Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith (born 1942) is an English novelist, playwright, writer and teacher. A career English teacher, best known for his novels, he has also written many radio plays.

Early life and education Smith was born in Gloucestershire to a family of teachers originally from the Rhondda Valley in South Wales. He published five novels during his teaching career before retiring in 2002 to concentrate on writing. His former pupils at Tonbridge include Sir Anthony Seldon, novelist Vikram Seth, poet Christopher Reid, actor Dan Stevens and musician Kit Hesketh-Harvey.

A number of his works have been adapted for television and film. His first novel Wilfred and Eileen was adapted for into a four-part serial which aired in 1981 on BBC One. His first radio play The World Walk was adapted for television and aired on BBC Two. His 1995 novel Summer in February was adapted into a full-length film. The novel The Churchill Secret KBO, was adapted for a feature-length movie starring Michael Gambon, screened in 2016 on ITV under the title Churchill's Secret. His two radio plays on John Betjeman were broadcast on Radio 4 in 2017.

Personal life Smith and his wife Gillian have a daughter, Becky, an educational consultant, and a son, Ed, who is the former England National Cricket Selector, a former England cricketer and published author.

In 2006, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, he and his son went on a trip to India.