Monday, September 17, 2007

Bestselling Charleston Author Passes

Posted by Nick Smith on Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 8:20 AM

Farewell to Robert Jordan, who died yesterday from the rare blood disease, amyloidosis. The local writer - real name James Rigney - made the big leagues with his Wheel of Time fantasy series. He was only 58 years old.

Jordan was an integral part of Charleston's literary scene, instantly recognizable with his beard, hat and glasses. But he also valued his privacy, especially since the diagnosis of his progressive blood disorder in late 2005.

 The bestselling author sparked the imaginations of readers worldwide with books like The Eye of the World, The Dragon Reborn and original stories featuring Conan the Barbarian. An indication of his amazing popularity: fans offered their bone marrow to help him fight his disease. His ideas will live on through those fans in cyberspace, where countless sites propagate the mythos he created.

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I, too, had the opportunity see Kings of Leon recently. The Orange Peel in Asheville was packed full of adoring fans, dancing and singing along to every song to their little hearts content. I was definitely more impressed with this performance, as last year's show at the Music Farm was flawless, yet unanimated and encoreless. At the Orange Peel, KOL seemed to be more comfortable, having fun, and even spoke to the audiance in between songs. To my, and my female musical cohort Linday's surprise, they even played three or four encore songs. I realize that their previous short sets are likely a result of not knowing how to play any more than 10 songs. But these boys have turned into damn fine musicians. About the mic throwing "in the heat of the moment;" I'm a little disapointed that Caleb has done this in precisely the same point of the same song in each performance Lindsay and I have cumulatively witnessed. Not to say that there was any less "heat" because of it...but contrived-seeming, nontheless. Overall, the Kings put on a fabulous show, playing favorites from all three albums (always with exception of my personal favorite from their first: Dusty). Snowden was slightly boring and lacking... but the main attraction fell nothing short of impressive and HOTT. I know everyone appraciates my opinion.

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Posted by Jamie Resch on June 13, 2007 at 11:33 AM

JILLIAN, DO YOU HAVE AN OFFICIAL SETLIST FOR THE ATLANTA SHOW? IVE BEEN TRYING TO WORK IT OUT FROM MEMORY BUT I KNOW IM LEAVING SOMETHING OUT...

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Posted by CHRIS BAIR on June 18, 2007 at 2:09 PM

This is truly a sad day in the history of the fantasy genre. Robert's contributions to the literary development of fantasy compare highly with those of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He will truly be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go with him and his family.

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Posted by Andrew Hall on September 17, 2007 at 12:40 PM

This is truly a sad day in the history of the fantasy genre. Robert's contributions to the literary development of fantasy compare highly with those of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He will truly be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go with him and his family.

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Posted by Andrew Hall on September 17, 2007 at 12:40 PM

We have lost the bard of our time. Godspeed, Robert.

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Posted by LANLord on September 17, 2007 at 1:14 PM

We have lost the bard of our time. Godspeed, Robert.

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Posted by LANLord on September 17, 2007 at 1:14 PM

SOB!!! I've been waiting fifteen years for him to finish WOT and now he dies? Now we'll never know how the series ends.

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Posted by hanni on September 17, 2007 at 4:30 PM

SOB!!! I've been waiting fifteen years for him to finish WOT and now he dies? Now we'll never know how the series ends.

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Posted by hanni on September 17, 2007 at 4:30 PM

I owe Jordan a debt of gratitude for seeing me through too many difficult times in my life to count, and I grieve at his passing. I hope he had a chance to see the letter I wrote him some months ago expressing my gratitude. My thoughts are with his family.

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Posted by Sally on September 17, 2007 at 5:02 PM

I owe Jordan a debt of gratitude for seeing me through too many difficult times in my life to count, and I grieve at his passing. I hope he had a chance to see the letter I wrote him some months ago expressing my gratitude. My thoughts are with his family.

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Posted by Sally on September 17, 2007 at 5:02 PM

The first five books in the WOT time series were some of the best Sci-Fi / Fantasy that I have ever read. Books 6 - 10 were next to useless. Book 11 was starting to move things in the right direction. Now he is dead. That's just PERFECT!!! I wasted 15 years and who knows how many dollars on that series. I feel betrayed. Yes, I am venting. We all grieve in our own way.

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Posted by hanni on September 17, 2007 at 5:06 PM

The first five books in the WOT time series were some of the best Sci-Fi / Fantasy that I have ever read. Books 6 - 10 were next to useless. Book 11 was starting to move things in the right direction. Now he is dead. That's just PERFECT!!! I wasted 15 years and who knows how many dollars on that series. I feel betrayed. Yes, I am venting. We all grieve in our own way.

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Posted by hanni on September 17, 2007 at 5:06 PM

Robert Jordan shared his imagination and his love of adventure with the world. God bless him and keep him. As for those who whine because he was so thoughtless as to die before finishing his series: your egocentrics are showing.

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Posted by Jon Ogden on September 17, 2007 at 5:58 PM

Robert Jordan shared his imagination and his love of adventure with the world. God bless him and keep him. As for those who whine because he was so thoughtless as to die before finishing his series: your egocentrics are showing.

