C.J. Sansom, a historical novelist known for his Shardlake series, recently passed away at the age of 71. His series follows the adventures of Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer-turned-detective solving chilling murders in Tudor England. With a Ph.D. in history and law degree, Mr. Sansom brought a wealth of knowledge and historical detail to his works. His novels are not only thrilling mysteries, but also provide insight into the court intrigues of Thomas Cromwell and King Henry VIII, as well as the everyday life in 16th century England.
Despite battling multiple myeloma during his life, Mr. Sansom continued to write and his seventh and final novel “Tombland” was published before his death. The Shardlake series was popular both in Britain and internationally, with more than three million copies in print. Apart from the Shardlake series, Mr. Sansom also penned other historical novels such as “Winter in Madrid” and “Dominion,” showcasing his versatility as a writer. His works were praised for their precision in plotting, historical accuracy, and complex characterizations.
Mr. Sansom drew upon his own experiences as an outcast in his portrayal of Shardlake, who faces physical deformity and social isolation in a superstitious society. His personal struggles with trust and isolation stemmed from childhood bullying at a private school in Edinburgh, where he was taunted for being different. Despite these challenges, Mr. Sansom pursued higher education and a career in law before turning to writing in his late 40s. His experiences of bullying deeply influenced his characters and themes in his novels.
Throughout his life, Mr. Sansom maintained privacy and shied away from publicity, preferring to quietly publish his works. His dedication to historical accuracy and meticulous research was evident in his writing, even as he struggled with declining health during the writing of his last novel. His editor, Maria Rejt, noted that Mr. Sansom’s commitment to historical research and writing was always paramount. While his childhood trauma continued to impact him, he channeled his pain into creating compelling characters and storylines in his novels.
The Shardlake series presents a unique perspective on Tudor England, combining intense thriller elements with rich historical detail. Mr. Sansom’s nuanced portrayal of his main character, Shardlake, reflects his own struggles with social interaction and isolation. Despite the anachronistic aspects of a detective in Tudor times, Mr. Sansom believed in the plausibility of his character, citing the era of rational inquiry and humanist thinking as a backdrop for Shardlake’s existence. His legacy as a historical novelist continues to be celebrated by readers and critics alike, with his works leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Christopher John Sansom was a prolific writer who left behind a legacy of compelling historical fiction. His unique blend of mystery, history, and character development resonated with readers around the world. Despite facing personal challenges and health issues, Mr. Sansom persevered in his writing, leaving behind a body of work that reflects his passion for history and storytelling. His impact on the genre of historical fiction is undeniable, and he will be remembered for his vivid imagination, meticulous research, and complex characters.
