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Patrick James Rothfuss

Patrick James Rothfuss[1†]

Patrick James Rothfuss (born June 6, 1973) is an American fantasy author and educator best known for "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series, particularly "The Name of the Wind" (2007) and "The Wise Man’s Fear" (2011), both of which achieved bestseller status and critical acclaim. He has also published several novellas and short works set in the same universe, contributed to non-fiction and humor, and founded the charity Worldbuilders, demonstrating a commitment to both literary excellence and community engagement. [1†][2†]

Early Years and Education

Patrick Rothfuss was born on June 6, 1973, in Madison, Wisconsin, where he grew up in an environment that encouraged reading and creativity, partly due to the absence of cable television. Rothfuss and his younger sister were raised in rural Wisconsin, fostering a close family bond that influenced his appreciation for storytelling and exploration. [1†][2†][3†]

He attended DeForest Area High School before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in 1991, initially pursuing chemical engineering but later exploring psychology and philosophy, ultimately graduating with a B.A. in English in 1999. [1†][4†]

He went on to pursue graduate studies at Washington State University, earning an M.A. in English in 2002, a period during which he further refined the manuscript that would become his most recognized work. [5†][1†]

Career Development and Achievements

In 2002 Rothfuss won the "Writers of the Future" contest (Second Quarter) with an excerpt titled "The Road to Levinshir", which helped establish his connections in the publishing world. After earning his M.A., he returned to UW–Stevens Point to teach part-time while pursuing publishing opportunities for his novel. [6†][1†][2†]

His debut novel "The Name of the Wind" was published by DAW Books on March 27, 2007, earning the Quill Award and recognition on "The New York Times" bestseller lists. [7†][8†]

The sequel "The Wise Man’s Fear" was released on March 1, 2011, debuting at the top of "The New York Times" bestseller list and further solidifying his position as a major voice in fantasy literature. [9†]

Beyond the main series, Rothfuss has expanded the universe with novellas and short stories such as "How Old Holly Came to Be", "The Lightning Tree", and "The Slow Regard of Silent Things", while also contributing to anthologies. He collaborated on the abstract strategy game Tak, based on a game from his novels, released in 2016 through a partnership with game designer James Ernest. Rothfuss contributed as a writer to the video game Torment: Tides of Numenera, developing the companion character Rhin and adding to the game's lore in 2017. He also worked on the open-world RPG Hero's Song with Pixelmage Games, though the project was ultimately canceled in 2016. Additionally, Rothfuss co-hosted the podcast Unattended Consequences with Max Temkin from 2015 to 2016, discussing topics ranging from writing to personal anecdotes, with occasional later episodes. In 2020, he collaborated with One Shot Podcast for a role-playing series set in the Kingkiller Chronicle universe, exploring new stories through tabletop gaming. [10†][11†][12†][13†][14†][15†][16†]

In 2008 he founded the charity Worldbuilders, which has raised millions of dollars for organizations like Heifer International, and later co-founded Underthing Press, further extending his impact beyond fiction. [17†][1†]

First publication of his main works

• Your Annotated, Illustrated College Survival Guide (2005). A humorous illustrated guide for students published by Cornerstone Press, based on Rothfuss’s college newspaper columns. [18†][19†]
• The Name of the Wind (2007). Published by DAW Books, this first volume of "The Kingkiller Chronicle" narrates Kvothe’s childhood, education, and early adventures; it won the Quill Award and international recognition. [7†][20†]
• The Wise Man’s Fear (2011). The second installment of the saga, published by DAW Books, expanded Kvothe’s journeys and achieved bestseller status. [9†]
• How Old Holly Came to Be (2013). A short story set in Temerant, published in the anthology "Unfettered" and expanding on side characters and lore. [21†][22†]
• The Lightning Tree (2014). A novella focusing on Bast, published in the anthology "Rogues", which depicts a day in his life in Newarre. [11†][23†]
• The Slow Regard of Silent Things (2014). Published by DAW Books, this introspective novella about Auri privileges atmosphere and voice over plot progression. [10†]
• The Narrow Road Between Desires (2023). A novella expanding Bast’s story, connected to "The Lightning Tree" and published by DAW Books. [24†][25†]
• The Thing Beneath the Bed (2010). The first volume of "The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle", published by Subterranean Press with illustrations by Nate Taylor. [26†][27†]
• The Dark of Deep Below (2013). The second entry in "The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle", continuing its darkly comic, illustrated style. [28†][29†]
• The Lay of the Eastern King (2010). A short poetic piece published in "Clash of the Geeks", created for a charitable anthology. [1†]
• Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons (2018–2019, with Jim Zub and Troy Little). A four-issue limited comic series published by IDW/Oni, later collected in trade paperback. [30†]

Analysis and Evaluation

Rothfuss’s prose is often praised for its lyrical quality, rhythmic phrasing, and attention to language, distinguishing him among contemporary fantasy writers. [7†][31†]

