarperCollins will miss her greatly."
In lieu of flowers, Bradford asked that donations to be made to two organizations she was proud to support throughout her career: the National Literacy Trust in the U.K. and Literacy Partners in the U.S.