Timothy Zahn
Encyclopedia
Timothy Zahn is a writer of science fiction
short stories and novels. His novella Cascade Point
won the 1984 Hugo award
. He is the author of nine Star Wars Expanded Universe
novels, including seven novels featuring Grand Admiral Thrawn
: the Thrawn Trilogy, the Hand of Thrawn duology, Outbound Flight
, and Choices of One. The Thrawn trilogy marked a revival in the fortunes of the Star Wars franchise, bringing it widespread attention for the first time in years; all three Thrawn-trilogy novels made the New York Times best-seller lists, and set the stage and tone for most of the franchise's Expanded-Universe content. While many of Zahn's characters have been embraced by franchise writers and readers, some still appearing in novels written seventeen years later, Thrawn has been particularly influential. Zahn also wrote the young adult Dragonback series and the popular Conquerors' Trilogy
.
, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics
in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his thesis adviser quite suddenly died, leaving Zahn with three years of thesis work down the drain. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and later he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon
. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
begin with an "exterior shot" of a Star Destroyer
. Zahn tends to focus more on the logic of his characters (as with Thrawn) rather than their feelings and has characters from the original trilogy re-use some of their distinctive dialogue. Timothy Zahn is also credited with naming the galactic hub of the Star Wars universe, Coruscant.
Zahn's books are often described as "fast-paced". For example, he tends to develop settings only as necessary to advance the plot.
A distinguishing mark of his work is his fondness for obliquely referential wordplay. For instance, in the Thrawn trilogy, the name "Thrawn" comes from a word meaning "twisted", while the names of two pets—"Sturm" and "Drang"—are actually the real-world German words for "Storm" and "Urge", and seem to nod directly toward the "Sturm und Drang
" writing style born out of the German Romantic
movement. Given that the Star Wars science-fantasy saga is overtly rooted in Romanticism, Zahn's arcane referencing here would seem appropriate.
The names of characters, planets, and solar systems seem to betray a certain acquaintance with both ancient Norse and Semitic (Hebrew, Arabic) lexic and morphology. Note, for instance, the mysterious planet Myrkr with its near-impenetrable forests and utter "darkness" in the Force (cf. Old Norse myrkr "darkness"), or the literally-minded species Elomin, sg. Elom (cf. the Hebrew m.pl. suffix -im). There are numerous instances of both medieval literature/saga and Old Testament references in his Star Wars novels. However, it is uncertain whether the linguistic patterns (associated with these sources) are intentional or simply a side-effect of said familiarity.
Both The Blackcollar and The Backlash Mission were released in one joint novel titled Blackcollar in 2006.
The first two books were also released in one compilation called Cobras Two in 1992. A complete compilation was released as the Cobra Trilogy in 2004.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
short stories and novels. His novella Cascade Point
Cascade point
A Cascade point is a projectile point associated with the Cascade phase, an ancient culture of Native Americans that settled in the Pacific Northwest that existed from 9000 or 10000 BC until about 5500 BC....
won the 1984 Hugo award
Hugo Award for Best Novella
The Hugo Awards are given every year by the World Science Fiction Society for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The award is named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, and was once officially...
. He is the author of nine Star Wars Expanded Universe
Star Wars Expanded Universe
The Star Wars Expanded Universe encompasses all of the officially licensed, fictional background of the Star Wars universe, outside of the six feature films produced by George Lucas. The expanded universe includes books, comic books, video games, spin-off films like Star Wars: The Clone Wars,...
novels, including seven novels featuring Grand Admiral Thrawn
Grand Admiral Thrawn
Grand Admiral Thrawn is a fictional character and major antagonist from the Star Wars galaxy. He first appeared in Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy, published between 1992 and 1994...
