Since reading The Other Boleyn Girl recently one of my new favourite authors is Philippa Gregory and, subsequently, I've bought a few more of her books.
I admire Philippa not just for her writing but for the huge amount of research she undertakes for each novel. This week then, the spotlight is on her.
Philippa was born in Kenya in 1954 but then moved to England. Gaining a BA in history she went on to gain a PhD in 18th Century Literature. Her first novel, Wideacre, was written as she completed her PhD and went on to be a world wide bestseller.
Philippa has written an amazing amount of books (see here) but her fictional biography started with Earthly Joys and Virgin Earth - based on a father and son during the English civil war. This historical fiction style went on to create The Other Boleyn Girl, a huge bestseller, published in 26 countries and winning a number of awards. It was adapted for the BBC then went on to become a film. I've also heard that The Boleyn Inheritance is in production and Constant Princess is a four part drama.
Philippa contributes to newspapers and magazines, is a frequent broadcaster and regular contestant on Round Britain Quiz for Radio 4. She is also the Tudor expert for Channel Four's Time Team.
Philippa's most recent book is The Other Queen. Her next book will centre on the War of The Roses. She has started the research and it will probably be a trilogy.
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