The name of the American writer Roger Zelazny is probably known to every fan of science fiction. The undisputed leader of the so-called "new wave" in SF, when science fiction writers shifted their attention from scientific and technological achievements to the multifaceted inner world of man, Zelazny devoted his entire life to literature and did not betray it until his last days. The master's books are still in great demand and are regularly reissued.
Childhood and youth
Roger Joseph Zelazny, the son of an Irish woman and a Polish emigrant, was born in the small town of Euclid, Ohio, on May 13, 1937. From a young age, the boy showed an interest in writing, already at the age of ten he enthusiastically invented fairy tales and adventure stories, which he diligently wrote down. And yet Roger did not immediately understand his true desire - to devote himself entirely to literary creation. After graduating from school, he entered the Department of Psychology, and only two years later, realizing his mistake, he moved to the Faculty of English Literature.
In addition to literature, the young man was fond of fencing, martial arts, the study of Hindi and the Japanese language, esotericism and mystical practices of the East. After studying at the university and receiving his master's degree, Roger was drafted into the army, where he ended up in a unit assigned to conduct psychological warfare.
Creative career
Zelazny began writing seriously and publishing in 1962, during his military service. His talent was quickly noticed and appreciated, in 1963 he received the prestigious Hugo Prize and two Nebula statuettes at once. Five years later, the writer retired from public service to devote himself entirely to literary creativity and soon published a novel that opened the way for him to the top of fame.
The Nine Princes of Amber was the first epic fantasy series to be included in the annals of world science fiction. Fans of Zelazny's creativity all over the world organized clubs and staged role-playing games based on the stories of The Chronicles of Amber. In the meantime, critics continued to award the writer with the Hugo and Nebula awards - but for his other works, mostly for stories, unusual, strange, fascinating, with original ideas.
During his short life, Roger Zelazny published twenty novels and one hundred and fifty short stories. He also managed to work as a "reader" on the radio, collect rooms, reading his works and the works of other science fiction writers, with many of whom he maintained friendships, regularly practiced martial arts (even received a black belt in aikido), and raised his three children.
Personal life
In 1964, the writer married Sharon Stiberl, whom he met in a car accident, but soon broke up, and in 1966 Zelazny married a second time. His new chosen one was Judy Callahan, who later bore him three children - Devon, Jonothan and Shannon.
In 1989, Zelazny met the writer Jane Lindskold, and their friendship, reinforced by joint creativity, quickly grew into love. The writer already knew then that he was terminally ill. In 1993, he divorced his wife, but his new marriage did not last long - two years later, Roger Zelazny was gone.
