Jonathan Stroud
Biography
Jonathan Stroud
Jonathan Stroud is the author of the New York Times bestselling Bartimaeus series, as well as THE LEAP, THE LAST SIEGE, BURIED FIRE and HEROES OF THE VALLEY.
A graduate of York University with a degree in English Literature, Stroud began his career at Walker Books in London as an editor. In 1999, he burst onto the children's book scene with a novel of his own, BURIED FIRE. A powerful and compelling read, the book combined elements of fantasy and mythology in a contemporary setting. Stroud began writing full-time after the publication of his second fantasy adventure, THE LEAP, in January 2001.
In 2003 Stroud published the first book in the enthralling Bartimaeus Trilogy, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND. Pairing skillful development of plot and structure with a wickedly witty djinni as its star, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND was an instant hit. Stroud followed up with two vividly atmospheric sequels, THE GOLEM'S EYE (2004) and PTOLEMY'S GATE (2005). The series is an international best seller and is currently published in 37 countries.
In 2009, Stroud returned to the stand-alone title with the medieval fantasy HEROES OF THE VALLEY --- and garnered five starred reviews. The novel is a hero's saga and a surprising look at what bravery really means.
In 2010 Stroud revisited the world of Bartimaeus with a brilliant prequel installment, THE RING OF SOLOMON. Spanning centuries, this volume introduces exciting new characters throughout fascinating moments in history. Readers travel alongside Bartimaeus to Jerusalem and the court of King Solomon for his most exciting adventure yet. The book received five starred reviews and was short-listed for the 2010 Costa Children's Book Award. In 2010, Disney Publishing Worldwide adapted the first Bartimaeus novel, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, into a highly-regarded graphic novel.
Stroud lives outside of London with his wife and two children.
Jonathan Stroud
