Edward Rutherfurd, the pen name of Francis Edward Wintle, is celebrated for his epic historical novels, which meticulously blend the narrative of fictional families with real historical events. Born in Salisbury, England, in 1948, Rutherfurd's fascination with history led him to pursue degrees in history and literature at the prestigious University of Cambridge, and later at Stanford University in California.

His literary career took a definitive turn with the publication of his debut novel, Sarum, which traces the history of England through a ten-thousand-year storyline centered around Salisbury and the iconic monument of Stonehenge. This novel not only established Rutherfurd's distinctive storytelling technique but also marked the beginning of his international acclaim, securing a place on the New York Times Bestseller List for 23 weeks. Rutherfurd has since authored several more bestsellers, each exploring the rich tapestry of different locales through the ages.

Rutherfurd, who initially embarked on careers in political research, bookselling, and publishing, eventually returned to his childhood environs in the early 1980s to devote himself to writing. Today, he resides near Dublin, Ireland, with his two children, continuing to enchant readers with his narrative prowess and deep historical insight.