Robert J. Harris (writer)

Robert J. Harris is a British author, primarily known for his historical fiction and alternate history novels. He was born in Nottingham, England, and educated at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied English Literature.

Harris began his career as a journalist, working for the BBC as a reporter and presenter on Newsnight and Panorama. He later became a political columnist for The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph.

He is the author of several bestselling novels, including Fatherland, an alternate history thriller set in a Nazi-dominated Europe decades after a German victory in World War II. Other notable works include the Cicero Trilogy (Imperium, Lustrum, and Dictator), which chronicles the life and career of the Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero; Pompeii, a historical novel set in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius; Enigma, a World War II codebreaking thriller; Archangel, a contemporary thriller; and Conclave, a thriller about a papal election.

Harris's novels are known for their meticulous historical research, compelling plots, and well-developed characters. He often explores themes of power, ambition, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in extraordinary circumstances. His books have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into film and television productions. He is considered one of the leading authors of historical thrillers.