John Marsden, beloved Aussie author of best-selling Tomorrow book series, dies aged 74

A legendary Australian author who wrote more than 40 books over his distinguished career has died aged 74.

Renowned Australian author John Marsden has died aged 74.

The award-winning author published more than 40 books - including the best-selling Tomorrow series, which chronicled a fictional invasion and occupation of Australia.

The young adult series has been described as “the best series for Australian teens of all time”, selling millions of copies and sparking a successful movie and TV series.

The ABC broke news of Mr Marsden’s death on Wednesday evening.

Renowned author John Marsden has died aged 74. Picture: Supplied

Marsden was famously known for his young adult series Tomorrow, published in the 1990s. Picture: Supplied

The Tomorrow books have become a staple of Australian libraries and young adult reading.

Businessman Simon Holmes a Court paid tribute to Mr Marsden in a touching post on X (formerly Twitter).

“He was one of the standout teachers through my schooling — in many ways similar to the character of John Keating in Dead Poets Society,” Mr Holmes a Court wrote.

“His 1st book So Much to Tell You was based on my year group — many identifiable characters. A gift to our year!

“Complex man, but I’m so glad to have crossed paths.”

very sad to hear of the passing of john marsden.

he was one of the standout teachers through my schooling — in many ways similar to the character of john keating in dead poets society.

my school hated his unorthodox methods…https://t.co/jD7l77wLgX

— 💧simon holmes à court (@simonahac) December 18, 2024

In 2006 he was awarded the prestigious Lloyd O’Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing.

Mr Marsden’s historical novel for adults, South of Darkness, won the Christina Stead Award for Best Novel of 2015.

Mr Marsden also founded Candlebark School in regional Victoria and also served as its principal.

“Candlebark is a P-8 co-educational school, based to a considerable extent on the principles of Fitzroy Community School in Melbourne,” Mr Marsden’s official biography on his website states.

Mr Marsden also opened two schools in Victoria. Picture: Supplied

“Its numbers are deliberately kept small, in the interests of maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere, and its philosophy is one of creative lively learning which is purposeful and challenging.”

He opened a second school, the Alice Miller School, in Macedon in 2016.

More to come.