Ben_Kane
Ben Kane
Irish novelist (born 1970)
Ben Kane (born 6 March 1970)[1] is an Irish novelist who specialises in historical fiction. He is best known for his Forgotten Legion, Spartacus, and Hannibal book series. His 2011 novel, Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, made the Sunday Times bestseller list.[2] He has had multiple Sunday Times bestsellers since. Translated into 14 languages, his books have sold more than a million and a half copies worldwide.[3]
In 2013, Kane and two friends walked the entire length of Hadrian's Wall for charity while wearing full Roman military kit, including hobnailed boots;[4] they raised nearly £19,000 for Combat Stress and Medecins Sans Frontieres.[citation needed] In 2014, they walked again in Italy, raising over £26,500. A documentary film was made about their walk, entitled The Road to Rome, with Ian McKellen providing voiceover.[5] In 2016, Bristol University conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree upon Kane in recognition of his historical research.[6] For some years, he has been supporting and raising money for Park in the Past, a Roman fort-building project near Chester.[7]
In May 2023, Kane signed a four-book deal with Orion.[8]
In May 2024, Kane published the novel Stormcrow, set in Ireland.[9]
In October 2024, Kane and his fellow authors of A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii sold dramatic rights for the work to Amazon MGM Studios and Scott Free Productions.[10]