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Posted by Jon Ogden on September 17, 2007 at 5:58 PM

I cant except that James O. Rigney JR. AKA Robert Jordan is gone. He was far too young to pass, and far too talented, to have left us this soon. My heart goes out to his family, people he has worked with, and all of the fans of his work. He took me though a very difficult part of my life, with his words, work, and books. Rest in Peace, and blessings for those left behind. Whisper Portland, ME

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Posted by Whisper on September 18, 2007 at 10:08 AM

I cant except that James O. Rigney JR. AKA Robert Jordan is gone. He was far too young to pass, and far too talented, to have left us this soon. My heart goes out to his family, people he has worked with, and all of the fans of his work. He took me though a very difficult part of my life, with his words, work, and books. Rest in Peace, and blessings for those left behind. Whisper Portland, ME

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Posted by Whisper on September 18, 2007 at 10:08 AM

Ok.. I have seen some really moving sentiments and also some venting. It is truly sad, when anyone dies. Life is something you have only one of and for people to be "MAD" at him for dying is not particularly nice. But I can understand the venters in a way. Before his death, for the past years I have waited and it has been frustrating. Part of it may be that he sold out a bit, because he wanted more money and so lengthened the series. We are allowed to feel betrayed for that. Surely he could have gotten the books written without some of what was in 6-10... BUT remember people. This was a human being. You are allowed to be upset about the books not being finished. But don't be upset at the man who is now in his grave... Let him rest... He deserves at least that much....

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Posted by A Wolf That Dreams on September 18, 2007 at 8:48 PM

Ok.. I have seen some really moving sentiments and also some venting. It is truly sad, when anyone dies. Life is something you have only one of and for people to be "MAD" at him for dying is not particularly nice. But I can understand the venters in a way. Before his death, for the past years I have waited and it has been frustrating. Part of it may be that he sold out a bit, because he wanted more money and so lengthened the series. We are allowed to feel betrayed for that. Surely he could have gotten the books written without some of what was in 6-10... BUT remember people. This was a human being. You are allowed to be upset about the books not being finished. But don't be upset at the man who is now in his grave... Let him rest... He deserves at least that much....

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Posted by A Wolf That Dreams on September 18, 2007 at 8:48 PM

I first learned of Mr. Jordan when I read "Eye Of The World" in paperback in 1990. I bought the next two volumes and was hooked. Reading his bio, I thought what an interesting man. I bought books 4 thru 11 in hardback as I could never wait for the paperback edition. I even bought his Conan books. He was a talented writer...a talented story teller. I didn't mind him stretching his series...too much...it gave us readers longer in that world he so carefully crafted. I offer my prayers and condolences to his family and if they choose to complete his series, hopefully some of the proceeds will go to charity.

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Posted by Catzan on September 18, 2007 at 11:09 PM

I first learned of Mr. Jordan when I read "Eye Of The World" in paperback in 1990. I bought the next two volumes and was hooked. Reading his bio, I thought what an interesting man. I bought books 4 thru 11 in hardback as I could never wait for the paperback edition. I even bought his Conan books. He was a talented writer...a talented story teller. I didn't mind him stretching his series...too much...it gave us readers longer in that world he so carefully crafted. I offer my prayers and condolences to his family and if they choose to complete his series, hopefully some of the proceeds will go to charity.

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Posted by Catzan on September 18, 2007 at 11:09 PM

Jim Rigney's passing is a tragic but, sadly, not entirely unexpected event for the Charleston community, for science fiction and fantasy fans everywhere, and for the many friends and admirers he leaves behind. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim on several occasions and of interviewing him for the City Paper once. He was satisfyingly eccentric, kind, and surprisingly humble for a writer who'd seen the top of the New York Times Bestseller List as many times as he had and had sold more than 30 million books in a dozen languages. Jim and his wife Harriet were also extraordinarily generous of their time and considerable wealth within Charleston's neediest quarters. He'll be missed by many -- not just as an author of profound international influence but as a human being and friend. Best wishes, Jim. Here's looking forward to your appearance in the Wheel's next turn.

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Posted by Patrick Sharbaugh on September 19, 2007 at 12:39 AM

Jim Rigney's passing is a tragic but, sadly, not entirely unexpected event for the Charleston community, for science fiction and fantasy fans everywhere, and for the many friends and admirers he leaves behind. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim on several occasions and of interviewing him for the City Paper once. He was satisfyingly eccentric, kind, and surprisingly humble for a writer who'd seen the top of the New York Times Bestseller List as many times as he had and had sold more than 30 million books in a dozen languages. Jim and his wife Harriet were also extraordinarily generous of their time and considerable wealth within Charleston's neediest quarters. He'll be missed by many -- not just as an author of profound international influence but as a human being and friend. Best wishes, Jim. Here's looking forward to your appearance in the Wheel's next turn.

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Posted by Patrick Sharbaugh on September 19, 2007 at 12:39 AM
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