Barbara Taylor Bradford, Author of A Woman of Substance, Dies at 91
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
Bradford’s debut novel, A Woman of Substance (1979), became a global sensation, selling over 30 million copies and solidifying her place in literary history. It was hailed for its portrayal of Emma Harte, a determined woman who rose from humble beginnings to build a business empire. The book inspired generations and was adapted into a successful television miniseries starring Jenny Seagrove.
“She changed the lives of so many who read her work—and still does to this day,” said Charlie Redmayne, chief executive of HarperCollins, her long-time publisher.
Tributes from Friends and Collaborators
Lynne Drew, Bradford’s editor, lauded her as an inspiration, stating, “She epitomised the woman of substance she created, with her relentless work ethic and endless curiosity.”
Actress Jenny Seagrove, who played Emma Harte in the TV adaptation, remembered her as a “powerhouse of glamour and warmth” and a “force of nature.” She recounted Bradford’s ability to connect with everyone, regardless of their background.
“She never, ever forgot that she was just a girl from Yorkshire who worked hard and made good,” Seagrove added.
Early Life and Journalism Career
Born in Leeds, England, Bradford’s literary journey began early. Encouraged by her mother, she had her first story published at age 10. Leaving school at 15, she started as a typist at the Yorkshire Evening Post, eventually becoming the paper’s only female reporter after sneaking her stories into the sub-editor’s tray.
Her initial works focused on homemaking, with titles like The Complete Encyclopaedia of Homemaking Ideas. It wasn’t until her mid-40s that she transitioned to fiction, achieving monumental success.
A Champion for Women
Bradford’s novels often featured strong, resilient women navigating challenges and breaking barriers. Reflecting on her breakout novel, she said, “I wanted to write about women in a positive way. At the time, there were a lot of very sexy books, but the women didn’t come out of them very well.”
Personal Life and Later Years
Married to Hollywood producer Robert Bradford for over 50 years, the couple collaborated on several screen adaptations of her novels. Robert passed away in 2019.
Bradford’s works include 39 novels that sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Her stories continue to resonate with readers, embodying timeless themes of ambition, resilience, and empowerment.
A Lasting Impact
As the literary world mourns her passing, Barbara Taylor Bradford leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond her novels. Her portrayal of determined and empowered women reshaped the landscape of contemporary fiction, inspiring millions across the globe.
RIP to a true woman of substance.
