Barbara Taylor Bradford, the acclaimed British-American author of A Woman of Substance, has passed away at the age of 91. With 91 million books sold, she leaves a legacy of empowering storytelling that inspired generations of readers worldwide.
Barbara Taylor Bradford, the celebrated author whose debut novel A Woman of Substance became an instant classic, died peacefully at her home on Sunday following a short illness. She was 91 years old. According to her spokeswoman, she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments, and a private funeral will be held in New York.
Over her illustrious career, Taylor Bradford wrote 40 novels and sold 91 million copies globally. Her stories, often set in her native Yorkshire, celebrated resilience, ambition, and triumph over adversity. Her most recent novel, The Wonder of It All, was published just last year, underscoring her enduring passion for storytelling.
Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in May 1933, Taylor Bradford began her professional journey as a typist at The Yorkshire Evening Post. She later transitioned to journalism and eventually moved to London at age 20, where she started experimenting with fiction. After several abandoned attempts, she achieved monumental success with A Woman of Substance in 1979. The novel follows the life of Emma Harte, a servant who rises to lead a business empire, overcoming tragedy and adversity with determination and hard work.
The novel's popularity spawned a double Emmy-nominated miniseries in 1985, featuring Jenny Seagrove as Emma Harte and Liam Neeson in a leading role. Seagrove described Taylor Bradford as a "dear friend" and a "powerhouse of glamour and warmth," recalling her ability to connect with everyone she met, regardless of their status. "She never forgot she was just a girl from Yorkshire who worked hard and made good," Seagrove said.
Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins, hailed Taylor Bradford as a "truly exceptional writer" whose work continues to inspire. He noted that A Woman of Substance remains transformative for readers even today. "For 45 years, she was a huge part of our company and a great friend – we will miss her deeply," he added.
Taylor Bradford had lived in the United States since 1964, following her marriage to American film producer Robert Bradford. The couple shared 55 years together until his passing in 2019. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at New York's Westchester Hills Cemetery.
Her timeless stories and legacy of perseverance will continue to resonate, reminding readers of the power of grit and ambition.
With AFP
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