Leon Hopkins is a British journalist and author renowned for his captivating non-fiction and historical narratives. Having initially pursued a career in accountancy and financial analysis, Hopkins transitioned to journalism, where he discovered his true calling. He wrote for national newspapers and edited numerous business and professional publications, including Accountancy Age.
Having studied at Buckingham College and North West Kent College of Technology (now part of the University of Greenwich), Leon Hopkins has drawn on his diverse background to author a wide range of books.
His non-fiction titles include The Hundredth Year, which provides a centenary history of the accountancy profession in England, as well as The Audit Report and The Landlord’s Handbook, which is a practical guide for property owners. He has also translated An Armenian Family Torn Apart, a personal account of the Armenian Genocide, and written the novel There's Only One Henry Green.
His latest book, William Phipps and the Diving Bell Bubble (2025), continues his exploration of lesser-known yet pivotal historical figures. This biography recounts the extraordinary life of William Phipps: a seventeenth-century backwoodsman who became a mariner, treasure hunter and colonial governor. Knighted for salvaging treasure from a sunken Spanish galleon, Phipps later became Governor of Massachusetts, where he played a controversial role in halting the Salem witch trials.
Though he was revered in London, his combative style clashed with Boston’s elite, leading to his recall and early death. Yet Phipps’ legacy lived on, sparking a surge in maritime innovation and speculative investing — what Hopkins calls the 'diving bell bubble'.
This is Hopkins's second book with Pen and Sword History, following The Pirate Who Stole Scotland (2023). His interest in unconventional history and overlooked figures reflects his curiosity and talent for vivid narrative.
Having lived in France for several years, Leon Hopkins now resides in Cornwall with his wife, Jo. He writes daily and enjoys sailing, walking and playing chess.
Photo credit: Personal page on LinkedIn
