Timothy Zahn

Timothy Zahn (born September 1, 1951) is an American writer of science fiction and fantasy. He is known best for his prolific collection of Star Wars books, chiefly the Thrawn trilogy, and has published several other series of sci-fi and fantasy novels of his own original creation, in addition to many works of short fiction. His books have been credited with helping revive interest in Star Wars after the franchise's movie branch ran into trouble with profitability and cross-generational interest.

Zahn grew up in Lombard, Illinois, and attended Glenbard East High School in Lombard. He attended Michigan State University, before working towards a doctorate in physics at the University of Illinois.

Career

Zahn's novella Cascade Point won the 1984 Hugo Award. At the time, Zahn was writing Heir to the Empire (1991), the first book in what became known as the Thrawn trilogy, and West End in turn released sourcebooks from 1992–1994 based on Zahn's three novels. and set the stage and tone for most of the franchise's expanded universe content.