Thomas Bertram Costain, a notable Canadian-American journalist and author, was born on May 8, 1885, in Brantford, Ontario, to John Herbert Costain and Mary Schultz. Despite an early passion for writing, which saw him author four novels during his high school years at the Brantford Collegiate Institute, Costain’s initial literary efforts were met with rejection. His professional writing career began with a story published by the Brantford Courier in 1902, marking his entry into journalism. He later worked as an editor at the Guelph Daily Mercury and married Ida Randolph Spragge in York Township, Ontario, in 1910. The couple had two children, Molly and Dora.

Costain’s journalistic career flourished as he edited trade journals for the Maclean Publishing Group and later became a staff writer and editor for Maclean’s magazine in Toronto. His success at Maclean’s led him to The Saturday Evening Post in New York City, where he served as a fiction editor. He also worked for Doubleday Books and was involved with 20th Century Fox’s story department.

Costain’s foray into novel writing began at the age of 57 with his first novel, “For My Great Folly,” published in 1942. This work, focusing on the 17th-century pirate John Ward, became a bestseller and marked the beginning of his prolific career as a novelist. He was known for his engaging historical novels, such as “The Black Rose” and “The Silver Chalice,” and his non-fiction works, including “The White and The Gold,” a history of New France. His writing was characterized by a blend of historical accuracy and narrative flair.

Apart from his literary achievements, Costain was actively involved in his community. His contributions to literature and history were recognized with a Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Western Ontario and a gold medallion from the Canadian Club of New York. His legacy continues in Brantford, with a public elementary school and a community center named in his honor.

Costain passed away on October 8, 1965, at his New York City home from a heart attack. His influence on historical fiction is notable, with authors like George R. R. Martin citing his works as an inspiration. Costain’s daughter, Molly Costain Haycraft, followed in his footsteps, becoming a writer of historical novels herself.