'To Be A Lady' is the first biography of one of Britain's best-selling and best loved writers. It is a fascinating study of determination and courage, pain and triumph over tragedy.

From the beginning of her life in a crowded terrace in Tyneside to her days as a best-selling writer able to offer thousands to charity as a Dame of the British Empire, Catherine Cookson’s own story is as extraordinary as any of her novels.

It is hard to think of any writer, living or dead, who has produced — and continued to produce — such overwhelmingly popular fiction as Catherine Cookson.

Between June, 1950, and the end of 1993, ninety million copies of her novels, children’s books and personal recollections had been sold worldwide. An average of 5,800 every day — 241 books every single hour.

Cookson novels have been adapted into award winning television films. Musicals and plays based on her books have sold out within days and ran for weeks.

Goodwin explores the intriguing, and at times distressing, life of the celebrated writer, Catherine Cookson and the novels that were inspired by her early experiences in Tyneside.

Praise for the author:

‘Even Catherine Cookson couldn't have written a novel with as much drama as her own life story ... the full saga has not been told until now.’ - TODAY

‘As riveting as any of her famous novels.’ - SUNDAY EXPRESS

‘Cliff Goodwin has written a book which is hard to put down and which leaves you in greater admiration of its intriguing and enigmatic subject ... amazing and compulsive as any of her bestsellers.’ - NEWCASTLE JOURNAL

‘A cracking story ... essential for her fans, and a good read for everyone.’ - MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

Cliff Goodwin was born in London in 1950. He was educated in Slough, Berkshire, and joined the town's weekly newspaper as a trainee journalist in 1968.
Since then he has worked as a reporter, feature writer and sub-editor for various newspapers and magazines. His coverage of the 1988 Lockerbie air crash earned him a regional press award.

A regular freelance writer — he has published features in more than 200 newspapers and magazines worldwide — Cliff Goodwin has also worked as a radio producer and in public relations.

In 1993, after 25 years in journalism, he decided it was time to concentrate on full-time writing.

Endeavour Press is the UK’s leading independent publisher of digital books.