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Benjamin Myers

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Benjamin Myers

Pen Names: Benjamin Myers（Published under his full name）, Ben Myers（Short form used in journalism and some publications）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1976-01-01 （Durham, County Durham, England）
Nationality
British
Languages
English
Residence History
Grew up in Belmont, County Durham → Lived for several years in the Oval Mansions squat, London → Resident in the Calder Valley (current)

Career

Occupations
Writer, Journalist, Poet
Active Years
1990-
Memberships
Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL)
Influenced By
Writers and traditions of north-east England and local history
Influenced
Contemporary writers of northern English literature and nature writing

Education

University of Bedfordshire
Country: United Kingdom
He has spoken about failing English Literature at A-level and being rejected by many universities before attending.

Awards

Gordon Burn Prize
2013
Work: Pig Iron
Organization: Gordon Burn Prize
Result: winner
Northern Writers' Award
2013
Work: Beastings
Organization: New Writing North
Result: winner
Tom-Gallon Trust Award
2014
Work: The Folk Song Singer (short story)
Organization: Society of Authors
Result: winner
Portico Prize For Literature
2015
Work: Beastings
Organization: Portico Prize
Result: winner
Roger Deakin Award
2016
Work: The Gallows Pole
Organization: Roger Deakin Award
Result: winner
Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction
2018
Work: The Gallows Pole
Category: Historical fiction
Organization: Walter Scott Prize
Result: winner
Prix Polars Pourpres Découverte
2019
Work: Turning Blue (published in France as Dégradation)
Organization: Polars Pourpres (France)
Result: winner
Lieblingsbuch der Unabhängigen (Independent Booksellers' Award)
2020
Work: The Offing
Organization: Independent booksellers in Germany
Result: winner
Goldsmiths Prize
2023
Work: Cuddy
Organization: Goldsmiths Prize
Result: winner
Winston Graham Historical Prize
2024
Work: Cuddy
Category: Historical prize
Organization: Royal Cornwall Museum (organisers)
Result: winner
RSL Ondaatje Prize
2024
Work: Cuddy
Organization: Royal Society of Literature
Result: shortlisted

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Pig Iron

2012 Literary fiction / Social fiction

A novel set among traveller/gypsy communities in north-east England, exploring belonging, marginality and community.

CommunityClassBelonging

Beastings

2014 Literary fiction

A work focusing on the relationship between raw nature and humans, set against the landscapes of northern England.

NatureHuman relationshipsPlace

The Gallows Pole

2017 Historical fiction

A novel based on the true story of the 18th-century Cragg Vale Coiners, reconstructing local history through multiple voices and traditions.

HistoryCrimeCommunity
Adaptations
  • [TV drama] The Gallows Pole (BBC series) / Shane Meadows (2023)

The Offing

2019 Literary fiction / Novel of friendship

A warm story about an unlikely friendship set by the sea; featured on BBC radio and adapted for stage, with a film in development.

FriendshipThe seaAge and memory
Adaptations
  • [Stage] The Offing (stage adaptation) (2021)
  • [Film (in development)] The Offing (film in development) / Jessica Hobbs

Cuddy

2023 Experimental historical fiction / Poetic prose

An ambitious book weaving poetry, prose, diary and dramatic fragments around the story and legacy of Saint Cuthbert and Durham Cathedral.

Religious traditionMemory of placePolyphonic voices

Rare Singles

2024 Contemporary fiction / Music-related novel

Set across a Northern Soul weekender in Scarborough, exploring music and human relationships; film development reported.

Music cultureLocal gatheringsNostalgia

Bibliography

  • The Book of Fuck (2004)
  • Richard: A Novel (2010)
  • Pig Iron (2012)
  • Beastings (2014)
  • The Gallows Pole (2017)
  • Turning Blue (2016)
  • The Offing (2019)
  • The Perfect Golden Circle (2022)
  • Cuddy (2023)
  • Rare Singles (2024)
  • Jesus Christ Kinski (2025)
  • Male Tears (short stories, 2021)
  • Under The Rock (non-fiction, 2018)

Adaptations

  • The Gallows Pole - BBC TV adaptation directed by Shane Meadows (2023)
  • The Offing - stage adaptation (2021) and film in development (starring Helena Bonham Carter, director Jessica Hobbs; in development)

Translations of Works

  • Turning Blue — French edition Dégradation
  • The Offing — German edition (received Independent Booksellers' Award recognition)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Poetic, lyrical proseReconstructive method incorporating historical material and traditionEmphasis on landscape and memory of place
Recurring Motifs
North-East England landscapesMusic and subcultureCommunity and marginalisation

Health

  • Severe anxiety (discussed in his own essays)
    2019
    Affected his writing and choice of themes; he has published essays about his breakdown and anxiety

Legacy

Known for works rooted in the landscapes and history of north-east England, Myers has gained recognition through literary prizes and adaptations for TV and stage. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he is regarded as an important voice in contemporary British literature.

Academic Societies

  • Royal Society of Literature (Fellow)

In Popular Culture

  • The Gallows Pole BBC TV adaptation (2023) drew national attention
  • The Offing was adapted for the stage and a film adaptation is in development

Quotes

  • "a book of remarkable range, virtuosity and creative daring."
    Source: Goldsmiths Prize judges' statement (2023)

Trivia

  • Formed the punk band Sour Face as a teenager and was involved in the local hardcore scene.
  • Lived for several years in the Oval Mansions squat in London.
  • Has publicly discussed failing A-level English Literature and being rejected by many universities.
  • His work has been translated into multiple languages (reported as eight).