George Martin: biography and description of "Game of Thrones"

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

George Martin is one of the most famous writers of our time. His book series A Song of Ice and Fire has become a cult classic. The writer regularly appears in American and European TV shows. Already now we can say that George Martin is on a par with such science fiction writers as Tolkien or King. The author'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 went to the local school. Since childhood, he was attracted to literature. He read a lot. According to the author himself, while still at school, he began selling small scary stories to other children.

After high school, he goes to the University of Illinois. Here his passion for creativity only increases. He continues to write comics for fanzines. Receives a master's degree. In the winter of 1971, his story "Hero" publishes the first serious publication - Galaxy Science Fiction magazine.

During the Vietnam War, he receives a summons. They weren't in the country then.there is strong anti-war sentiment that will put an end to war in the future. And George Martin himself does not consider himself a pacifist. But he flatly refused to serve. At that time, creepy photos from Vietnam had already leaked to the United States. They showed the horrific aftermath of American bombing of a Viet Cong village.

Not understanding why he should invade foreign land, Martin told the commission that he refused to wear a uniform. For some reason, special authorities did not take care of him, and he did not go to prison. According to the writer himself, the members of the commission decided that society would despise him anyway - because of "cowardice".

In the mid-70s, George Martin becomes quite a serious popularity. He has admirers and admirers. 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 a "party" in the bathhouse.

George Martin "Game of Thrones"

In 1996, Martin embarks on the path of worldwide fame. The first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones, is released this year and becomes a bestseller. The writer has 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 the same Tolkien, in Martin's world 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 story is told from the perspective of different characters. The focus is on the political crisis in Westeros and the subsequent war, events in the South (Daenerys) and in the North (The Wall).

There are several political coalitions that have had weight until the third book: House Stark, House Lannister, House Baratheon, House Greyjoy. After the death of the drunken king, all these houses begin a bloody slaughter for power over the mainland. The struggle is accompanied by political intrigues, mysterious murders, alliances and peace treaties.

The main feature of the work is its realism. Everything here is subject to the laws of real life. "Good" and honest characters are defeated by cunning and liars. For example, almost all three books have Starks as the main positive characters. The reader intuitively thinks that, despite all the difficulties, they will always be able to get away with it, and as a result they will achieve victory. But in the "Dance of Swords" they are suddenly killed. Everyone.

Such a turn, such a challenge to the "Hollywood" plot system caused the most intense feelings among readers. Thanks to this, the nickname "killer" gets not only the hero of the book, but also George Martin. "Game of Thrones" is more like a detailed historical record, it is so harsh and inexorable in relation to the characters. Magic, like fictional creatures, exists, but all decisions are left to people.

Popularity

RealGeorge Martin receives popularity and an honorable place in world art after the release of the television series Game of Thrones on the Ash B. O. channel, based on A Song of Ice and Fire. He immediately occupies the top lines in various charts. Filming is underway on an unprecedented scale for the industry of serials. Hollywood movie stars such as Sean Bean are invited. The actors of the series become recognizable all over the world. At the moment, one of the most popular series, which is also produced by George Martin himself - "Game of Thrones".

All A Song of Ice and Fire books: Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Dance of Swords, A Feast of Crows, A Dance with Dragons.

Two more books are expected, tentative titles are Winds of Winter and Dreams of Spring.