william mayne

William James Carter Mayne (1928–2010) was an acclaimed English author of over 100 children's books, praised as one of the outstanding writers of the 20th century for his original and subtle fiction. Born in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he debuted with Follow the Footprints in 1953 and earned numerous awards, though his career ended in disgrace following a 2004 conviction for child sexual abuse. He died at his home in Thornton Rust, North Yorkshire.