In writing this biography, many of Catherine Cookson's friends have been willing to talk to the author. Even more importantly, Kathleen Jones has had access to

Alison Read, orphaned when she was two years old, had for some years lived and worked with Paul Aylmer, her appointed guardian. Paul, an experienced antique dea

Catherine Cookson is one of the most popular and most read English authors of all time, with more than 100 million books sold. She didn't begin writing until sh

Catherine Cookson is known and loved for her vibrant earthy novels set in and around the North-East of England, past and present. Her autobiography makes plain

Born into one of Western Europe's most deprived areas, Catherine Cookson lived an eventful and fulfilling life. Her life story, as told by Kathleen Jones, who h