: the Thrawn Trilogy, the Hand of Thrawn duology, Outbound Flight
Outbound Flight
Outbound Flight is a novel set in the Star Wars galaxy that was released on January 31, 2006. It is written by Timothy Zahn, bestselling author of the popular Thrawn Trilogy, to which this novel is a prequel. The book was released by Del Rey, first in hardcover, then in paperback in January 2007...
, and Choices of One. The Thrawn trilogy marked a revival in the fortunes of the Star Wars franchise, bringing it widespread attention for the first time in years; all three Thrawn-trilogy novels made the New York Times best-seller lists, and set the stage and tone for most of the franchise's Expanded-Universe content. While many of Zahn's characters have been embraced by franchise writers and readers, some still appearing in novels written seventeen years later, Thrawn has been particularly influential. Zahn also wrote the young adult Dragonback series and the popular Conquerors' Trilogy
Conquerors' Trilogy
Conquerors' Trilogy refers to a series of science fiction novels by Timothy Zahn.In a space opera setting, a failed first contact leads to an interstellar war between humanity and an alien race, the Zhirrzh...
.
Biography
Timothy Zahn was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system...
and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his thesis adviser quite suddenly died, leaving Zahn with three years of thesis work down the drain. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and later he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon
Bandon, Oregon
- Economy :Like many communities on the Oregon coast, Bandon had significant fishing and timber industries, which were greatly diminished by the 1980s, though some remnants still exist. Bandon's current economy revolves around wood products, fishing, tourism, and agriculture...
. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
Writing style
Zahn's characters are noteworthy for taking various pieces of information, putting together a picture of events, and planning a course of action around it. Grand Admiral Thrawn is a character that reflects this. Zahn's Star Wars books also usually focus on a certain core group. Throughout these books, he often makes references to other characters or events that were created by him in previous works. As with the original Star Wars trilogy, all books in both The Thrawn Trilogy and The Hand of Thrawn Duology, as well as Survivor's QuestSurvivor's Quest
Survivor's Quest is a 2004 novel set in the Star Wars galaxy. The book was written by Timothy Zahn, and is the eighth, and, chronologically, the final book in his eight-book Thrawn series.-Setting:...
begin with an "exterior shot" of a Star Destroyer
Star Destroyer
Star Destroyers are capital ships in the fictional Star Wars universe. The Imperial Star Destroyer, which first appears in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope , is "the signature vessel of the Imperial fleet"...
. Zahn tends to focus more on the logic of his characters (as with Thrawn) rather than their feelings and has characters from the original trilogy re-use some of their distinctive dialogue. Timothy Zahn is also credited with naming the galactic hub of the Star Wars universe, Coruscant.
Zahn's books are often described as "fast-paced". For example, he tends to develop settings only as necessary to advance the plot.
A distinguishing mark of his work is his fondness for obliquely referential wordplay. For instance, in the Thrawn trilogy, the name "Thrawn" comes from a word meaning "twisted", while the names of two pets—"Sturm" and "Drang"—are actually the real-world German words for "Storm" and "Urge", and seem to nod directly toward the "Sturm und Drang
Sturm und Drang
Sturm und Drang is a proto-Romantic movement in German literature and music taking place from the late 1760s through the early 1780s, in which individual subjectivity and, in particular, extremes of emotion were given free expression in reaction to the perceived constraints of rationalism...
" writing style born out of the German Romantic
Romanticism
Romanticism was an artistic, literary and intellectual movement that originated in the second half of the 18th century in Europe, and gained strength in reaction to the Industrial Revolution...
movement. Given that the Star Wars science-fantasy saga is overtly rooted in Romanticism, Zahn's arcane referencing here would seem appropriate.
The names of characters, planets, and solar systems seem to betray a certain acquaintance with both ancient Norse and Semitic (Hebrew, Arabic) lexic and morphology. Note, for instance, the mysterious planet Myrkr with its near-impenetrable forests and utter "darkness" in the Force (cf. Old Norse myrkr "darkness"), or the literally-minded species Elomin, sg. Elom (cf. the Hebrew m.pl. suffix -im). There are numerous instances of both medieval literature/saga and Old Testament references in his Star Wars novels. However, it is uncertain whether the linguistic patterns (associated with these sources) are intentional or simply a side-effect of said familiarity.
