Wilbur Smith

Author:
Wilbur Smith

Date of birth: 09-Jan-1933
Place of birth: Kabwe, Zambia

About the author:
Wilbur Smith (1933–2021) was a bestselling South African author renowned for his adventurous historical novels. Born on January 9, 1933, in Broken Hill (now Kabwe), Northern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia), Smith spent much of his childhood immersed in the African wilderness, which profoundly influenced his writing. After studying at Rhodes University in South Africa, he initially pursued a career in accounting before dedicating himself to storytelling.

Smith's debut novel, When the Lion Feeds (1964), launched his career, introducing readers to the Courtney family, whose saga spanned multiple generations and books. Over his lifetime, he penned over 40 novels, often set in Africa, blending history, action, and drama. Notable series include the Courtney, Ballantyne, and Ancient Egypt series, which have captivated readers worldwide.

His work, translated into dozens of languages, sold over 140 million copies globally. Smith's stories were celebrated for their vivid depictions of Africa's landscapes, cultures, and history, as well as their exploration of themes like family, ambition, and survival.

Wilbur Smith passed away on November 13, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest storytellers of his generation.