Picture a British storyteller who swapped newsrooms for battlefields, weaving tales of courage and adventure—meet John Wilcox! This award-winning journalist turned novelist captured the hearts of historical fiction fans with his thrilling Simon Fonthill series, bringing the grit and glory of 19th and early 20th-century conflicts to life. Before his passing in 2018, Wilcox’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research made him a standout in the genre, inviting readers to march alongside his heroes through history’s most dramatic moments.
The Making of John Wilcox
Born in Birmingham, England, John Wilcox kicked off his career as a local reporter, chasing stories with the same tenacity he’d later pour into his novels. His journalism career took him across the globe, exposing him to diverse cultures and histories that would shape his writing. After years in the industry, Wilcox sold his company in the mid-1990s to pursue his true passion: storytelling. Settling in Salisbury, he traded deadlines for drafts, crafting narratives from his garden studio, inspired by the quiet beauty of Wiltshire’s chestnut trees.
John Wilcox’s Unforgettable Stories
Wilcox’s Simon Fonthill series, spanning 11 novels from 2004 to 2014, is his crowning achievement. The series follows Lieutenant Simon Fonthill, a British soldier navigating the perils of colonial wars from 1879 to 1914. In The Horns of the Buffalo (2004), Fonthill battles Zulus in South Africa, proving his valor against a backdrop of colonial tension. The Road to Kandahar (2005) thrusts him into Afghanistan’s rugged terrain, while Siege of Khartoum (2009) pits him against the Mahdi’s forces in Sudan. Fire Across the Veldt (2013) sees Fonthill tackling Boer guerrilla tactics in 1900. Wilcox’s style blends fast-paced action with historical accuracy, his meticulous research breathing life into real figures like General Gordon and Kitchener. His characters, especially Fonthill and his loyal comrade ‘352’ Jenkins, leap off the page with humor and heart, making each adventure a page-turner.
Wilcox’s knack for weaving fact and fiction earned comparisons to Bernard Cornwell, but his lighter tone and focus on lesser-known campaigns set him apart. Whether depicting the icy Himalayan passes in Treachery in Tibet or the chaos of the Boxer Rebellion in The War of the Dragon Lady, Wilcox made history accessible and thrilling, inviting readers to explore the complexities of empire through a soldier’s eyes.
Why John Wilcox Matters
John Wilcox didn’t just write historical fiction; he brought the past to life with a journalist’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s flair for drama. His Simon Fonthill series introduced readers to overlooked corners of British colonial history, from Sudan to Tibet, sparking curiosity about the human cost of empire. Fans praised his ability to balance action with character depth, with ‘352’ Jenkins becoming a beloved figure for his wit and loyalty. Though Wilcox passed away in 2018, his novels continue to inspire historical fiction enthusiasts, offering a gateway to the triumphs and tragedies of a bygone era.
- Born: Birmingham, England
- Key Works: Simon Fonthill series (2004–2014), including The Horns of the Buffalo, Siege of Khartoum
- Career Shift: From journalist to full-time novelist in the 1990s
- Legacy: Celebrated for vivid historical fiction
Ready to charge into history? Snag The Horns of the Buffalo and dive into John Wilcox’s thrilling world of adventure!