Dame Jilly Cooper, Author of 'Riders' and 'Rivals', Dies at 88

Dame Jilly Cooper, the best-selling author celebrated for her racy and witty novels chronicling the lives of the British upper class, has died at the age of 88. Known for her "bonkbuster" novels such as Riders and Rivals, which formed part of the Rutshire Chronicles, Cooper sold over 11 million books in the UK alone, captivating readers with her tales of sex, scandals, and social intrigue in the horsey set.

Queen Camilla led the tributes, lauding Dame Jilly as a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend" and a legend who "created a whole new genre of literature." The author's death, following a fall at her Gloucestershire home on Sunday morning, has prompted an outpouring of grief and appreciation from fellow authors, celebrities, and fans.

A Literary Force and Cultural Icon

Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, launched with Riders in 1985, became a cultural phenomenon. The novels, set in the fictional county of Rutshire, offered a scandalous and humorous glimpse into the lives of the wealthy, horse-loving elite. The success of Riders was followed by Rivals in 1988, which experienced a resurgence in popularity last year with its adaptation into a Disney+ TV series.

In a statement, her children Felix and Emily said: "Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can't begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us."

Tributes Pour In

Queen Camilla, in her statement, highlighted Cooper's enduring legacy. "Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades," she said, recalling Cooper's vibrant presence at the Queen's Reading Room Festival just weeks before her death.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister acknowledged Dame Jilly's significant impact on British culture, stating that her "wit, warmth and wisdom shaped British culture for over half a century and brought joy to millions."

Agent Highlights Cooper's Acumen

Dame Jilly's agent, Felicity Blunt, remembered her as "emotionally intelligent, fantastically generous, sharply observant and utter fun." Blunt emphasized the surprising longevity of Cooper's novels, stating, "You wouldn't expect books categorised as bonkbusters to have so emphatically stood the test of time but Jilly wrote with acuity and insight about all things - class, sex, marriage, rivalry, grief and fertility."

According to Dr. Sarah LeFanu, a literary critic specializing in popular fiction, "Cooper's success lay in her ability to blend escapism with astute social commentary. While her books offered readers a glimpse into a world of wealth and glamour, they also subtly critiqued the class system and its inherent absurdities. This combination of fantasy and realism is what resonated with such a wide audience."

From Journalism to Literary Stardom

Dame Jilly began her career as a journalist before publishing her first book, How To Stay Married, in 1969. She married Leo Cooper in 1961, and they remained together until his death in 2013. Her writing career gained momentum with humorous non-fiction guides and romance novels, culminating in the creation of the Rutshire Chronicles, which ultimately comprised 11 novels. She returned to the series with a final installment, Tackle, in 2023.

Publisher Praises Trailblazing Spirit

Her publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, described her as "a true trailblazer," noting her fearless approach to both journalism and fiction. He added that her "glorious storytelling, wicked social commentary and deft, lacerating characterisation" dissected the behaviour of the English upper middle classes with unparalleled sharpness. He argued that Riders and the subsequent books "changed the course of popular fiction forever."

Legacy and Remembrance

Actress Dame Joanna Lumley, who appeared in Cooper's 1971 TV sitcom, It's Awfully Bad for Your Eyes, Darling, said she "adored her" and described her as "entirely generous, hugely talented, prolific, enthusiastic, meticulous and wholly loveable."

Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alex Lamb, executive producers of the Rivals adaptation, fondly recalled working with Cooper, emphasizing her wisdom and humor. Fellow celebrities, including Helen Lederer, Gyles Brandreth, and Kirstie Allsopp, also shared their memories and tributes on social media.

Cooper's funeral will be a private family occasion, but a public service of thanksgiving will be held at Southwark Cathedral in London in the coming months. An announcement regarding the arrangements will be made in due course, allowing fans and admirers to celebrate the life and legacy of this beloved author.