George Martin is one of the most famous writers of our time. His series of books "A Song of Ice and Fire" has become truly iconic. The writer regularly appears in American and European television programs. Already now we can say that George Martin is on a par with such science fiction writers as Tolkien or King. The writer's books can be found on the shelves of almost any bookstore.
Biography
The writer was born on September 20, 1948 in New Jersey.
Members of his family were ordinary hard workers, no one shone with literary talent. George attended a local school. From childhood, his attraction to literature was manifested. He read a lot. According to the stories of the author himself, while still at school, he began to sell small scary stories to other children.
After school, he enters the University of Illinois. Here his passion for creativity only increases. He continues to write comics for fan magazines. Gets a master's degree. In the winter of 1971, his story "Hero" is published by the first major publication - Galaxy Saints Fix.
During the Vietnam War, he received a summons. At that time, strong anti-war sentiments that would put an end to the war in the future were not yet widespread in the country. And George Martin himself does not consider himself a pacifist. But he flatly refused to serve. At that time, terrible photos from Vietnam had already leaked into the USA. They depicted the terrifying consequences of the American bombing of the village of Viet Cong.
Not understanding why he should invade a foreign land, Martin told the commission that he refused to wear uniforms. For some reason, special bodies did not deal with him, and he did not go to prison. According to the writer himself, the commission members decided that society would despise him anyway - because of "cowardice."
In the mid-70s, George Martin became quite popular. He has fans and fans. After a divorce from his first wife, one of these became his companion for the next 30 years (and still). They met quite prosaically - at the "party" in the bath.
George Martin "Game of Thrones"
In 1996, Martin takes to the path of world fame. This year, the first book of the cycle “Song of Ice and Fire” - “Game of Thrones” - is published, which becomes a bestseller. The writer created a new universe.
The cycle is written in the style of epic fantasy. The created world is called Westeros. It was created according to all the canons of the pseudo-historical genre. Unlike Tolkien, in the world of Martin, the fantasy component is not decisive. Westeros is a kind of allusion to the late Middle Ages.
Series Features
There are a lot of storylines. The narration is conducted on behalf of different characters in order. The focus is on the political crisis of Westeros and the ensuing war, events in the South (Daenerys) and the North (Wall).
There are several political coalitions that were weighted up to the third book: the Stark house, the Lannister house, the Baratheon house, the Greyjoy house. After the death of the drunk king, all these houses begin a bloody massacre for power over the mainland. The fight is accompanied by political intrigue, mysterious killings, alliances and peace treaties.
The main feature of the work is its realism. Everything is subject to the laws of real life. “Good” and honest characters are defeated by cunning and liars. For example, almost all three books as the main good characters are Starks. The reader intuitively thinks that, despite all the difficulties, they will always be able to get out of the water dry, and as a result they will achieve victory. But in “Sword Dance” they are suddenly killed. All.
Such a turn, such a challenge to the "Hollywood" plot system aroused the most violent feelings among readers. Thanks to this nickname, the "killer" gets not only the hero of the book, but also George Martin. "Game of Thrones" is more like a detailed historical record, so it is harsh and inexorable in relation to the characters. Magic, like fictional beings, exists, but all decisions remain with the people.
Popularity
George Martin receives real popularity and an honorable place in the world of art after the TV series Game of Thrones, based on Songs of Ice and Fire, on the Ash Bi O channel. He immediately takes the top lines in various charts. The shooting is conducted with an unprecedented scale for the industry of series. Hollywood movie stars such as Sean Bean are invited . Actors of the series are becoming recognizable throughout the world. At the moment, one of the most popular series, which is also produced by George Martin himself - "Game of Thrones."
All books of the series “Song of Ice and Fire”: “Game of Thrones”, “Battle of Kings”, “Dance of Swords”, “Feast of the Raven”, “Dance with Dragons”.
Two books are also expected, tentative titles - "Winds of Winter" and "Dreams of Spring".