Gary Jennings
Gary Jennings was an American author known for his historical fiction and adventure novels, particularly those exploring the Aztec civilization. Born in 1928 in Buena Vista, Virginia, Jennings faced early challenges when his family's movie theater burned down. The Jennings family relocated to New Jersey in the 1940s, where he completed high school and briefly attended the Art Students' League in Manhattan. Choosing a practical path, he began working in advertising, where he advanced to the role of account executive. His life took a significant turn when he served in the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star for his bravery.
After returning to the U.S., Jennings decided to pursue writing full-time and moved to Mexico, where he lived for twelve years. This period ignited his passion for the Aztec culture, leading to his acclaimed novel "Aztec," published in 1980. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to publish notable works, including "Spangle" and "Raptor." Jennings remained dedicated to his writing career until his death in 1999 in New Jersey. His contributions to literature reflect a blend of personal experience and extensive research into historical themes.
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Gary Jennings
Writer
- Born: September 20, 1928
- Birthplace: Buena Vista, Virginia
- Died: February 13, 1999
- Place of death: Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Biography
Gary Jennings was born in the city of Buena Vista, Virginia. His family owned a movie theater, where he was born in 1928. A few years after his birth, the theater burned down. In the early 1940’s, the Jennings family relocated to New Jersey. After finishing high school, he spent a short period of time at the Art Students’ League in Manhattan. He did not stay long, deciding instead to educate himself. At the age of seventeen, Jennings took a job as an office staffer at an advertising firm. Over the years his hard work and dedication allowed him to move up in the company. He eventually made it to the position of account executive.
Jennings left the United States to fight in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. When he returned to the United States, he briefly returned to advertising before quitting to write full time. On a whim, Jennings moved to Mexico. While there, he took several freelance writing jobs, wrote numerous children’s books, and also began writing adult novels.
While living in Mexico, where he remained for twelve years, Jennings took an interest in the Aztec people. He spent his time researching the tribe and eventually began to write historical fiction about them, starting with Aztec in 1980. He wrote another book in 1983 while in Mexico before deciding to return to the United States. He traveled around the country, taking time to live in Texas and his birthplace in Virginia. He eventually moved back to New Jersey.
During the 1990’s, Jennings published numerous historical fiction and adventure books, including Spangle in 1987 and Raptor in 1992. Jennings wrote steadily until his death in 1999 in his New Jersey home.