Gary Jennings

Gary Jennings was a renowned American novelist, famous for his children's books, literature and fiction novels, and adult novels of historical fiction. He was born on September 20, 1928, in Buena Vista, Virginia, to Vaughnye May and Glen Edward Jennings. Jennings led a life that was both paradoxical and adventurous, combining his intellectual pursuits with a love for exploration and research.

Jennings' career as a novelist was marked by his distinctive writing style, which was characterized by its stylish prose, lively wit, and adventurously bawdy spirit. His novels were international bestsellers, and he gained prominence after the success of his 1980 book, Aztec. This book was the first in a series of novels that he wrote about the Aztec civilization, and it established him as a leading voice in historical fiction. Jennings' meticulous research and attention to detail were evident in his writing, and he often went to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of his novels.

Jennings served in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a personal citation by South Korean President Syngman Rhee for his efforts on behalf of war orphans. His dedication to research and exploration was also a significant part of his life, as he often undertook hazardous travels to gather material for his novels. For instance, he explored every corner of Mexico for his Aztec novels, retraced the journeys of Marco Polo for The Journeyer, joined nine different circuses for Spangle, and roamed the Balkans to research Raptor. Despite the challenges he faced, Jennings remained committed to his craft and produced some of the most memorable historical fiction novels of the 20th century.