Picture an American storyteller who spun the lives of kings, queens, and emperors into epic tales that leap off the page—meet Margaret George! Born in 1943, this historical fiction maestro has enchanted readers with her vivid portrayals of figures like Henry VIII and Cleopatra. With a childhood spent globe-trotting and a knack for blending science and storytelling, George crafts novels that whisk you across centuries, making history feel as alive as today.
The Making of Margaret George
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Margaret George’s early years were a whirlwind of adventure. Her father’s U.S. Foreign Service career took the family to Taiwan, Israel, and Germany, exposing young Margaret to ancient sites and legends that sparked her love for history. She earned a B.A. from Tufts University and an M.A. from Stanford, blending biology and English literature—a unique mix that fueled her meticulous research. Writing since childhood, George penned stories on yellow tablets, but it wasn’t until her 30s, after working as a science writer at the National Institutes of Health, that she turned her passion into a career.
Margaret George’s Unforgettable Stories
George’s novels are epic fictional biographies, each a deep dive into the psyche of history’s giants. Her debut, The Autobiography of Henry VIII (1986), reimagines the Tudor king’s life through his own voice, blending wit and tragedy across nearly 1,000 pages. The Memoirs of Cleopatra (1997) paints the Egyptian queen as a cunning yet human leader, earning an Emmy-nominated ABC miniseries. Helen of Troy (2006) weaves myth and history into a dazzling tapestry, while The Confessions of Young Nero (2017) and its sequel, The Splendor Before the Dark (2018), redeem the infamous emperor as a misunderstood artist. Known for exhaustive research—think racing in Greek stadiums or studying snake poison—George’s prose is immersive, making readers feel they’re strolling through ancient Rome or Elizabethan England.
Her style is intimate yet grand, often using first-person narratives to humanize larger-than-life figures. Whether it’s Mary Queen of Scots or Mary Magdalene, George tackles misunderstood characters, setting their records straight with empathy and authenticity. Her books, translated into 21 languages, consistently hit the New York Times bestseller list, proving her global appeal.
Why Margaret George Matters
Margaret George has redefined historical fiction, elevating it from ‘bodice-ripping’ stereotypes to a genre of intellectual and emotional depth. Her ability to blend scholarly rigor with gripping storytelling has inspired countless readers to explore history’s complexities. As a longtime member of the Historical Novel Society, she’s championed the genre’s legitimacy, paving the way for authors like Hilary Mantel. From Madison, Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and pet tortoise, George continues to captivate, leaving a legacy as a storyteller who makes the past pulse with life.
About Margaret George
- Born: 1943, Nashville, Tennessee
- Key Works: The Autobiography of Henry VIII, The Memoirs of Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, The Confessions of Young Nero
- Notable Achievement: Her novel The Memoirs of Cleopatra inspired an Emmy-nominated miniseries in 1999.
- Fun Fact: She co-authored a children’s book, Lucille Lost, about her pet tortoise.
Ready to time-travel with a master storyteller? Grab The Memoirs of Cleopatra and dive into Margaret George’s spellbinding world of historical fiction!