Robert J. Harris

Robert J. Harris is a Scottish author known for his work in historical fiction and children's literature. He has made notable contributions to these genres, focusing on adventure and mystery. Harris is perhaps most famous for his Richard Hannay novels and his work on the Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries series.

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Robert J. Harris developed an early love of storytelling, influenced by the city's rich culture and interest in creating comics and games. His fascination with literature led him to the University of St Andrews, where he studied Classics. Graduating with a first-class honours degree in Latin, Harris was one of the first in two decades to write Latin poetry as part of his coursework.

After completing his studies, Harris worked as an auxiliary nurse and volunteered at a religious conference centre. He also made his first trip to the United States, where he travelled extensively. These experiences broadened his worldview and provided material that would later influence his writing.

Harris's career took a significant turn when he ventured into game design, creating the best-selling fantasy board game Talisman. This success allowed him to shift his focus to writing, a path further encouraged by his friendship with American author Jane Yolen. They have written several books, including The Queen's Own Fool and the Young Heroes series.

In 2005, Harris published his first solo novel, Leonardo and the Death Machine, which was translated into several languages. This was followed by the Will Shakespeare and the Pirate's Fire and the World Goes Loki trilogies. His passion for historical narrative and classic literature is evident in his works, which often combine historical events with fictional adventures.

One of Harris's most significant achievements was the release of The Thirty-One Kings in 2017. The novel continues the adventures of Richard Hannay, a character created by John Buchan. The book received critical acclaim and was listed by The Scotsman as one of the fifty best books of the year. Harris's ability to capture the essence of classic adventure fiction while introducing his narrative flair has endeared him to readers and critics alike.

Harris continues to expand his literary repertoire with his latest book, Redfalcon (2024), a new instalment in the Richard Hannay series. The novel promises to take readers on an exciting journey during the Second World War as Hannay confronts a German master spy and uncovers a centuries-old secret that could change the course of history.

Aside from writing, Harris enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including listening to jazz and blues, playing board games and watching classic films.

Robert J. Harris lives in St Andrews with his wife Debby.

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