Novel-writer Ward Sanford Reimagines First-Century Judea and the Legacy of Josephus

In an era of societal flux and swirling violence, novelist Ward Sanford offers a fresh vantage point: looking back to first-century Judea to inform present-day storytelling. His latest historical fiction series turns a spotlight on the figure of Flavius Josephus — the Jewish historian-turned-Roman collaborator whose legacy remains controversial.A trained scientist, Sanford says his research mindset has proven invaluable. “I recognised this right up front,” he says, referring to the rigour required to reconstruct ancient society, logistics, culture and conflict. With more than three decades of writing behind him, he describes his mission as making historical detail accessible to readers, while not sacrificing depth or complexity.