Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Smith
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Wilbur Addison Smith was born on January 8, 1933, in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He is commonly known as Wilbur Smith.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: January 8, 1933
Died: November 13, 2021
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Smith was a British novelist of African descent. His writing career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote 34 novels.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Smith's love for adventure and storytelling began at an early age. He developed a passion for reading, particularly history and adventure fiction. Smith's family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended school and began writing his own stories.
Smith's early experiences had a profound impact on his writing style. His love for the African continent and its diverse cultures is evident in many of his novels. He draws heavily from historical events, mythology, and legends to create compelling narratives.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his illustrious career, Smith achieved numerous milestones:
Bestselling author: With over 5 million copies sold worldwide, Smith was one of the most successful authors in the world.
Awards and recognition: He received several awards for his contributions to literature, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.
Influence on writing style: Smith's epic historical novels have influenced many writers and inspired a new generation of authors.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Smith's most notable works include:
The Court of the Sun: This 1998 novel explores ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses II.
The Ballantyne Trilogy: Comprising _A Falcon Flies_, _Men of Colour_, and _The Angels Weep_, this series follows a family's struggles in Southern Africa from the late 18th century to the early 20th century.
Hawke's Cove: This novel, part of the _Covenant_ series, is set during World War II.
Impact and Legacy
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Smith's impact on literature is undeniable. His novels have captivated readers worldwide with their rich historical contexts, compelling characters, and epic storylines. His legacy extends beyond his writing to inspire a new generation of authors.
His influence can be seen in various aspects:
Historical fiction: Smith's meticulous research and attention to detail raised the bar for historical fiction writers.
Adventure and epic novels: He helped shape the genre with his large-scale, complex storylines that captivated readers worldwide.
Cross-cultural themes: Smith's exploration of diverse cultures and histories introduced readers to new perspectives.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Wilbur Smith is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Innovative storytelling: He masterfully combined historical events, mythology, and legends to create engaging narratives.
Historical accuracy: His meticulous research set a high standard for authors exploring historical periods.
Epic scope: Smith's novels often span centuries, continents, or cultures, showcasing his ability to craft expansive stories.
Wilbur Smith's remarkable life, writing career, and lasting impact on literature make him an icon in the world of fiction. His influence continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike.
Quotes by Wilbur Smith
They say I'm worth either €200 million, €100 million, €50 million or €10 million, but that's something between God, the HMRC and myself.
Many people have compared me to the Victorian adventure writer, Rider Haggard. I accept that as a compliment. As a boy growing up in Central Africa I read all Haggard's African novels.
If I have to die, then it’s best to do so before I see everything I love, the land, the animals, the people, all of it destroyed.
A man follows the path laid out for him. He does his duty to God and his King. He does what he must do, not what pleases him. God’s truth, boy, what kind of world would this be if every man did what pleased him alone? Who would plough the fields and reap the harvest, if every man had the right to say, ‘I don’t want to do that.’ In this world there is a place for every man, but every man must know his place.
All my characters have got a big slice of me in them. A big piece of me, because it’s my dialogue and this is the way I think and talk.
As they slithered up the muddy bank, scores of tiny silver fish that had been feasting on the open wounds were slow to relinquish their hold and were drawn out with the carcasses. Stranded upon the mud-banks, they flopped and quivered like stars that had fallen to earth.
