Celebrated Author Dies at 91, Leaving a Legacy
Barbara Taylor Bradford Dies at 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of the bestselling A Woman of Substance, has died at 91.
Her 1979 debut sold over 30 million copies, sparked seven sequels, and became a hit TV series.
Over her career, she wrote 40 novels known for “strong characters and compelling storytelling.”
Tributes from the Literary World
Publisher HarperCollins remembered her as “a natural storyteller” whose work “transformed lives.”
Editor Lynne Drew called her “an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers,” praising her “dedication, curiosity, and work ethic.”
Early Life and Journalism Career
Born in Leeds, England, Bradford published her first story at age 10.
She began as a copytaker at 15 and became the only female reporter at the Yorkshire Evening Post by slipping her stories into the editor’s tray.
Empowering Female Voices
Starting fiction in her 40s, Bradford aimed to portray resilient women.
In 2017, she said she never intended to create a “woman warrior” but sought to write about strength and determination.
