Barry Unsworth was an English novelist who lived from 1930 to 2012. He is best known for his historical fiction, which is characterized by vivid detail and insightful examination of societal issues and human nature. Unsworth's writing often explores themes such as power, greed, and morality, set against diverse historical backdrops. One of his most celebrated novels, "Sacred Hunger," which is about the 18th-century Atlantic slave trade, won the 1992 Booker Prize, which he shared with Michael Ondaatje's "The English Patient." Unsworth's work is praised for its rich language and well-crafted narratives, making him a significant figure in contemporary English literature.