Edwin James Lawrence (born 26 May 1943, Bath, England), most commonly known as Lawrence James, is an English historian and writer.
James graduated with a BA in English & History from the University of York in 1966, and subsequently undertook a research degree at Merton College, Oxford. Following a career as a teacher, James became a full-time writer in 1985.
James has written several works of popular history about the British Empire, and has contributed pieces for Daily Mail, The Times and the Literary Review.
His wife Mary James was headmistress of St Leonards School from 1988 to 2000.