James MacManus is a British author and journalist with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has published five books, including the nonfiction work "Ocean Devil: The Life and Legend of George Hogg," which chronicles the adventures of a young Englishman in 1930s China and was adapted into the film "The Children of Huang Shi." His debut novel, "On the Broken Shore" (published as "The Language of the Sea" in the US), explores the story of a marine scientist living among seals off Cape Cod. MacManus's historical fiction "Black Venus" delves into the tumultuous relationship between poet Charles Baudelaire and his muse, Jeanne Duval, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris.
With a background as a foreign correspondent for "The Guardian" and diplomatic correspondent for "The Daily Telegraph", MacManus brings a journalist's precision to his writing. His works often blend meticulous research with vivid storytelling, particularly in historical and maritime settings. Beyond "Black Venus," his historical fiction includes "Sleep in Peace Tonight" and "Midnight in Berlin," further showcasing his ability to weave compelling narratives from real-world events. Currently serving as Managing Director of the "Times Literary Supplement", MacManus continues to bridge the worlds of literature and journalism.