Picture a duo of British storytellers weaving the grandeur of the Mughal Empire into gripping historical fiction—meet Alex Rutherford, the pen name of Diana and Michael Preston! This husband-and-wife team, armed with Oxford degrees and a passion for travel, transformed their love for India’s vibrant history into the bestselling Empire of the Moghul series, a thrilling blend of fact and fiction that brings emperors like Babur and Akbar to life.
With meticulous research and boots-on-the-ground exploration, the Prestons have crafted novels that pulse with battles, betrayals, and opulent courts. Their work doesn’t just tell history—it makes you feel the dust of the Khyber Pass and the weight of a crown. Let’s dive into their journey and the legacy they’ve built!
The Making of Alex Rutherford
Diana and Michael Preston, both Oxford alumni, studied history and English, laying the foundation for their storytelling prowess. Before adopting the Alex Rutherford pseudonym, they penned acclaimed non-fiction, including works on the Taj Mahal. Their fascination with India, sparked by extensive travels across 140 countries, led them to the Mughal Empire. To bring authenticity to their fiction, they retraced the Mughals’ steps—from the Ferghana Valley in Kyrgyzstan to the plains of northern India—immersing themselves in the landscapes and chronicles of the era.
Their shift to historical fiction was a bold leap. Choosing the gender-neutral pseudonym Alex Rutherford (inspired by Nobel laureate Ernest Rutherford), they sought to distinguish their novels from their non-fiction roots. This creative pivot birthed a series that would captivate readers worldwide, blending scholarly rigor with a flair for drama.
Alex Rutherford’s Unforgettable Stories
The Empire of the Moghul series, spanning six novels from 2009 to 2015, is Alex Rutherford’s crowning achievement. Each book chronicles a Mughal emperor, starting with Raiders from the North, which follows Babur, the dynasty’s founder, as he battles to forge an empire in 1494. Vivid battle scenes and rich character development make Babur’s ambition leap off the page. Brothers at War shifts to Humayun, whose reign is threatened by sibling rivalries and internal strife, offering a thrilling tale of loyalty and betrayal.
Ruler of the World introduces Akbar, a visionary emperor whose religious tolerance and military might reshape India, though family tensions sow seeds of discord. Later books, like The Tainted Throne and The Serpent’s Tooth, delve into Jahangir and Shah Jahan, weaving stories of opulence, addiction, and tragedy, culminating in the Taj Mahal’s creation. The series’ strength lies in its balance of historical accuracy—drawn from sources like the Baburnama—and imaginative storytelling, with sweeping prose that captures the era’s savagery and splendor.
The Prestons’ writing process is as dynamic as their tales. They break stories into cinematic scenes, divvying up writing tasks after exhaustive research, ensuring every detail, from court intrigue to desert treks, feels authentic. Their style resonates with fans of historical epics, earning praise for its accessibility and vividness, though some critique occasional verbosity.
Why Alex Rutherford Matters
Alex Rutherford’s work has left a lasting mark on historical fiction, bringing the Mughal Empire to a global audience. The series’ blend of meticulous research and narrative flair has educated and enthralled readers, offering a window into a dynasty that shaped India’s cultural and architectural landscape. Its adaptation into a Disney+ Hotstar series, The Empire, underscores its broad appeal, though some debate its historical liberties.
Beyond entertainment, the Prestons’ commitment to exploring lesser-known histories inspires curiosity about the past. Their ability to humanize emperors—flaws and all—makes history relatable, encouraging readers to explore the complexities of power and legacy. For fans of epic sagas, Alex Rutherford is a gateway to a world of intrigue and ambition.
- Pen Name: Alex Rutherford (Diana and Michael Preston)
- Key Works: Empire of the Moghul series (6 books, 2009–2015)
- Notable Recognition: Adapted into Disney+ Hotstar’s The Empire
Ready to gallop through the Mughal Empire? Snag Raiders from the North and dive into Alex Rutherford’s thrilling historical adventure!