Jean M. Auel ​

Jean Marie Auel is an American author best known for her Earth's Children series, a set of historical fiction novels set in prehistoric Europe that explores human activities during this time such as the domestication of animals, invention of various tools, and techniques for making fire. The most popular book in this series is "The Clan of the Cave Bear".

Quick Facts ​

• Best known for the Earth's Children series, a set of historical novels set in prehistoric Europe.
• Her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide.
• Her research has spanned such diverse topics as ice age flora and fauna, the skills and technologies of primitive peoples, and the uses of medicinal and edible plants.
• It usually takes her about four or five years per book.
• She has been awarded the French government's Ministry of Culture "Officier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" decoration.

Background ​

Auel was born in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised there. She is a highly educated woman, having earned an M.B.A from the University of Portland. Prior to becoming a novelist, she had a successful career in the business world, working as an electronics technician, a credit manager, and even an inventor, with several patents to her name.

Auel's transition into being an author began in 1977 with extensive research work on the Ice Age for her first book, The Clan of the Cave Bear, which was published in 1980. This novel became a huge success and was followed by other titles like The Valley of Horses and The Plains of Passage, all part of what came to be known as the Earth's Children series. Auel's penchant for historical accuracy and detailed anthropological and archaeological descriptions in her books brought her recognition and popularity.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Auel's writing style is meticulous with details, where she provides rich descriptions of the prehistoric settings and insightful explorations of multiple cultural practices. Known for her strong female protagonists, her work conveys progressive social themes through a historical lens. Her novels provide an engaging fusion of historical fact and imaginative fiction. Her work has been praised for its unique perspective and was considered groundbreaking in the genre of historical fiction, inspiring other writers.

Notable Works ​

• The Clan of the Cave Bear (1980)
• The Valley of Horses (1982)
• The Mammoth Hunters (1985)
• The Plains of Passage (1990)
• The Shelters of Stone (2002)
• The Land of Painted Caves (2011)