Brian Jacques ​

James Brian Jacques was a British writer known for his Redwall series of fantasy novels, which are filled with anthropomorphic animals. He was also a poet, playwright, and, for several years, hosted a radio show in his native Liverpool.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote the Redwall series, a popular collection of children's fantasy novels.
• Also wrote the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series.
• His books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
• He created a play called "Seven Little Owls".
• He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool in 2004.
• His novels have been adapted for radio and animated television series.

Background ​

Jacques was born in 1939 in Liverpool, England. He grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks, where his interest in adventure stories and writing was ignited. During his young days, he was known to be a very proficient storyteller, especially regarding stories involving animals. Leaving school at the age of fifteen, he became a merchant sailor and later a policemen and a truck driver. Jacques began writing in 1980. Some of his well-known works include the Redwall series and the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series. He was also a radio host for BBC Radio Merseyside. He used to bring his own stories and poems to the radio show, which later led him to write his first novel, Redwall, for children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool. Jacques died in 2011.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Jacques' works exhibit a richly descriptive writing style, particularly when depicting food, nature, and battle scenes. His stories are heavily dialogue-driven and are frequently punctuated by songs and poetry. The anthropomorphic animals that populate his work are richly drawn, each with its own personality and voice, and this has endeared his writings to readers of all ages. Importantly, Jacques also included themes of friendship, courage, and morality in his work, instilling values to the younger audience. His impact in the field of Children's fantasy literature has been significant, influencing many later writers in the genre.

Notable Works ​

• Redwall series (1986-2011)
• Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series (2001-2006)
• The Ribbajack and Other Curious Yarns (2004)
• Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales (1991)