Colin Wilson is a British novelist and writer of science fiction, true crime, and literary criticism. Wilson was born in Leicester, England on June 26, 1931 to Arthur and Anetta Wilson. His mother's love for books served as an early influence on Wilson and a science fiction magazine given to him at a young age by his grandfather sparked his interest in the genre for which he would publish multiple novels.

At the age of sixteen Wilson quit school and began work at various jobs including a coffee house in Paris where he began writing what would become his first published book, The Outsider. In 1956 The Outsider was published and met with high critical acclaim which instantly catapulted him to literary stardom. He quickly became associated with the "Angry Young Men," a British literary group, because of his depiction of social alienation in The Outsider. While Wilson's first literary effort was critically acclaimed, praise eventually turned sour as Wilson's next efforts were met with negative reviews. In 1960-1961, the critics turned back in favor of Wilson with the publication of Ritual in the Dark and Adrift in Soho.

Colin Wilson has gone on to become a prolific novelist in both fiction (science fiction) and non-fiction (true crime). He is also an accomplished essayist that has contributed to numerous literary journals. In 2004, Wilson’s autobiography titled Dreaming to Some Purpose was published and typical to Wilson’s career was received with a range of praise and negativity from critics.

1931

Born in Leicester, England on June 26th.

1951

Married Dorothy Betty Troop and the couple had one son.

1956

The Outsider is published and met with high critical acclaim.

1960

Ritual in the Dark was published.

1961

Married Pamela “Joy” Stewart after his divorce from Dorothy and the couple went on to have two children.

1961

Adrift in Soho was published.

1962-2003

The breadth of Wilson's literary work was published in this time frame.

2004

Published autobiography Dreaming to Some Purpose.