Rosemary Sutcliff CBE was a British novelist best known for children's books, especially historical fiction and retellings of myths and legends. Although she was primarily a children's author, the quality and depth of her writing also appeals to adults. In a 1986 interview she said, "I would claim that my books are for children of all ages, from nine to ninety." Some of her novels were specifically written for adults. For her contribution as a children's writer Sutcliff was a runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1974. Sutcliff was born 14 December 1920 to George Ernest Sutcliff and his wife Nessie Elizabeth, n�e Lawton, in East Clandon, Surrey. She spent her childhood in Malta and various naval bases where her father, a Royal Navy officer, was stationed. She was stricken with Still's Disease when she was very young, and thus used a wheelchair most of her life. Due to her chronic illness, Sutcliff spent most of her time with her mother?a tireless storyteller?from whom she learned many of the Celtic and Saxon legends that she would later expand into works of historical fiction. 

December 14th, 1920 in East Clandon  /  Died:   Jul 23rd, 1992