RIP to acclaimed author Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith

Over his decades-long career, Smith sold more than 140 million books in more than 30 languages. Known as one of the best adventure storytellers in the world, Smith wrote books like River God, The Seventh Scroll, and Courtney series. In total, Smith died with 49 titles under his name - transporting readers from tropical islands to the jungles of Africa.

His very first novel, When the Lion Feeds, was released in 1964 and became an instant bestseller. Subsequently, each of his novels saw the bestseller charts.

We are saddened by the news of Wilbur Smith’s passing - we have lost a prolific writer! View our catalogue for his books, and relive your favourite adventure! https://t.co/lUAtB7qptv #RIP #WilburSmith pic.twitter.com/H8UIOHhcM3

— Stellenbosch University Library (@SU_Libraries) November 15, 2021

According to a statement on the Wilbur Smith Books website, literary agent for Smith, Kevin Conroy Scott, said, “Wilbur Smith was an icon, larger than life, beloved by his fans who collected his books in hardbacks and passed his work down through generations, fathers to sons and mothers to daughters. His knowledge of Africa, and his imagination knew no limitations. His work ethic and his powerful, elegant writing style made him known to millions. I cherish the role of working side by side with his wife Niso and the Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation to keep the flame of his fictional universe alive for many years to come.”

So sad to hear Wilbur Smith has passed away. He was the one author that started me reading in earnest and I’ve never stopped absorbing each new book. RIP master and thanks for the stories. https://t.co/Xpkq3n01Oa

— Graham Bartlett (@gbpoliceadvisor) November 13, 2021

As Wilbur Smith said in his memoir On Leopard Rock, “I’ve had tough times, bad marriages, people I loved dearly dying in my arms, burnt the midnight oil getting nowhere, but it has, all in the end, added up to a phenomenally fulfilled and wonderful life. I want to be remembered as somebody who gave pleasure to millions.”