Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan (the pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr.) was born on October 17, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. After serving in the Vietnam War—where he was decorated for his heroism and bravery—he enrolled at the Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in physics. Following his graduation, he worked as a nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy. He began writing in 1977, engaging in various literary projects, including theater and dance reviews, as well as an extensive series of novels featuring Conan, the well-known character created by Robert Howard. In 1990, he published the first book of "The Wheel of Time" series—one of the most significant and successful creations in the history of fantasy literature. Initial estimates that the series would be completed in six volumes were disproven by Jordan's boundless creativity. He passed away on September 16, 2007, while working on the twelfth volume of "The Wheel of Time." Among his favorite authors were Robert Heinlein, Louis L'Amour, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens.