Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., was a highly acclaimed American novelist best known for his fantasy series 'The Wheel of Time'. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 17, 1948, Jordan was an exceptional student who learned to read at the age of five. His passion for reading and writing led him to use several pseudonyms, including Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly, during his career. However, it was under the name Robert Jordan that he gained the most recognition and success.

Jordan's military background played a significant role in shaping his writing. After attending The Citadel, he served as a helicopter gunner in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, earning several awards for his service. These experiences influenced his writing style and the themes he explored in his work. After returning from Vietnam, Jordan worked as a nuclear engineer for the United States Navy before turning to writing full-time in 1977.

In addition to his love of writing, Jordan had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He was a history buff who enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting. He also described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and was a Freemason. Jordan's wife, Harriet McDougal, worked as a book editor and was also his editor during his writing career.

Tragically, Jordan was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis in 2006 and passed away on September 16, 2007. Despite his diagnosis, Jordan remained optimistic and continued to write, determined to beat the statistics and live a long and creative life. He was cremated, and his ashes were buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston. Jordan's legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.