Books by Paul Harrison
Paul Harrison is a storyteller whose works range from magical children’s tales to imaginative explorations of William Shakespeare’s youth. His writing blends life experience, creativity and heart — producing books that inspire, entertain and surprise.
Young William
Little is known about the early life of William Shakespeare. Historians and academics have long studied his plays, poetry and career, yet his childhood remains largely a mystery. Paul Harrison set out to imagine these lost years — not through lofty academic analysis, but through storytelling rooted in human experience.
His journey began after discovering BBC adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, which left him fascinated by the playwright’s genius. Determined to uncover more, Paul visited Stratford-upon-Avon, explored Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried, and walked through Anne Hathaway’s cottage to gain a sense of the world the young William inhabited.
Unconventionally, Paul was accompanied by his clairvoyant friend Edwin, who offered insights that helped shape the story. While standing at Shakespeare’s grave, Edwin sensed “nothing there at all” — a detail Paul later connected to modern reports that Shakespeare’s skull might be missing. At Anne Hathaway’s cottage, Edwin described her caressing the wood as she spoke, a detail that inspired one of the novel’s most passionate chapters.
From these experiences, Paul conceived Young William as a novel told from Anne Hathaway’s perspective. It is written as though William himself had confided his memories to her: stories of school, frustrations, family struggles, church life, early work and the beginnings of courtship. In doing so, Paul avoids Shakespeare’s own famous lines, instead crafting a natural, relatable narrative of a boy growing into a man.
“I decided to write Young William from the perspective of Anne, as if he had told her about his past experiences.” — Paul Harrison
Readers have described the book as accessible and human — far from the “ye olde Shakespeare” that often deters modern audiences. Paul wanted to show how Shakespeare’s genius may have been shaped by everyday experiences of love, hardship and family life.
The book has received exceptional praise:
- University lecturers commending its originality and insight.
- Positive reviews from the Shakespeare Society of India, New Zealand and America.
- Recognition from academics who valued its imaginative yet respectful treatment of Shakespeare’s youth.
- Readers at literary fairs often remark: “You didn’t seem like the type of person who could write such a book” — a testament to its surprising depth.
Young William stands as a fresh and imaginative contribution to the world of Shakespeare literature, bridging the gap between historical fact and creative storytelling.
Stephie’s Coloured Candle
A magical children’s story first imagined in the 1990s, Stephie’s Coloured Candle tells a gentle tale of light, discovery and imagination.
Inspired by a family friendship, Paul began the story decades ago but only brought it into print in 2024. After many drafts, the book was published first on Kindle and then in paperback. The second edition now includes illustrations and charitable support, making it not just a book but a project with purpose.
Beloved by children and adults alike, Stephie’s Coloured Candle has been praised for the warmth of its storytelling and continues to shine in classrooms, homes and storytelling circles across the UK.
Want to know more about the writer behind these books? Read Paul’s full author story here.