William Horwood is an English novelist, born in Oxford, England, in May 1944. Raised on the East Kent coast, mostly in Deal, his upbringing was both intellectually stimulating and challenging, as depicted in his memoir, The Boy with No Shoes. At the age of ten, William attended school in Germany, and by fourteen, inspired by The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, he decided to become a writer.

He pursued Geography & Economics at Bristol University after a nine-month journey around the British Isles. William's varied career included roles such as fundraising for World University Service, teaching, selling recruitment advertising, and writing for trade magazines. He later worked for the London Daily Mail, eventually resigning to write his first novel, Duncton Wood, an anthropomorphic saga that became an instant bestseller.

William has authored over twenty novels, including sequels to The Wind in the Willows, the Hyddenworld Quartet, and stories about eagles, wolves, and more. His 1987 novel, Skallagrigg, was adapted into a BBC film in 1994. He collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport on Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller.

Currently a Council Member of the Society of Authors, William's interests include hill-walking, art history, and film.