R. A. Salvatore: Biography, Books, & Facts

Robert Anthony Salvatore, known professionally as R. A. Salvatore, is a American author.

Early Life

R. A. Salvatore was born on January 20, 1959, in Leominster, Massachusetts.

Growing up in a time when fantasy literature was gaining popularity, Salvatore found himself drawn to the genre early on. Despite this interest, it wasn’t until he was a student at Fitchburg State College that he seriously began to consider writing as a career.

Salvatore initially studied computer science before switching to journalism, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Media from Fitchburg State College.

It was during his college years that he discovered his passion for writing, inspired by authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, whose work would have a lasting impact on his career.

Career Beginnings

Salvatore’s professional writing career began in the late 1980s when he answered a call from TSR, the then-publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, for new authors.

His submission was met with enthusiasm, leading to the creation of his most iconic character, Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow who defies the evil nature of his people to seek a life of virtue.

This character first appeared in “The Crystal Shard” (1988), which is the first book in the “Icewind Dale Trilogy”.