Blackcollar Series
- The Blackcollar (1983)
- The Backlash Mission (1986)
- The Judas Solution (2006)
Both The Blackcollar and The Backlash Mission were released in one joint novel titled Blackcollar in 2006.
Cobra Series
- Cobra (1985)
- Cobra Strike (1986)
- Cobra Bargain (1988)
The first two books were also released in one compilation called Cobras Two in 1992. A complete compilation was released as the Cobra Trilogy in 2004.
Cobra War Trilogy
- Cobra Alliance (2009)
- Cobra Guardian (2011)
- Cobra Gamble (to be released January 3rd, 2012)
Conquerors Trilogy
- Conquerors' Pride (1994)
- Conquerors' Heritage (1995)
- Conquerors' Legacy (1996)
Thrawn trilogy
- Heir to the EmpireHeir to the EmpireHeir to the Empire is the first book in a trilogy of novels known as The Thrawn Trilogy, all written by Timothy Zahn.-Description:The book is set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi...
(1991) - Dark Force RisingDark Force RisingDark Force Rising is a 1992 novel, the second book in the Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn.-Plot:Prior to the Clone Wars, the Old Republic had constructed a fleet of 200 Dreadnaughts that were highly automated. This reduced their crew complement from 16,000 to 2,000 without diminishing their firepower...
(1992) - The Last Command (1993)
Hand of Thrawn series
- Specter of the PastSpecter of the PastSpecter of the Past is the first of the two Hand of Thrawn novels by Timothy Zahn. Chronologically, it is the fourth in the Thrawn series.-Setting:...
(1997) - Vision of the FutureVision of the FutureVision of the Future is the second of the two Hand of Thrawn novels by Timothy Zahn. This, the final book written by Zahn that relates to Grand Admiral Thrawn, takes place 10 years after The Last Command, in 19 ABY.-Summary:...
(1998)
Other Star Wars novels
- Survivor's QuestSurvivor's QuestSurvivor's Quest is a 2004 novel set in the Star Wars galaxy. The book was written by Timothy Zahn, and is the eighth, and, chronologically, the final book in his eight-book Thrawn series.-Setting:...
(2004) - Outbound FlightOutbound FlightOutbound Flight is a novel set in the Star Wars galaxy that was released on January 31, 2006. It is written by Timothy Zahn, bestselling author of the popular Thrawn Trilogy, to which this novel is a prequel. The book was released by Del Rey, first in hardcover, then in paperback in January 2007...
(2006) - AllegianceAllegiance (novel)Allegiance is a novel set in the Star Wars galaxy released in January 2007 by Del Rey. The book was written by Timothy Zahn.-Story:The story is set just after Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope...
(2007) - Choices of One (July 2011)
Graphic novels
- Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand; a graphic novel with Michael A. StackpoleMichael A. StackpoleMichael A. Stackpole is a science fiction and fantasy author best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, but raised in Vermont...
(1999) - Mara Jade: A Night on the Town, comic in Star Wars Tales 1
- Specter of Thrawn (cancelled)
Shorter works
- The Dreamsender short story (1980)
- Dark Thoughts at Noon short story (1982)
- Pawn's Gambit short story and Hugo nominee (1982)
- When Jonny Comes Marching Home short story (1982)—this was expanded into the first book in the Cobra series.
- Cascade PointCascade pointA Cascade point is a projectile point associated with the Cascade phase, an ancient culture of Native Americans that settled in the Pacific Northwest that existed from 9000 or 10000 BC until about 5500 BC....
short story and Hugo winner (1983) - The Final Report on the Lifeline Experiment short story (1983)
- Return to the Fold short story and Hugo nominee (1984)
- Teamwork short story (1984)
- Music Hath Charms short story (1985)
- First Contact: short story in Star Wars Adventure Journal 1, later republished in Tales from the EmpireTales From the EmpireTales from the Empire is an anthology of short stories set in the fictional Star Wars universe. The book is edited by Peter Schweighofer....
