Description:
(Zambian-born British-South African novelist Who Specialised in Historical Fiction )
With historical fiction about international involvement in Southern Africa across four centuries as his forte, Wilbur A. Smith was an illustrious Zambian-born British-South African novelist. Although he was an accountant by training, his first novel, 'When the Lion Feeds', earned him a film contract. This motivated him to take up writing. The three long chronicles that he wrote about the South African experience became best-sellers, thus cementing his place as a writer. He was advised by his publisher Charles Pick to write about what he knew best. His works largely include his experiences, mining way of life, romance, conflicts and authentic detail of local hunting. He wrote about adventure and nature at large. He had published 49 books and had sold more than 140 million copies by the time of his death in 2021.
Birthday
January 9, 1933 (Capricorn)
Born In
Zambia
Alternative names
Wilbur Addison Smith, Wilbur Smith
Died on
November 13, 2021
Spouse/Ex-
Anne Smith, Danielle Antoinette Thomas, Jewell Sabbert, Mokhiniso Smith
Parents
Elfreda Smith
Herbert James Smith
Children
Christian Smith, Dieter Schmidt, Kawrence Smith, Shaun Smith
What inspired Wilbur A. Smith to become a writer?
Wilbur A. Smith was inspired to become a writer by his love of reading adventure novels as a child, particularly those set in Africa.
How many books did Wilbur A. Smith write?
Wilbur A. Smith wrote over 40 books, with many of them being bestsellers and widely acclaimed for their adventurous storytelling.
What is the typical setting of Wilbur A. Smith's novels?
The typical setting of Wilbur A. Smith's novels is Africa, with many of his stories being set against the backdrop of the continent's rich history and diverse landscapes.
Are there any film adaptations of Wilbur A. Smith's books?
Yes, some of Wilbur A. Smith's novels have been adapted into films, such as "Shout at the Devil" and "Gold Mine," bringing his adventurous tales to the big screen.
How did Wilbur A. Smith's background influence his writing?
Wilbur A. Smith's upbringing in Africa and his personal experiences on the continent greatly influenced his writing, adding authenticity and depth to his storytelling.
