Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., was born on October 17, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up in the southern United States, Jordan developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and history from a young age. His love for reading and writing eventually led him to become one of the most prolific and beloved fantasy authors of his time.

After graduating from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, Jordan served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner. His time in the war-torn country had a profound impact on him and greatly influenced his later works, particularly in his depiction of battle scenes and military tactics in his writing.

In 1977, Jordan began his writing career in earnest and published his first novel, "The Fallon Blood," under the pseudonym Reagan O'Neal. He then went on to write several historical fiction novels before transitioning to the fantasy genre. It was under the pen name Robert Jordan that he began his most famous work, "The Wheel of Time" series.

"The Wheel of Time" series, which Jordan began in 1990 with the novel "The Eye of the World," spans fourteen volumes and is considered one of the greatest achievements in modern epic fantasy literature. Known for its intricate world-building, richly developed characters, and sprawling storyline, the series has garnered a massive and dedicated fan base around the world.

Throughout his career, Robert Jordan received numerous accolades and awards for his writing, including multiple nominations for the prestigious Hugo and World Fantasy Awards. His works have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide, solidifying his place as a titan of the fantasy genre.

Tragically, Robert Jordan passed away on September 16, 2007, after a valiant battle with cardiac amyloidosis. His death came before he could complete "The Wheel of Time" series, leaving many fans wondering about the fate of their beloved characters and the conclusion of the epic saga.

With the blessing of Jordan's widow and estate, fellow fantasy author Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the final volume of "The Wheel of Time" series based on Jordan's extensive notes and outlines. In 2009, "The Gathering Storm" was published posthumously, marking the beginning of the conclusion to the beloved series.

Robert Jordan's legacy continues to live on through his timeless works, inspiring new generations of fantasy writers and captivating readers with his unparalleled storytelling abilities. His impact on the genre is immeasurable, and his contributions to literature will be cherished for years to come.