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Jason Goodwin

Jason Goodwin (born June 1964) is an English novelist, historian, and travel writer renowned for his Yashim the Eunuch mystery series set in 19th-century and his acclaimed explorations of the and Eastern cultures. Goodwin studied Byzantine history at Cambridge University, an academic foundation that profoundly influenced his fascination with the world and , which he first explored through a 2,000-mile walk from to the city shortly after the fall of the . His writing career began with travel literature, including On Foot to the Golden Horn (1993), which chronicled his journey and won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, and Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire (1999), praised as a vivid and accessible account of the empire's history. Goodwin achieved international acclaim with his historical fiction, launching the Yashim series in 2006 with The Janissary Tree, a detective novel featuring the eunuch investigator Yashim Togo navigating intrigue in 1836 Ottoman Istanbul; the book won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2007 and has been translated into over 40 languages. The series continued with The Snake Stone (2007), The Bellini Card (2008)—named among The Sunday Times' 100 best crime novels since 1945—An Evil Eye (2011), and The Baklava Club (2014), blending meticulous historical detail with culinary and cultural elements of the era. In addition to fiction, Goodwin has authored works like Yashim Cooks Istanbul (2016), an illustrated cookbook tied to the series that was named an NPR Best Book and shortlisted for the Guild of Food Writers Awards. He contributes a regular column to Country Life magazine, focusing on travel, history, and , and serves on the committee of the HeadRead literary festival in while hosting writing retreats in Dorset, , where he lives with his wife and their four children.

Early Life and Education

Family Background

Jason Goodwin was born in June 1964 in to the British writer and journalist and the author . His biological parents separated before his birth, and Goodwin was adopted by his mother's then-husband, the film producer Richard B. Goodwin, from whom he took his surname. Goodwin was raised primarily by his stepfather following his mother's departure from the when he was three years old. Along with his older sister , he grew up in under Richard B. Goodwin's care, benefiting from a stable routine amid the upheaval of his parents' separation. The , known for producing films such as (1974), imparted practical skills and a sense of discipline to the children. From an early age, Goodwin was immersed in literary and creative environments shaped by his family's professions in writing, journalism, and film. His mother's career as an influential author on interior design and cookery, including bestsellers like The Pauper's Cookbook (1971), and his biological father's works on ancient history, mythology, and esoteric topics exposed him to intellectual discussions and storytelling traditions. This bohemian and peripatetic family dynamic, rooted in his parents' adventurous upbringings tied to the British Empire—such as Jocasta Innes's birth in Nanking, China—fostered his enduring interest in history and narrative.

Formal Education

Jason Goodwin pursued his higher education at Cambridge University, where he specialized in Byzantine history. This focus on the historical intersections of Eastern and Western civilizations profoundly shaped his intellectual development and informed his subsequent career as a and of works exploring and related themes. Influenced by his family's literary background, Goodwin's academic pursuits at Cambridge emphasized rigorous historical analysis, fostering skills in research and narrative that became hallmarks of his writing.

Literary Career

Non-Fiction Publications

Jason Goodwin's non-fiction works span travel narratives, historical accounts, and cultural explorations, often drawing on his personal journeys and scholarly interests in global histories and traditions. His early books emphasize immersive travel writing, evolving toward broader historical syntheses and specialized guides that blend fact with evocative storytelling. These publications reflect a thematic progression from experiential voyages to analytical histories and practical cultural compendia, frequently centered on the intersections of trade, empire, and daily life. Goodwin's debut non-fiction book, The Gunpowder Gardens: Travels Through and in Search of (1990, published in the US as A Time for : Travels Through and in Search of in 1991), chronicles his expedition tracing the origins and trade of tea, inspired by his grandmothers' experiences in colonial . The narrative combines personal anecdotes from visits to tea plantations and markets with historical insights into the commodity's role in imperial culture, from Canton's factories to London's drawing rooms. It was shortlisted for the Travel Book Award, highlighting its blend of humor, observation, and cultural depth. In On Foot to the Golden Horn: A Walk to (1993), Goodwin recounts a grueling trek across with two companions, starting from Poland's Baltic marshes and ending at 's historic inlet. The book captures encounters with post-communist landscapes, diverse locals, and the lingering echoes of and Byzantine influences, portraying a in transition through vivid, on-the-ground prose. It serves as both a and a on Europe's fractured . Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire (1998) marks Goodwin's shift to formal , offering a panoramic survey of the empire's six-century span from nomadic origins to its 20th-century dissolution. Drawing on archival sources and fieldwork, the work examines the Ottomans' administrative ingenuity, military prowess, and cultural synthesis, while evoking their sensory world of silks, spices, and sultans. Praised for its stylish integration of politics, , and , it demystifies a often-misunderstood power that bridged East and West. Goodwin's Greenback: The Almighty Dollar and the Invention of America (2003) traces the evolution of the currency as a symbol and engine of , from colonial to global reserve status. Through profiles of inventors, counterfeiters, and policymakers, the book illustrates how the facilitated expansion, innovation, and empire-building, intertwining with quirky tales of and . It positions the greenback as a mirror of American ambition and ingenuity. Yashim Cooks Istanbul (2016) is a culinary companion that revives Ottoman-era recipes, organized around themes from Goodwin's but presented as standalone . Featuring over 50 dishes—from meze and stews to sweets—the explores 's gastronomic heritage, with instructions for ingredients like and yogurt-based preparations that evoke 19th-century palace kitchens. It briefly nods to the Yashim's world but focuses on authentic, accessible Turkish cooking traditions. Finally, A Pilgrim's Guide to Sacred London (2017, co-authored with ) provides itineraries for exploring the city's ancient spiritual sites, from holy wells and Roman temples to medieval churches and saintly shrines. Structured around five walks, it uncovers layers of pre-Christian, Christian, and esoteric history, encouraging visitors to experience London's "gleam of saints and angels" through worship and haunted sanctuaries. The guide emphasizes practical navigation alongside historical context, revealing the capital's enduring sacred undercurrents. This body of work demonstrates Goodwin's versatility, transitioning from intimate travel dispatches to expansive histories and thematic guides, often informed by his affinity for and Eastern motifs that subtly inform his broader oeuvre.

