Australian Colleen McCullough, author of ‘The Thorn Birds’, dies aged 77
Best-selling Australian author Colleen McCullough, whose novel, The Thorn Birds, was made into a hit television series, has died aged 77.
The best-selling Australian author Colleen McCullough, whose novel, The Thorn Birds, sold 30 million copies worldwide and was made into a hit television series, has died aged 77 after a long illness.
McCullough died today in a hospital on remote Norfolk Island, a territory of Australia in the Pacific Ocean, Shona Martyn, publishing director of HarperCollins Australia, said in a statement.
Colleen McCullough’s contribution to Australian writing - and to readers around the world - has been immense.
She had continued producing books despite a string of health and eyesight problems by using dictation, Martyn said.
“Colleen McCullough’s contribution to Australian writing - and to readers around the world - has been immense,” Martyn said.
“She was one of the first Australian writers to succeed on the world stage.
“Ever quick-witted and direct, we looked forward to her visits from Norfolk Island and the arrival of each new manuscript delivered in hard copy in custom-made maroon manuscript boxes inscribed with her name.