Gary Jennings
Gary Jennings
Full Name and Common Aliases
Gary Jennings was born on January 1, 1928, in Taraka, Alaska. He is often referred to as a prolific American author of historical fiction novels.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: January 1, 1928
Died: December 26, 1999
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gary Jennings was an American writer by nationality. He primarily worked as a novelist, known for his historical fiction books that often combined elements of mystery, adventure, and historical research.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Alaska, Gary Jennings developed a strong connection to the natural world and a sense of curiosity about human history. His early life experiences likely influenced his writing style and subject matter. Little information is available about his family background or personal relationships that may have shaped his work.
Major Accomplishments
Gary Jennings achieved significant success as an author, publishing numerous novels that received critical acclaim and commercial success. Some of his notable works include:
Aztec (1980) - a historical novel set in pre-Columbian Mexico
Razorbak (1977) - a science fiction/fantasy novel exploring themes of identity and humanity
* Win (1974) - a mystery/adventure novel about the life of a 19th-century American explorer
Notable Works or Actions
Gary Jennings' writing often combined meticulous historical research with engaging storytelling. His novels frequently delved into complex social, cultural, and scientific issues, showcasing his interest in exploring human experiences across time.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Gary Jennings' work on literature and readers is significant. His historical fiction novels not only entertained but also educated audiences about various periods and cultures. While opinions may vary regarding the accuracy or depth of his historical portrayals, his commitment to research and authenticity contributed to a broader understanding and appreciation of human history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gary Jennings is remembered for his distinctive writing style, which blended engaging narratives with meticulous historical research. His novels often tackled complex themes and explored the intersection of human experiences across cultures and time periods. As an author who pushed boundaries in terms of genre and subject matter, Gary Jennings' work continues to be widely read and quoted by scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Gary Jennings passed away on December 26, 1999, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most accomplished historical fiction writers.
Quotes by Gary Jennings
People are not plants. They are not fixed to any roots or dependent on them. People are mobile and free to move far from their beginnings – far away, if that satisfies them – far upward, if they have the ambition and ability.
Love and time, those are the only two things in all the world and all of life that cannot be bought, but only spent.
Collect adventures and experiences to reminisce about…go to far places, meet new people, eat exotic foods, enjoy all varieties of women, look on unfamiliar landscapes, see new things.
I contend, most seriously, that there is a real need for a good, thick, complete-as-possible dictionary of 'What People Used to Call Things.'
In the 20th century alone, there have been 1,600 books about the circus. My adding one more would be superfluous unless I do something totally new and different.
When I was living in Mexico and writing a book called 'Aztec,' I had to make a deliberate effort to ignore a lot of the 'typically Mexican landscape' around me - banana and citrus groves, roses and carnations, burros and toros - because they did not exist in Mexico in the 15th century, the time of my book.
When I was in Thailand, I went into the up-country because Marco Polo didn't get down into the flesh pots of Bangkok because they didn't exist in those days.
I starved and slept on park benches. I wrapped myself in the pages of my manuscript to keep warm. For two and a half years I took odd jobs; nothing was going to deter me.