Fiction Publications

Jason Goodwin's fiction centers on the Yashim series, a collection of novels featuring Yashim, a detective navigating the intrigue of 19th-century . Set against the backdrop of the declining in the and , the series immerses readers in the multicultural tapestry of the city, blending suspenseful plots with vivid depictions of daily life, , and political tensions. Yashim, an educated and resourceful outsider due to his status, employs and cultural knowledge to unravel conspiracies, evolving across the volumes from a solitary to one entangled in broader networks of and betrayal. The inaugural novel, The Janissary Tree (2006), introduces Yashim as he probes a series of murders and disappearances tied to the elite corps, amid II's reforms to modernize the empire. The story unfolds in the bustling streets and palaces of , highlighting the clash between tradition and innovation in society. Goodwin draws on his historical expertise to authenticate the era's customs and architecture, creating a atmospheric foundation for the series. In The Snake Stone (2007), Yashim investigates a killing connected to a mysterious ancient artifact unearthed in the Bosphorus, drawing him into archaeological secrets and personal vendettas. The narrative expands on Istanbul's layered , incorporating influences and underwater explorations that reflect the city's role as a of civilizations. Yashim's begins to shift as he forms tentative alliances, deepening his character through moral dilemmas. The Bellini Card (2008) sends Yashim on a perilous journey to to recover a lost commissioned by a , intertwining with diplomatic . Shifting between the opulent canals of and Istanbul's harbors, the book explores themes of cultural exchange and deception in the post-Napoleonic world. This installment broadens the series' scope, showcasing Yashim's adaptability in foreign environments while reinforcing his roots. An Evil Eye (2011) returns Yashim to the imperial court, where he uncovers a web of intrigue surrounding a sultan's advisor and politics following a suspicious death. Centered in the secluded palaces of , the plot delves into the hidden power structures of the , emphasizing gender dynamics and loyalty in a time of imperial decline. Yashim's arc progresses as he grapples with the emotional toll of his investigations, highlighting his humanity despite his physical alterations. The series concludes with The Baklava Club (2014), in which Yashim contends with a clandestine group of international misfits plotting amid Istanbul's trade and revolutionary undercurrents. The setting captures the city's vibrant markets and diverse communities, weaving in culinary motifs that underscore hospitality. Across the novels, Yashim's development culminates in a more collaborative approach, reflecting the era's shifting alliances and Goodwin's emphasis on cultural immersion over mere detection.

Journalism and Tours

Since 2018, Jason Goodwin has written the weekly "Spectator" column for Country Life magazine, offering reflections on historical events, travel, and personal observations that blend humor with insight. His pieces often draw from family stories and broader world affairs, such as a September 2024 article recounting his grandmother's wartime memorization of top-secret embassy codes in Borneo to evade Japanese capture during World War II. Another example from April 2024 explores a failed attempt at installing a gaucho-style barbecue in his Dorset garden, highlighting themes of cultural adaptation and rural life. Beyond print journalism, Goodwin serves as a —a historical term for an interpretive guide—and , leading immersive themed tours and pilgrimages that leverage his expertise in and place. These activities extend his role as a public intellectual, creating experiential encounters with cultural and sacred landscapes. For instance, he regularly organizes day-long pilgrimages through London's sacred sites, visiting churches, gardens, temples, hilltops, standing stones, and holy wells along routes like the ancient Royal Way, often culminating at with lunch provided. A scheduled event for November 11, 2025, starts at and follows this path to . Goodwin also co-leads garden tours in Dorset and through G&T Garden Tours, which he founded with Simon Tiffin to showcase private estates, landscapes, and horticultural heritage in the . These outings emphasize the interplay of , , and , reflecting his lifelong interest in gardens honed across five successive Dorset properties. His tour-leading echoes motifs from his non-fiction works on and , fostering a deeper appreciation for layered historical contexts.

