Ed ''Skip'' McLaughlin

Ed “Skip” McLaughlin was a renowned author, widely acclaimed for his poignant and thought-provoking books which appealed to both young and old audiences. During his career, he wrote more than 20 books and collaborated with the greats in the literary industry such as renowned authors Ian McEwan and Graham Swift. He was also a professor at Liverpool University and a lecturer at Oxford. His body of work largely focuses on the topics of history, conflict, and life with an emphasis on how war can drastically change individuals’ lives.

Ed “Skip” McLaughlin was born in Liverpool, England. In 1966, he completed his M.A. in Modern History and International Relations at the University of Liverpool. Afterward, he became a Research Fellow at the Institute of Contemporary History at Liverpool University where he studied conflict, society and history. As a professor, he served as an editor for the Ideas and Strategies journal where he wrote about international political geography and national insights.

In 1989, Ed made his foray into the world of literature with his debut novel, A Missing Link. The book explores how war can change individuals’ lives and the impact of the First World War on people in Britain. It follows the story of Major General Henry Standish, a British military leader sent to fight in the First World War. Taking place in the early 20th century, the novel draws parallels to the present, bringing to light the fact that war is still a major factor in our lives today. It was a great success and since then, his books have been published in several languages.

In his next book, The Impact of War, he explores the effects of the Second World War on the lives of British and German civilians. The novel delves into both the physical and emotional trauma of living with the fear of war and having to reconcile with its aftermath. The book has resonated with many readers, who find comfort in knowing that their struggles and experiences are shared by others.

In his book The Ties That Bind, Ed McLaughlin discusses the ties of family, loss and survival in the face of war. It follows the story of Pauline, a French girl whose experiences during war save her from despair and provide her with the strength she needs to cope with the horrors of war. The novel offers an intimate look into the psychological effects of war, ultimately conveying the message of resilience in the face of tragedy.

In The Figurative and the Liminal, Ed McLaughlin moves away from the war genre and focuses on a woman’s story of finding herself and identity. After the death of her husband, Rachel goes to a small village in Italy in search of her roots. What follows is a heart-warming and humorous journey of self-discovery, which tackles ideas of belonging, identity, healing and love.

Additionally, Ed McLaughlin has authored a series of short stories, compiled in the book City of New Lungs. The stories capture the lives of characters who live in the fictional city of New Lungs, exploring the experiences of those who come from different cultures, backgrounds, and religions.

Through his body of work, Ed “Skip” McLaughlin has become a literary icon, renowned for his poignant and thought-provoking books. His works have resonated with readers from all over the world, providing his audience with both entertainment and insight into the world of war, family and life.