(1994) - The Saga Begins: short story in The DarkStryder Campaign (1995)
- Mist Encounter : short story in Star Wars Adventure Journal 7, later republished in the paperback edition of Outbound FlightOutbound FlightOutbound Flight is a novel set in the Star Wars galaxy that was released on January 31, 2006. It is written by Timothy Zahn, bestselling author of the popular Thrawn Trilogy, to which this novel is a prequel. The book was released by Del Rey, first in hardcover, then in paperback in January 2007...
(1995) - Hammertong: short story in Tales from the Mos Eisley CantinaTales From the Mos Eisley CantinaTales from the Mos Eisley Cantina is an anthology of short stories set in the fictional Star Wars universe. The book is edited by Kevin J. Anderson.- Contents :- External links :**...
(1995) - Sleight of Hand: short story in Tales from Jabba's PalaceTales From Jabba's PalaceTales from Jabba's Palace is an anthology of short stories set in the fictional Star Wars universe. The book was edited by Kevin J. Anderson and was released on December 1, 1995.- Contents :* Introduction...
(1996) - Command Decision: short story in Star Wars Adventure Journal 9 (1996)
- Side Trip: novella with Michael A. StackpoleMichael A. StackpoleMichael A. Stackpole is a science fiction and fantasy author best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, but raised in Vermont...
in Star Wars Adventure Journal 12 and Star Wars Adventure Journal 13, later republished in in Tales from the Empire (1997) - Jade Solitaire: short story intended for the cancelled Star Wars Adventure Journal 17, later published in Tales from the New RepublicTales From the New RepublicTales from the New Republic is an anthology of short stories set in the fictional Star Wars universe. The book is edited by Peter Schweighofer and Craig Carey.- Contents :#"Interlude at Darknell" by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole...
(1999) - Interlude at Darkknell: novella with Michael A. Stackpole, in Tales from the New Republic (1999)
- With One Stone: HonorverseHonorverseThe Honorverse refers to the military science fiction book series and sub-series created by David Weber and published by Baen Books. The series is set primarily after Honor Harrington's October 1, 3961, birth; although she is the protagonist in most of the stories, more recent entries make only...
short story in The Service of the SwordThe Service of the SwordThe Service of the Sword, published in 2003, was the fourth anthology of stories set in the fictional Honorverse.The book contains the following stories:"Promised Land" by Jane Lindskold- External links :...
(2003) - Fool's BargainFool's BargainFool's Bargain is a Star Wars ebook novella written by Timothy Zahn and published on 1 February 2004, and later in print with Survivor's Quest. The novella is set before Survivor's Quest in the Star Wars Expanded Universe timeline...
: eBook; also reprinted in the paperback edition of Survivor's QuestSurvivor's QuestSurvivor's Quest is a 2004 novel set in the Star Wars galaxy. The book was written by Timothy Zahn, and is the eighth, and, chronologically, the final book in his eight-book Thrawn series.-Setting:...
(2004) - Hero of Cartao: short story in Star Wars InsiderStar Wars InsiderStar Wars Insider is the official Star Wars magazine. Its contents include stories, articles relating to the Star Wars universe, letters, and the fan newsletter "Bantha Tracks". It began in 1987 as the official magazine of The Lucasfilm Fan Club...
- Changing Seasons: short story in Star Wars Insider
- Judge's Call: short story on Del Rey's website.
- Duel: short story / Hasbro tie-in.