Awards and Recognition

Major Literary Awards

In 1987, Goodwin was awarded the Spectator/Sunday Telegraph Young Writer of the Year in the , an honor that recognized his early promise as an emerging literary talent. His 1993 travelogue On Foot to the Golden Horn: A Walk to earned the , a distinguished British award for outstanding literature by authors under 35, affirming his skill in narrative non-fiction and contributing to his early acclaim in travel writing. Goodwin achieved a major breakthrough in fiction with the 2007 Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America for The Janissary Tree, the first installment in his Investigator Yashim series, which highlighted his innovative blend of historical detail and intrigue. These accolades significantly elevated Goodwin's profile, solidifying his standing as a prominent voice in through the Rhys Prize while propelling his novels to international recognition via the , with the latter award launching the Yashim series into widespread translation and readership.

Nominations and Other Honors

Goodwin's travel book The Gunpowder Gardens: Travels through India and China in Search of Tea (1990) was shortlisted for the 1991 Travel Book of the Year Award, recognizing its insightful exploration of tea's cultural and historical significance. In the mystery genre, his debut novel The Janissary Tree (2006), the first in the Yashim series, earned a nomination for the 2007 Macavity Award for Best Novel, awarded by Mystery Readers for outstanding contributions to the field. The following year, the second installment, The Snake Stone (2007), was nominated for the 2008 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel. The Yashim series as a whole received further acclaim with a shortlisting for the 2011 CWA Dagger in the Library Award from the , honoring authors whose body of work is recommended by librarians for sustained excellence in . Beyond formal nominations, Goodwin's works have garnered additional honors, including the selection of his cookbook Yashim Cooks Istanbul: Culinary Adventures in the Kitchen (2016) as one of NPR's Best Books of 2016 by the Book Concierge and shortlisted for the Guild of Food Writers First Book Award in 2017, highlighting its blend of recipes and historical narrative tied to the series. The third book in the series, The Card (2008), was selected in 2019 as one of ' 100 best crime novels since 1945. The Yashim novels have also been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide, reflecting their broad international appeal and cultural resonance.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Jason Goodwin has been married to Kate Harris since their time as undergraduates at Cambridge University. The couple's shared experiences include a notable 1990 journey on foot from Gdansk to , which tested and strengthened their relationship. This trek, covering over 2,000 miles, later informed Goodwin's interest in , influencing the settings of his Yashim the mystery series. Goodwin and Harris have four children together, with whom they have resided in Dorset for over a decade. Their family home reflects a collaborative domestic life, where Harris curates eclectic interiors blending heirlooms, books, and art, including pieces created by their children. The couple shares responsibilities in the household, such as cooking meals inspired by Eastern European and cuisines, which align with themes in Goodwin's non-fiction works like Yashim Cooks Istanbul. This supportive family environment plays a central role in Goodwin's writing routine, providing a stable backdrop amid frequent moves and creative pursuits. Harris's influence extends to practical aspects, such as maintaining a nurturing space that accommodates Goodwin's extensive and materials essential to his . The family's involvement in activities like and home projects underscores a dynamic that bolsters Goodwin's productivity as an author.

Residence and Interests

As of 2025, Jason Goodwin resides with his wife Kate Harris and their family in a new home in West Dorset, following a move in September 2025. Their previous rented farmhouse, featured in a 2018 profile, was characterized by its eclectic interior, blending charity-shop finds like china with inherited objets d'art, including mandalas by and Etruscan vase prints by , alongside Ottoman ephemera and family books. His personal interests include cooking Ottoman-inspired dishes, as explored in his Yashim Cooks Istanbul, which draws on historical recipes without strict adherence to modern culinary formulas. Goodwin also tends gardens at successive Dorset properties and leads tours of landscapes, reflecting a passion for that he chronicles in columns for Country Life. Additionally, he pursues historical pilgrimages, creating routes like the South Dorset Old Stones Way and guiding walks through sacred sites. Goodwin engages in community activities by leading local history walks in Dorset, often incorporating elements of pilgrimage and landscape heritage. In recent years, his social media presence on Instagram has promoted such pursuits, including a 2025 London pilgrimage tracing sacred spaces from All Hallows by the Tower to Westminster Abbey. These interests occasionally inform his journalism, enriching his writings on travel and history with personal insights.

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