Jilly Cooper

Jilly Cooper was one of Britain's most beloved and bestselling authors, a writer whose exuberant, scandalous, and wildly entertaining novels defined a genre and delighted millions of readers over more than five decades. Her Rutshire Chronicles — a sprawling, hilarious saga of sex, rivalry, and ambition among the British upper classes and their horses — are among the most enjoyable novels in the English language. Born Jilly Sallitt in Hornchurch, Essex in 1937, she grew up in Yorkshire and worked as a journalist before becoming a household name. She wrote a popular newspaper column and several non-fiction books, including How to Stay Married and Class — a witty guide to the British class system — before turning to the novels that would make her reputation. Riders (1985) launched the Rutshire Chronicles and became an instant sensation — a riotous, sexy, gloriously over-the-top story of showjumping, social climbing, and romantic chaos. Rivals (1988), set in the world of television, was equally successful. Polo, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, Appassionata, Score!, Pandora, Wicked!, Jump!, and Mount! continued the series, each combining breathless romantic plots with a huge cast of memorable characters, sharp social observation, and a generous spirit that made even the villains entertaining. Cooper was also a passionate advocate for animal welfare and countryside preservation, themes that run through all her fiction. She was appointed OBE for services to literature and appointed CBE in 2018. Jilly Cooper died in February 2025 at the age of eighty-seven, prompting tributes from across the literary world and from the millions of readers whose lives she had enriched with laughter and pleasure. The audiobook editions of Cooper's novels are an absolute joy, with narrators capturing the energy, wit, and sheer fun of her storytelling. Her books and audiobooks are essential — exuberant, warm-hearted, and gloriously entertaining.