- Handoff: short story in Star Wars Gamer
- Sword's Man: short story in Space Gamer
- Symmkyn's Edge: short story in Space Gamer
- Vampire Trap: short story in Space Gamer
- Fantasy World: short story in Space Gamer
- The Challenge: short story in Space Gamer
- "Vampin' Down the Avenue" short story in Twilight Zone: 19 Original Stories on the 50th AnniversaryTwilight Zone: 19 Original Stories on the 50th AnniversaryTwilight Zone: 19 Original Stories on the 50th Anniversary is a collection of short stories written by various authors and edited by Carol Serling, the widow of series creator Rod Serling. Each story was written with themes or styles similar to The Twilight Zone episodes, including narrated...
(2009)
Dragonback series
- Dragon and ThiefDragon and ThiefDragon and Thief is a science fiction/adventure novel published in 2003 by prolific author Timothy Zahn. It is the first of a six-part series, concluded in 2008. The stories involve an orphaned youth, Jack Morgan. He was raised to be a con man and thief...
(2003) - Dragon and Soldier (2004)
- Dragon and Slave (2005)
- Dragon and Herdsman (2006)
- Dragon and Judge (2007)
- Dragon and Liberator (2008)
Terminator Salvation
- Terminator Salvation: From the AshesTerminator Salvation: From the AshesTerminator Salvation: From the Ashes is a prequel novel written by Timothy Zahn. It is set after the events of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and before the events of Terminator Salvation.-Story:The novel opens on July 25, 2004 - Judgment Day...
(2009) - Terminator Salvation: Trial by Fire (2010)
Quadrail or Frank Compton series
- Night Train to RigelNight Train to RigelNight Train to Rigel is a science fiction book published in 2005, by Hugo Award winning author Timothy Zahn. The book is set in the near-distant future, in an era when humans have taken up residence on planets other than Earth, such as Mars...
(2005) - The Third LynxThe Third LynxThe Third Lynx is a science fiction novel by Timothy Zahn. It is the sequel to Night Train to Rigel. The Third Lynx was published by Tor Books and was released in hardcover on October 30, 2007.- Plot :...
(2007) - Odd Girl Out (2008)
- The Domino Pattern (2009)
- Judgment at Proteus (to be released June 5th, 2012)
Other novels
- A Coming of Age (1984)
- SpinneretSpinneret (Timothy Zahn)Spinneret is a science fiction novel by Timothy Zahn. It was published in 1985.-Plot summary:The novel is set on year 2016 Earth, with several interstellar ships being launched by the US and the EU in the hopes of finding habitable worlds to alleviate the overpopulation of Earth, only to find that...
(1985) - Triplet (1987)
- Deadman Switch (1988)
- War Horse (1990)
- The Icarus HuntThe Icarus HuntThe Icarus Hunt is a science fiction novel by Timothy Zahn. It was first published in hardcover in August 1999, and was released in paperback in July 2000. It is an homage to the thriller novels of Alistair MacLean.-Plot summary:...
(1999) - Angelmass (2001)
- Manta's Gift (2002)
- The Green and the GrayThe Green and the GrayThe Green and the Gray is a 2004 novel by Timothy Zahn, author of numerous works, including the Star Wars Trilogy, Heir to the Empire.-Plot introduction:...
(2004)
Collections
- Cascade Point and Other Stories (1986)
- Time Bomb and Zahndry Others (1988)
- Distant Friends and Other Stories (1992)
- Star Song and Other Stories (2002)
External links
- Timothy Zahn's page at Tor BooksTor BooksTor Books is one of two imprints of Tom Doherty Associates LLC, based in New York City. It is noted for its science fiction and fantasy titles. Tom Doherty Associates also publishes mainstream fiction, mystery, and occasional military history titles under its Forge imprint. The company was founded...
- Bibliography on SciFanSciFanSciFan is an online database for fans of science fiction and fantasy books.The site provides detailed bibliographies, linking books together into series' where appropriate and, in turn, grouping series by universe...
- Interview online at Starwars.com