Margaret George Books In Order

Publication Order of Nero Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

As an American author of historical novels, Margaret George is unsurpassed in her field, really speaking in a manner that is at once once wholly authentic and extremely direct. Focusing on epic biographies of important key figures from the past, she provides a window into history quite unlike any other. Putting a lot of her own family history into her work too, she manages to write from an personal perspective as well, giving her writing an almost intimate style.

This has allowed readers from all over the world the chance to relate to and understand important people from throughout history. Transporting them back, she takes her audience on a journey, meeting characters and witnessing events from standpoint previous unseen. With a lot more to come, she still continues to write to this day, as more and more readers discover her work worldwide.

Early and Personal Life:

Raised in Nashville Tennessee, Margaret George was always deeply interested history and would invest a lot of time into studying this. Born on the 19th of January in 1943, she would also grow up with a strong passion for the written word and literature too. This would see her on in later years towards becoming a full-time author of historical novels, as the two interests complimented one another.

With a father in the United States Foreign Service, she spent much of her childhood moving around living overseas for much of it. Residing in countries such as Taiwan, Germany, and Israel, all before she was thirteen, she would see a lot over the years, all experiences that would feed back into her work. Graduating with a B.A. from Tufts University, along with an MA from Stanford University, she would co-major English literature and biological science.

Working as a science writer for some time prior to becoming a novelist, she’d gain a unique insight into academic writing. Taking this with into her combination of fiction and biography, she’d work on creating and establishing that was authentic and entertaining. Over time her voice would develop, as she’d become more adept at producing work for large audiences.

She’d write for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, before moving with her husband to Madison in Wisconsin. Still continuing to write, she puts out work regularly, with historical novels and series being published by her often. With a lot more to follow and her audience building, she doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon either.

Writing Career:

In 1986 Margaret George would publish the book ‘The Autobiography of Henry VIII’, which would set the template for much of her work to come. Charting the life of the famous and iconic individual, it would paint a vivid portrait of the Tudor king that still remains relevant all these years later. Over time she would produce a number of other books and series, focusing on different characters and periods in time. Winning awards for her work too, such as the Booklist in 2018, she would also have her Cleopatra novel adapted into an A&E network produced miniseries for the Biography channel in 1999. All of this has led to her becoming a New York Times bestselling author internationally all across the world.

Helen of Troy

First published in 2006 on the 26th of July, this would initially come out through the Viking Adult publishing label. A stand-alone historical novel charting the life of the iconic figure Helen of Troy, it’s a testament to an era long ago. Documenting the period in an entertaining and engaging way, it’s a must not only for fans of the author, but for those interested in history too.

Told through the narration of Helen of Troy herself, it provides a direct account of the legend itself, and how it all went. Extremely well researched Margaret George gives it a high degree of authenticity, allowing the reader to feel as if they’re actually there. Bringing the period to life too, the world feels fully realized too, giving vivid descriptions of the era, leaving nothing out.

Learning the truth of her divine heritage, Helen of Troy would marry the Spartan king Menelaus when she was just a young girl. Regarded as the world’s most beautiful woman, she would find herself in a passionless marriage, which left her feeling empty at the age of twenty. Then, meeting Paris the Trojan prince, the two of them flee to the city of Troy, giving her her name, as the legend would form. Facing war, murder, and strife, the clash of civilizations would have huge repercussions that would reverberate throughout history. Where will this journey take the two young lovers? Can they overcome the obstacles before them? What will become of Helen of Troy?

The Splendor Before The Dark

Set in Ancient Rome, this would be the second part in the Nero series of books, which charts the life and times of the Roman sovereign. Originally released in 2018 through the Berkley Pub Group, this would come out on the 6th of November, just one year after the first. Looking at the adult life of the Emperor Nero, it sees him in power, as he attempts to retain it despite the problems that face him.

Diving into the past again, it’s clear once more that Margaret George has a strong passion for history, writing with accuracy and authenticity. This goes for each of the characters, as she makes sure to give them a unique voice, and one that makes resonate with the readers. Despite it being another era again, it’s easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the world, feeling as if they’re really a part of it.

Heralding a new age of cultural splendor, Nero Augustus is leading ancient Rome to greatness, as he rules as emperor beside Poppaea. With her beauty and cunning, and strength and intelligence, the two of them bring about an era of artistic superiority, developing the culture and society as a whole. Not yet producing an heir though, he must contend with a new prophecy that predicts the city will burn, as it soon passes leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. He now has to deal with the aftermath, returning Rome to its former glory, all whilst defending his crown and dynasty from those around him. Will he manage to defend his name? Can he return Rome to its former glory? What will happen during the splendor before the dark?

One Response to “Margaret George”

1. Helene Mandell: 2 years ago

   I have read every book that Margaret George has written and I would like to convey to her that she is the most excellent, articulate, talented author of Historical Novels that I have ever discovered.

   I keep watching for more books from her. I’m a 75 year-old woman so any on the horizon?

   Kind Regards

   Reply