Eric Lawson Malpass (14 November 1910—16 October 1996) was an English novelist noted for his humorous and witty descriptions of rural family life, in particular that of his creation, the extended Pentecost family. However, Malpass also wrote historical fiction, ranging in scope from the late Middle Ages to Edwardian England.
Born in Derby and educated at King Henry VIII School, Coventry, Malpass, while writing in his spare time, worked in a bank before becoming, in 1947, an employee at the BBC. After his initial successes, especially with Morning's at Seven, he turned to writing full-time. Married with one son, two granddaughters and five great grandchildren, he lived in Long Eaton, Derbyshire until five years before his death when he moved to Bishop's Waltham in Hampshire.
Interestingly, Malpass acquired his most devoted readership on the Continent, particularly in Germany, where most of his books were translated.