John Jakes

John William Jakes (March 31, 1932–March 11, 2023) was an American author whose career ranged across historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and Westerns. Born in Chicago, he sold his first story at 18 and later earned a degree from DePauw University and a master’s degree in American literature from Ohio State University.

Jakes became widely known for The Kent Family Chronicles, an eight-book saga following one family through major events in American history, and for the North and South trilogy, set against the years leading up to and through the Civil War. His richly researched novels sold millions of copies worldwide, and several were adapted into television miniseries. He also wrote the Crown Family Saga and published under several pseudonyms.