Date of Birth: September 29, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: August 8, 2013
Biography
Barbara Mertz was an acclaimed American author, best known for her mystery and historical fiction novels written under the pseudonyms Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels. Born in Canton, Illinois, Mertz developed an early love for reading and history, which led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago in 1952. Despite her academic background, she turned to writing fiction, crafting over 70 books during her prolific career. Her works, particularly the Amelia Peabody series, reflect her deep knowledge of Egyptology and her talent for weaving engaging mysteries. Mertz’s books have been celebrated for their strong, adventurous female protagonists and richly detailed settings.
5 Interesting Facts about Barbara Mertz
1. Barbara Mertz wrote under two pseudonyms: Elizabeth Peters for her mystery novels and Barbara Michaels for her gothic and supernatural thrillers.
2. She was awarded the Grandmaster Award by the Mystery Writers of America in 1998.
3. Mertz’s Amelia Peabody series is centered around a fictional Egyptologist and spans 20 books.
4. She was an active member of the Egypt Exploration Society and contributed to archaeological research.
5. Mertz’s books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Barbara Mertz
1. “I get my best ideas in the middle of the night when I’m half asleep.”
2. “History is full of mysteries, and as an archaeologist, I have always been fascinated by the past.”
3. “In writing, the only rule is to follow your heart and let your characters lead the way.”
4. “The best part of being a writer is creating worlds where anything is possible.”
5. “Books are a uniquely portable magic, and I feel privileged to add to that magic.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At her peak, Barbara Mertz’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily from her book sales and royalties.
Children
Barbara Mertz had two children, Elizabeth Mertz and Peter Mertz, who have both pursued careers outside of writing.
Relevant Links
1. [Barbara Mertz Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Mertz
2. [Official Elizabeth Peters Website](http://www.ameliapeabody.com/
4. [Goodreads Profile](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16542.Barbara_Mertz
