Barbara Taylor Bradford, renowned for her bestselling novel A Woman of Substance and described as “the grande dame of blockbusters,” has passed away at the age of 91. Her publisher, HarperCollins, confirmed that she died peacefully at home on Sunday after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Bradford, whose works sold over 91 million copies worldwide, is best known for her captivating sagas, including A Woman of Substance (1979), which has sold more than 30 million copies globally. She continued to write prolifically, publishing her 40th novel in 2023. Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages and published in 90 countries.
Lynne Drew, Bradford’s long-time publisher, described working with her as a “huge privilege” and fondly recalled their conversations about her characters. “She was an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers,” Drew said. “I’m so proud to have been her publisher for over 20 years.”
Born in Leeds, England, in May 1933, Taylor Bradford began her career as a typist for the Yorkshire Evening Post and later became the first female editor at the paper. Her literary breakthrough came later in life, after she moved to the United States and decided to pursue writing fiction in her late 30s.
Her debut novel A Woman of Substance became a global sensation, and Bradford went on to write six sequels in the Emma Harte saga. Many of her works were adapted for television, with notable actors like Liam Neeson, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Elizabeth Hurley starring in them.
Bradford’s friend and actress Jenny Seagrove, who portrayed Emma Harte in the TV adaptation, fondly recalled their friendship. She described the author as a “powerhouse of glamour and warmth,” and praised her unwavering warmth, humor, and down-to-earth nature, despite her immense success.
Bradford is remembered not only for her literary achievements but also for her kindness and generosity of spirit, which endeared her to many.
