Robert Harris is a British novelist and journalist whose work often explores themes of power, corruption, and political intrigue. Harris is best known for his historical novels, which include "Pompeii," "Imperium," and "Conspirata." He has also written several contemporary thrillers, including "The Ghost," "The Fear Index," and "An Officer and a Spy," which won the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction.
Harris was born in 1957 in Nottingham, England and grew up in a working-class family. He attended Oxford University, where he studied modern history and politics. After graduation, he worked as a journalist, first for the BBC and then for various newspapers, including The Times and The Observer. In the 1980s, he became a political correspondent for the BBC, covering major events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Gulf War.
In 1992, Harris published his first novel, "Fatherland," which was set in an alternate history in which Nazi Germany won World War II. The novel was a bestseller and was adapted into a television movie. Harris has since published over a dozen novels, including "Enigma," "Archangel," and "The Second Sleep." His work has been translated into more than 40 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to his novels, Harris has also written non-fiction works, including "The Making of Neil Kinnock," a political biography, and "Gotcha!," a book about the media's role in the Falklands War. He has also written several screenplays, including an adaptation of "Fatherland" for HBO and a film adaptation of "Pompeii."
Harris is known for his meticulous research and attention to historical detail, which gives his novels a sense of authenticity and depth. He is also a skilled storyteller, with a knack for creating complex and compelling characters and plots. His work is often described as "page-turning," as he is able to keep readers on the edge of their seats with his suspenseful and gripping narratives.
Overall, Robert Harris is a highly respected and accomplished novelist whose work has earned him a wide and devoted readership. His ability to combine historical accuracy with thrilling storytelling has made him one of the most successful and popular writers of his generation.
