Robert Moore
Robert Moore is one of the most widely recognized and beloved authors of historical and fantasy fiction. Born in 1945 in Richmond, Virginia, Moore grew up reading the classics of American and British literature before going on to attend the University of Virginia and the University of London. After earning his Master’s degree in English literature, he turned his passion to writing and began composing short stories and novels.
Moore first published his work in 1983, when his short story “The Battlefield of Borodino” was featured in the anthology, Tales of Fantasy and Swordplay. His first full length novel, Sword of Betrayal, came out in 1985 and was a huge success, selling nearly 70,000 copies in the UK and US. This was followed by Oath of Gold (1987), Dragonflame (1988), and The Raiders from Beyond (1992).
Throughout his literary career, Moore drew together his love of history, fantasy, and storytelling. Often his settings would be based on a particular time period or culture, such as the ancient Greek or Roman Empires, or the British Isles in its various incarnations, but with Moore’s own imaginative twist. His stories often featured memorable protagonists whose struggles against the forces set against them were poignant and thrilling. His characters often had to make hard choices to keep their honor and pay the price for their mistakes.
In addition to his fictional works, Moore also wrote non-fiction books, such as The History of the Celts (1998), as well as anthologies like Best Fantasy of Robert Moore (2010) and Best Historical Fiction of Robert Moore (2013). He also wrote several installments of a fantasy trilogy, the popular Risaldar series.
Moore’s writing style and approach to story-telling made him a favorite among fans of literary fantasy. His novels and short stories often offered sweeping perspectives on timeless themes, while the vivid detail and realistic characters grounded them in the real world. His work was always accessible but never simple, and he often left readers guessing as to the true meaning of his stories until the very end.
Moore passed away in 2015 after a long illness, but his legacy lives on through the many readers who have enjoyed his works. His novels have been reprinted and continue to be beloved by a new generation of readers. His compassionate and thoughtful approach to story-telling have inspired a legacy that continues to shape the genre today.