Piers Paul Read

Easton Press Piers Paul Read books

Alive - signed modern classic - 2004

Author Piers Paul Read

Piers Paul Read, born on March 7, 1941, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, is a highly acclaimed British author and journalist known for his diverse body of work spanning fiction, non-fiction, and journalism. Throughout his career, Read has tackled a wide range of subjects, including historical events, religious themes, and contemporary social issues. After receiving his education at Ampleforth College and St. John's College, Cambridge, Read embarked on a career in writing. He initially gained recognition for his journalistic work, contributing articles to prominent publications such as The Times and The Spectator. His keen eye for detail and incisive analysis soon established him as a respected commentator on a variety of topics, from politics and culture to religion and literature.

However, it is Read's work as an author that has earned him the most widespread acclaim. He first gained literary prominence with his debut novel, The Junkers (1968), a World War II thriller set in Nazi-occupied Poland. This was followed by Monk Dawson (1969), a novel exploring themes of faith and disillusionment in the Catholic Church. In 1974, Read achieved international success with his non-fiction book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors, which recounts the harrowing ordeal of a Uruguayan rugby team stranded in the Andes mountains after a plane crash. The book became a bestseller and was adapted into a feature film, cementing Read's reputation as a masterful storyteller with a talent for gripping narrative and meticulous research. Throughout his career, Read has continued to produce a diverse body of work, including novels such as The Free Frenchman (1986) and The Death of a Pope (2009), as well as non-fiction works like Ablaze: The Story of Chernobyl (1993) and The Templars: The Dramatic History of the Knights Templar, the Most Powerful Military Order of the Crusades (1999).

In addition to his literary pursuits, Read has also served as a trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum and as chairman of the Society of Authors. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature and journalism, including the Hawthornden Prize for Literature and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. Piers Paul Read's wide-ranging body of work reflects his deep intellectual curiosity, his passion for storytelling, and his commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience. Whether delving into historical events, grappling with moral dilemmas, or shedding light on contemporary issues, Read's writing continues to captivate and provoke thought, earning him a place as one of Britain's most esteemed authors.