Robert Ludlum (1927-2001) was an American author of 27 thriller novels, best known for his Jason Bourne series. He wrote under his own name as well as under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd. His books have sold over 300 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into numerous films and television series. Ludlum was born in New York City and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After the war, he attended Wesleyan University and later worked as an actor, producer, and director in the theater. He began writing novels in the 1970s and quickly became a best-selling author. His books are known for their intricate plots, fast-paced action, and suspenseful twists. Ludlum passed away in 2001, but his legacy lives on in the many adaptations of his work.