John Jakes

John Jakes is a renowned American author, best known for his historical fiction, including historical romance and western fiction, as well as science fiction and fantasy. Born in 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, Jakes developed a passion for writing at an early age, selling stories to pulp magazines and writing for various advertisement agencies. His writing career took off professionally while he was still studying in Northwestern University, and he has since become a prominent figure in historical fiction.

Jakes is celebrated for his family saga series, such as the Kent Family Chronicles and The North and South Trilogy, which have garnered significant commercial success and critical acclaim. These series, along with his other works, have led to an impressive streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers, earning him the title "the godfather of historical novelists" from the Los Angeles Times. Jakes has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to historical accuracy and storytelling, which has resonated with readers and solidified his status as a leading author in his genre.

In addition to his given name, John Jakes has written under various pseudonyms, including Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, and John Lee Gray. This versatility reflects his wide-ranging talents and interests as a writer, further enhancing his contributions to the literary world. Jakes has received numerous awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He currently resides on the west coast of Florida with his wife, Rachel.