Unsworth, Barry Foster (1930– )

English novelist. Frequently reflecting on historical themes, his books are often set in locations which mirror his own wanderings, notably Turkey, Greece, and Italy. He was awarded the Booker Prize for Sacred Hunger (1992), an epic account of the 18th-century Atlantic slave trade. Pascali's Island (1980), his sixth novel, was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize and later filmed.

Unsworth's first book was The Partnership (1966). Other works include Stone Virgin (1985), Morality Play (1995), After Hannibal (1996), Losing Nelson (1999), and Songs of the Kings (2002).

Born in Durham, Unsworth was the first of his family not to work in the coalmines. After studying at Stockton Grammar School and Manchester University, he travelled widely and held a variety of teaching posts, including some time at the University of Istanbul.