Elected: 1982
Year of birth: 1950
Wilson was educated at Rugby School and later attended New College, Oxford (B.A., 1972; M.A., 1976). Initially drawn to the teaching profession and priesthood, Wilson settled upon a life of writing, and published his first novel, The Sweets of Pimlico in 1977. He has since published over 40 works of fiction and non-fiction.
He is a regular voice on BBC radio, and an occasional columnist for the Daily Mail, Telegraph, London Evening Standard, Financial Times, the Times Literary Supplement, New Statesman, The Spectator and The Observer. A selection of Wilson’s journalism can be found in his collection Pen Friends from Porlock (1989)
An award-winning biographer and a celebrated novelist, Wilson holds a prominent position in the world of literature and journalism.
Fellows are nominated by peers and elected by our Council of writers – our governing Board. Being elected a Fellow of the RSL is a lifetime honour. This role gives them the opportunity to support other writers, readers and the future of literature. The RSL connects writers in the Fellowship to one another, and to a wider readership.
