Wilbur Smith ​

Wilbur Addison Smith is a Zambian-born, novelist specialising in historical fiction about the international involvement in Southern Africa across four centuries, seen from the viewpoints of both black and white families. An accountant by training, he gained a film contract with his first published novel when it caught the eye of Hollywood producer Al Zimbalist.

Quick Facts ​

• Has written over 40 novels.
• Novels have been translated into more than 26 languages.
• His works have sold more than 120 million copies.
• Many of his novels have been adapted into successful feature films, among them The Dark of the Sun, Shout at the Devil and Gold Mine.
• His novels are known for their detailed research and meticulous historical accuracy.

Background ​

Smith was born in 1933 in Kabwe, Zambia, then known as Northern Rhodesia, to a father who was a metal worker and a mother who used to read him adventure stories. His early life hinted at the success he was going to have as a future novelist. Years spent hunting in the African bush gave him the knowledge of the landscape and wildlife that would later fill his novels.

After studying journalism at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, he worked for a time in the tax office before going on to publish his first novel, When the Lion Feeds, in 1964 which became an immediate best-seller. Since then he has written numerous best-selling novels, many of which have been based in his native Africa during different periods of history. His works include the Courtney series, the Ballantyne series and the Egyptian series. Throughout his career, he has sold over 130 million books worldwide and they have been translated into 26 different languages.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Smith is renowned for his detailed and thoroughly researched historical novels. His writing style is vivid and descriptive, giving his readers a clear and comprehensive image of the historical periods he writes about. His use of historic accuracy intertwined with raw adventure has captivated readers, making him a popular author in his genre. His work has been recognized for its contribution to the proliferation of knowledge about African history and culture.

Notable Works ​

• When the Lion Feeds (1964)
• The Dark of the Sun (1965)
• The Sunbird (1972)
• River God (1993)
• Blue Horizon (2003)
• The Quest (2007)
• Desert God (2014)
• Pharaoh (2016)
• Predator (2016)
• The Tiger's Prey (2017)