Robert Jordan Writer, fantasy author Date of Birth: 17.10.1948 Country: USA

1. Biography of Robert Jordan
2. Military Service and Education
3. Writing Career and Literary Contributions
4. Personal Life and Philanthropy

Biography of Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan, a writer and fantasy author, is best known for his epic series "The Wheel of Time." Born on October 17, 1948, as James Oliver Rigney Jr. in Charleston, South Carolina, Jordan had a diverse and adventurous life.

Military Service and Education

After graduating from The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, Jordan served in the United States Army as a helicopter gunner in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He was awarded several honors for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with "V" device and oak leaf clusters, and two awards from the Republic of Vietnam.

Following his military service, Jordan worked as a nuclear engineer for the United States Air Force. However, his passion for writing eventually led him to pursue a career as a novelist.

Writing Career and Literary Contributions

In 1977, Jordan published his first novel and began his writing career. He gained recognition for his contributions to the world of fantasy literature, particularly for his work on the popular character Conan the Barbarian created by Robert E. Howard. Jordan wrote seven novels based on the adventures of Conan.

However, Jordan's most notable achievement is his epic fantasy series "The Wheel of Time." Consisting of eleven books written by Jordan himself and an additional three books completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan's death, the series has garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan following.

"The Wheel of Time" stands out for its vast number of characters and its extensive volume, surpassing even Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" in these aspects. Although some critics and fans noted that the pace of the series slowed down over time due to its expanded scope, it remains a beloved and influential work in the fantasy genre.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Jordan was married to Harriet McDougal, a poet and book editor. The couple resided in a historic house built in 1797 and shared a love for history, pipe collecting, and various recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, poker, chess, billiards, and sailing.

Notably, Jordan was a Freemason, a fact he reluctantly acknowledged when questioned about the similarities between some concepts in "The Wheel of Time" and Freemasonry. Despite his affiliation, he chose not to publicly advertise his membership due to negative perceptions associated with the organization.

Jordan was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis and congestive heart failure in March 2006. He bravely fought his illness and underwent chemotherapy, including testing the experimental drug Revlimid. Unfortunately, Jordan passed away on September 16, 2007, but his legacy and contributions to the literary world continue to inspire readers and writers alike.

His ashes were interred at a cemetery near the St. James Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Jordan's impact on the literary world, particularly his contributions to the Conan universe and the grandeur of "The Wheel of Time," solidify his place as a revered fantasy author.