The Poldark series of historical novels was written by Winston Graham. He wrote the series initially between 1945 and 1953, then resumed and continued it from 1973 to 2002. The first novel, "Ross Poldark," introduced the story and its protagonist. The series consists of 12 novels set mainly in Cornwall, England, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th century. Winston Graham was an English novelist well known for this series as well as other works, and he lived in Cornwall for many years, drawing much inspiration from the region for the Poldark novels. The novels were also adapted for television by the BBC twice, once in 1975 and again in 2015.