Anne Hampson (28 November 1928 – 25 September 2014) was one of the most successful British romance novelists of the twentieth century. She wrote more than 125 romance novels between 1969 and 1998, primarily for Mills & Boon, Harlequin, and Silhouette. She also wrote two historical romances under the pseudonym Jane Wilby and returned briefly to publishing in 2005 with two romance novels and one mystery.
Her early life was marked by financial hardship. Forced to leave school at age fourteen, she worked sewing blouses for Marks & Spencer. After her marriage ended, she resumed working while pursuing higher education, eventually graduating from Manchester University. Her first novel, Eternal Summer (1969), was accepted within days of submission and launched a prolific writing career. She later became one of Harlequin Presents’ bestselling authors and was instrumental in discussions that led to the creation of the Harlequin Presents line.
She wrote an autobiography titled Fate Was My Friend, although it has never been widely distributed.
Books as Anne Hampson:
1969
Eternal Summer
Autocrat of Melhurst
Unwary Heart
Precious Waif
1970
Beyond the Sweet Waters
By Fountains Wild
Hawk and the Dove
Love Hath an Island
When the Bough Breaks
Isle of the Rainbows
Gates of Steel
Heaven Is High
An Eagle Swooped
1971
Dark Hills Rising
Rebel Bride
Stars of Spring
Wings of Night
Gold Is the Sunrise
Waves of Fire
South of Mandraki
Petals Drifting
Follow a Shadow
1972–1998
Beloved Rake
Fair Island
Thousand Stars
There Came a Tyrant
Plantation Boss
Master of Moonrock
Dear Stranger
A Kiss from Satan
Hunter of the East
Stormy the Way
Pride and Power
Stars over Sarawak
Not Far from Heaven
Boss of Bali Creek
Flame of Fate
Dangerous Friendship
Song of the Waves
A Man to Be Feared
Another Eden
Harbour of Love
Bitter Harvest
Stormy Masquerade
Pagan Lover
Desire
To Tame a Vixen
Fascination
Man Without Honour
Stardust
South of Capricorn
Devotion
Dreamtime
Love So Rare
Strangers May Marry
There Must Be Showers
To Buy a Memory
When Love Comes
Dawn Is Golden
Spell of the Island
Sweet Second Love
Soft, Velvet Night
Destiny
A Touch of Romance
Pemberley Place
Legacy of Hate
Final publications (2005)
Night Is Ours
The Dead Can’t Kill
Books as Jane Wilby:
Eleanor and the Marquis (1977)
Man of Consequence (1979)
Collectible Books Values
Common Harlequin/Mills & Boon paperback – $2–10
Early UK first editions (1969–1973) – $10–35
Fine first editions – $30–75
Scarce titles in excellent condition – $50–100
Signed copies – $75–200+
Autobiography Fate Was My Friend – $100–300+ when found
Jane Wilby historical romances (first editions) – $20–75
Most Collectible Titles
Eternal Summer (1969)
Autocrat of Melhurst (1969)
A Kiss from Satan
Master of Moonrock
Song of the Waves
Pride and Power
Hunter of the East
Eleanor and the Marquis (Jane Wilby)
Fate Was My Friend
The autobiography is generally regarded as the hardest Anne Hampson title to locate.