Best-Selling Author Passed Away At 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford Dies at 91, Leaves Legacy of Strong Female Stories
Bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford, known for A Woman of Substance, died at 91. Her 1979 debut novel sold over 30 million copies and inspired seven sequels, launching a 40-book career that spotlighted ambitious women in sweeping, multi-generational stories.
Born in Leeds, Bradford published her first piece at 10 and became the only female journalist at the Yorkshire Evening Post by 15. She began writing fiction in her 40s and gained worldwide acclaim. “I didn’t set out to write about a ‘woman warrior,’” she once said, “but wanted to portray women in a positive light.”
Tributes honored her legacy. HarperCollins’ Charlie Redmayne called her “a natural storyteller,” while editor Lynne Drew said she was “an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers.”
Bradford’s work remains a testament to her belief in strong women and timeless storytelling.
