Roland Vernon

Roland Vernon is an English writer whose work spans novels, biographies, and historical accounts. Born in 1961, his early life included periods in Vienna, Zambia, and Greece, with education at Eton College, King's College, Cambridge, and the Royal College of Music. He initially trained as an opera singer before transitioning to writing professionally in 1991.

Vernon's writing career began with winning the Ian St James Award for fiction in 1989. He has authored several novels, including his debut "A Dark Enchantment" (2008), "The Maestro's Voice" (2010), and "The Good Wife's Castle" (2012). He also penned biographies, notably "Star in the East: Krishnamurti, the Invention of a Messiah" (2000), which explores the life of philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. His non-fiction work extends to a history of his family, "Children of the Corn Maiden" (2019). Vernon has been based in Somerset since 1988 and has three sons from his second marriage.

Born on February 1, 1961, Roland Vernon's early years were shaped by his English mother and an Italian father who was a writer and businessman. He spent time in foster care before moving to Vienna with his mother. His childhood also included residences in Zambia and Greece, influenced by his stepfather, Jeremy Peake, an Anglican clergyman. Vernon received his education at notable institutions, including Eton College, King's College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar, and the Royal College of Music. He graduated with a degree in the history of art.

Following his academic pursuits, Roland Vernon trained as an opera singer and briefly pursued a professional singing career. He then worked for two years as a manager at Nimbus Records. In 1991, he embarked on a full-time writing career, concurrently establishing his own marquee company. His literary output includes novels, biographies, and historical works. He has received awards for his fiction, including the Ian St James Award in 1989. Vernon's biographical work includes "Star in the East" (2000), a study of the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Roland Vernon's published works encompass a range of genres. His novels include "A Dark Enchantment" (2008), set in 19th-century Greece among brigands and landowners, "The Maestro's Voice" (2010), focusing on an operatic star in 1920s Naples, and "The Good Wife's Castle" (2012), a psychological thriller. His biography of Jiddu Krishnamurti, "Star in the East" (2000), delves into the philosopher's life and persona. Vernon has also written children's books on composers and a family history, "Children of the Corn Maiden" (2019). His background in music and art appears to inform some of his creative endeavors.