Harold Robins
"The only thing of value on this earth is that each of us is an individual and not a cog in a machine. No man is better than another because of circumstance or fortune, but each important to his own."
Harold Robbins is one of the most popular writers of all time, with more than 25 best-selling novels to his name. His novels were often scandalous – especially for the time – featuring violent plotlines, scandals, sex, and dramatic tales of high society. His most well-known novel was arguably The Carpetbaggers, which delves into the world of the aviation industry in Hollywood.
His work was hugely popular, and he sold more than 750 million books in his lifetime, including translations of his works in more than 30 languages.
Meet Harold Robbins
Harold Robbins was born in New York in 1916. While he would at some point tell people he was a Jewish orphan raised in a Catholic’s boys home, he was in fact raised by his father and step-mother in Brooklyn.
In fact, Harold wasn’t shy about telling tall tales. He joined the US Navy as a teenager, and claimed to have been the sole survivor of a torpedo attack on a submarine – another fabricated story. He did work in an array of jobs throughout his life, including 17 years working for Universal Pictures. His time here no doubt inspired his novels about Hollywood and the film industry.
His first release was Never Love a Stranger in 1948, which he followed with The Dream Merchants a year later. A Stone for Danny Fisher became a fast fan favourite, and was adapted for film in 1958 and starred Elvis Presley. Several others of his works, including The Carpetbaggers, Where Love Has Gone, and The Adventurers were all also made into movies.
Throughout his lifetime, he was known as something of a playboy. He earned a lot through his books and spent just as much, marrying three times and spending many years enjoying the French Riviera and Monte Carlo. His influence has led to countless mentions in pop culture over the years, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
After Robbins passed away at the age of 81, there were several books published post-humously in his name including Never Enough and The Predators. It remains unclear whether these were based off his drafts or notes, or were entirely fabricated by ghostwriters.
What kind of books did Harold Robbins write?
Robbins wrote popular mid-20th century commercial fiction notable for scandalous, pulp-influenced plots featuring sex, violence, high society and oftentimes Hollywood or industry settings.
Which Harold Robbins novel should I start with?
A good place to start is The Carpetbaggers, his best-known novel about industry and ambition. If you prefer his earlier work, try Never Love a Stranger or The Dream Merchants; A Stone for Danny Fisher is also famous and was adapted into a film.
Are Harold Robbins' books part of a series or are they standalone?
Most of Robbins' novels are standalone stories rather than installments in a series, so you can read them in any order.
Were any of Harold Robbins' books adapted into films?
Yes. Several were adapted for film, including A Stone for Danny Fisher (1958, which starred Elvis Presley), The Carpetbaggers, Where Love Has Gone and The Adventurers.
What notable recognition did Harold Robbins receive for his work?
Robbins sold more than 750 million books worldwide, had translations into over 30 languages, and received popular recognition including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.