Thomas Bertram Costain, a celebrated author of historical fiction, gained widespread recognition for his literary accomplishments. His first novel, "For My Great Folly", was published at the remarkable age of fifty-seven, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Prior to embarking on his writing journey, Costain had established himself as a respected journalist, serving as a reporter for various local newspapers in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario.
Thomas Costain's professional journey commenced in 1915 when he took on the responsibility of managing editor for the esteemed Maclean's magazine, a role he expertly fulfilled until 1920. Following this tenure, he ascended to the esteemed position of editor-in-chief for the revered Saturday Evening Post, a publication renowned for its prestige. In 1937, Costain made a significant career transition by joining Twentieth-Century Fox, assuming the vital role of eastern story editor. Two years later, in 1939, he leveraged his editorial expertise as an advisory editor for the prominent publishing house, Doubleday.
As he navigated his demanding editorial role, Costain's ardent enthusiasm for crafting novels persisted, albeit simmering beneath the surface. Decades passed, and it wasn't until he had reached the latter stages of his life, well into his fifties, that he finally discovered the time and opportunity to indulge his long-held literary aspirations.
The outcome of this newfound freedom was nothing short of remarkable, as his debut novel, "For My Great Folly", achieved widespread acclaim and commercial success, catapulting him to the forefront of the literary world. This initial triumph was swiftly followed by a string of additional bestselling novels, including the critically acclaimed "The Black Rose" and the equally impressive "The Silver Chalice", further solidifying his reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Costain's literary works were distinguished by their meticulous and thorough research, which added a layer of authenticity to his stories. His novels were also praised for their swift and engaging pacing, which kept readers enthralled from start to finish. Furthermore, his dialogue was consistently well-crafted, allowing his characters to come alive on the page. Additionally, his plotting was expertly handled, with unexpected twists and turns that kept readers guessing until the very end.
As for his personal life, John Romeyn Benchley Costain was born on September 18, 1886, in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England. He was the youngest of seven children born to George Edward Costain and Louisa Emma Benchley. Costain's early life was marked by a love of reading and writing, and he began writing stories as a young boy.
Costain's education was cut short when he was forced to leave school at the age of 14 due to his family's financial difficulties. He went on to work as a clerk in a local bank, but his passion for writing never wavered. In his spare time, he continued to write stories and novels, eventually publishing his first book, "White Boots", in 1928.
Over the course of his career, Costain wrote over 40 novels, many of which were bestsellers. His most famous works include "The Black Robe", "The Capitol", and "The Law and the Lady". Despite his success, Costain remained humble and grounded, crediting his fans and readers for his success.
Costain's personal life was marked by a number of struggles, including the loss of his first wife and the challenges of raising his three children as a single parent. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to write until his death on March 5, 1959.
