Gillian Bradshaw facts for kids

Gillian Marucha Bradshaw, born on May 14, 1956, is an American author. She writes many types of books, including exciting historical stories, fantasy tales, and science fiction. She also writes books for children. Gillian Bradshaw lives in Britain.

Her historical novels often take place in ancient times. These settings include Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and Imperial Rome. She has also written two books set during the English Civil War.

About Gillian Bradshaw

Gillian Bradshaw was born in Falls Church, Virginia. She also spent some of her childhood in Santiago, Chile. She went to the University of Michigan for college. There, she won awards for her studies in Classical Greek. She also won a writing prize for her first novel, Hawk of May.

After college, she studied at Newnham College, Cambridge in England. She focused on ancient languages and literature. Her first book, Hawk of May, was published while she was still studying.

Gillian Bradshaw decided to stay in Cambridge to write more books. She soon found out she could make a living as a writer. She has been writing novels ever since! She met her husband, Robin Ball, in Cambridge. He is a physics professor. They have four children together.

Gillian loves exploring ancient ruins, especially those from Graeco-Roman times. She says her family has seen many old Roman buildings. Even though they sometimes complain, they usually enjoy these trips.

Her husband, a physicist, helped her understand science for her book The Sand-Reckoner. This book is about the ancient scientist Archimedes. Gillian Bradshaw is very interested in how people react to new scientific discoveries. She even helped judge a science competition for students.

Gillian Bradshaw's Books

Gillian Bradshaw has written many books for different ages. Her stories often take readers to fascinating times and places.

Early Fantasy and Historical Novels (1980–1990)

Her first books were a fantasy series called Down the Long Wind. These three books were for young adults. They were published between 1980 and 1982. The series includes Hawk of May, Kingdom of Summer, and In Winter's Shadow.

These stories are set in ancient Britain, after the Romans left. The main character is Gwalchmai, a knight. He has to choose between his powerful mother and his uncle, King Arthur.

After these fantasy books, Bradshaw started writing historical novels for adults. Her 1986 book, The Beacon at Alexandria, is about a female doctor named Charis. She pretends to be a eunuch to work in 4th-century Alexandria, Roman Egypt.

The Bearkeeper's Daughter tells the true story of Theodora. She became the empress of the Byzantine Empire. She was born into a very poor family. Her father worked as a bearkeeper for the circus.

In 1988, Imperial Purple was released. It's about Demetrias, a skilled weaver who was born into slavery. She uncovers a plot to remove the emperor Theodosius II from power.

In 1990, Bradshaw wrote Horses of Heaven. This book is about a marriage between a king and a princess around 140 BC. This marriage brings many changes to their kingdoms.

Children's Books and More (1991–2000)

Gillian Bradshaw then wrote three books especially for children. Two of them are linked stories set in Ancient Egypt. These are The Dragon and the Thief (1991) and The Land of Gold (1992). The Land of Gold features a princess from Nubia who tries to get her throne back with the help of a dragon.

Her next children's book was Beyond the North Wind (1993). This story is about a young magician. He is asked by the god Apollo to protect a group of griffins. These griffins are in danger from a mean queen. Gillian wrote these children's books for her own kids to enjoy.

She then returned to writing serious historical fiction for adults. Island of Ghosts (1998) tells the story of Ariantes. He is one of 8,000 Sarmatians serving in the Roman army under Marcus Aurelius.

In 2000, she wrote her first science fiction novel, The Wrong Reflection. It's about a man who has lost his memory. He discovers that his identity is not real.

This was followed by the historical novel The Sand-Reckoner. This book tells the story of Archimedes of Syracuse, Italy. It covers his studies and his role in the Second Punic War.

Later Works (2001–Present)

In 2001, Bradshaw published her second science fiction novel, Dangerous Notes. It's about Valeria Thornham, a talented musician. As a child, she had special cells put into her brain after an accident. She is later arrested and threatened with surgery to remove her musical talent.

Her 2001 historical novel The Wolf Hunt is based on an old French story. It's about Marie Penthive, a Norman woman kidnapped and taken to Duchy of Brittany. She gets involved in the court's secrets and plots.

Her next historical novel, Cleopatra's Heir (2002), is about Caesarion. He was the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII of Egypt. The story follows his escape from being killed and his new life in poverty in the Roman Empire.

In 2002, Bradshaw also wrote a short story called The Justice of Isis. It's set in Ancient Egypt in Alexandria around 58 BCE. This story was published in a collection of Egyptian mystery stories.

Another historical novel, Render Unto Caesar (2003), features Hermogenes. He is a Roman citizen of Greek background. He faces unfair treatment in Rome when trying to collect a debt. His bodyguard, "Cantabra," is a former female gladiator.

In 2003, Bradshaw also wrote a short story called The Malice of the Anicii. It's set in the last years of Imperial Rome. This story was published in a collection of Roman mystery stories.

Bradshaw returned to science fiction with The Somers Treatment (2003). This novel is about a brain surgeon, David Somers. He develops a special treatment for language problems. However, his research is secretly funded by a spy agency.

Her 2004 historical novel The Alchemy of Fire takes place in Constantinople. It's about Anna, who tries to raise her daughter Theodosia alone. She must keep her daughter's noble birth a secret. Meanwhile, an alchemist tries to create Greek fire.

The Elixir of Youth (2006) explores the relationship between a philosopher and her father. He is a scientist who left the family when she was young. His special serum to fix aging skin has gone missing. This book, like Dangerous Notes, touches on the topic of stem cell research.

Bloodwood was published in 2007. This book is set in modern Britain. It focuses on Antonia Lanchester, who is very ill. She finds secret files about illegal logging and corruption at her job. She gives these files to an environmental group.

Her next novel, Dark North (2007), returns to Roman Britain. Set in 208 CE, it shows the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. He tries to conquer Scotland. The story is seen through the eyes of an African cavalry scout and members of the Empress's household.

The Sun's Bride (2008) is set in Ancient Greece in Rhodes in 246 BCE. It tells the story of two people caught up in the end of one king's rule and the start of a war. The book explores how these events change their lives.

London in Chains (2009) is her first historical novel set during the English Civil War. It's about Lucy Wentor, a young woman trying to succeed in the publishing business in London. She faces challenges in a world mostly run by men.

A Corruptible Crown (2011) continues Lucy's story in publishing. She prints news-books and tries to avoid government censors.