His world-building combines elaborate magic systems, detailed cultures, and layered narrative frames, most notably Kvothe’s retrospective narration, offering both intimacy and epic scale. [32†][33†]

Critics have noted the slow pace of publication, particularly regarding the anticipated third volume, as well as occasional narrative unevenness, but his legacy rests on strong critical reception, commercial success, and influence on fantasy literature. The anticipated third volume, "The Doors of Stone", remains unpublished as of 2025, with Rothfuss humorously referring to it as "bloated and unpublishable" amid fan speculation, editor comments on lack of progress, and his prioritization of family and personal well-being. [1†][34†][35†][36†]

Personal Life

Rothfuss is married to Sarah Rothfuss, and they have two sons, details he occasionally shares on his official blog and interviews. [37†][1†]

He resides in central Wisconsin, balancing writing, teaching in his early career, and creative projects, while remaining actively engaged with his readership and charitable causes. [33†][3†]

Conclusion and Legacy

Patrick Rothfuss has redefined expectations for modern fantasy through lyrical prose, detailed world-building, and character-driven storytelling, gaining a devoted global readership. [32†][38†]

His complementary works, philanthropic initiatives through Worldbuilders, and role as mentor and speaker ensure a legacy beyond literature, reinforcing his status as both a significant author and a socially engaged public figure. [17†][1†]

Key information

• Also Known As: Pat Rothfuss [1†]
• Born: June 6, 1973; Madison, Wisconsin, USA [1†][33†]
• Died: Unknown [1†]
• Nationality: American [1†]
• Occupation: Author, educator, public speaker [33†][1†]
• Notable Works: "The Name of the Wind", "The Wise Man’s Fear", "The Slow Regard of Silent Things", "The Lightning Tree", "The Narrow Road Between Desires" [32†][39†]
• Notable achievements: Winner of "Writers of the Future" (2002); Quill Award (2007); multiple New York Times bestsellers; founder of Worldbuilders; Alex Award (2008); David Gemmell Legend Award (2012); World Fantasy Award nomination (2015). [6†][1†][40†][41†][42†]

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
2. Patrick Rothfuss - Bio [website] - link
3. Patrick Rothfuss Blog - A blog, if only barely. [website] - link
4. UW-Stevens Point - Notable Alumni of UW-Stevens Point - About UWSP [website] - link
5. Washington State Magazine - Patrick Rothfuss ’02—World Builder [website] - link
6. Writers & Illustrators of the Future - Volume 18 - 2002 - Winners [website] - link
7. Wikipedia (English) - The Name of the Wind [website] - link
8. Astra Publishing House - The Name of the Wind [website] - link
9. Wikipedia (English) - The Wise Man's Fear [website] - link
10. Wikipedia (English) - The Slow Regard of Silent Things [website] - link
11. Wikipedia (English) - Rogues (anthology) [website] - link
12. Wikipedia (English) - Tak (game) [website] - link
13. Fandom - Official Numenera and Torment Wiki - Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
14. Massively Overpowered - Interview: Fantasy author Patrick Rothfuss is working on Smed’s OARPG, Hero’s Song [website] - link
15. Unattended Consequences [website] - link
16. The One Shot Podcast Network - Patrick Rothfuss Teams with One Shot Podcast to Explore the World of The Kingkiller Chronicle With New Stories [website] - link
17. WIRED - Fight Poverty and Be Immortalized in Print with Worldbuilders [website] - link
18. Open Library - Your Annotated, Illustrated College Survival Guide by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
19. UW-Stevens Point - Books
20. Cornerstone Press [website] - link
21. Google Books - The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
22. Goodreads - Book : How Old Holly Came to Be by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
23. Internet Archive - How Old Holly Came To Be - Patrick Rothfuss : Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
24. Goodreads - Book : The Lightning Tree by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
25. PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books - The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss: 9780756419226 [website] - link
26. Goodreads - Book : The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
27. Subterranean Press - Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Thing Beneath the Bed [website] - link
28. Goodreads - Book : The Thing Beneath the Bed by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
29. Subterranean Press - Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Whiffle: The Dark of Deep Below [website] - link
30. Goodreads - Book : The Dark of Deep Below by Patrick Rothfuss [website] - link
31. Wikipedia (English) - Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons [website] - link
32. WIRED - WIRED Book Club: How Patrick Rothfuss Saved a 'Hot Mess' of a Book [website] - link
33. Wikipedia (English) - The Kingkiller Chronicle [website] - link
34. Patrick Rothfuss - Official Website [website] - link
35. WIRED - Best-Selling Author Warns 'You Might Not Want to Buy' His Book [website] - link
36. ScreenRant - Why The Doors Of Stone Is Taking So Long - 3rd Kingkiller Chronicle Book Delay Explained [website] - link
37. Newsweek - ‘Kingkiller Chronicle’ Editor Believes Author Hasn’t Writ... - Newsweek [website] - link
38. Patrick Rothfuss Blog - A New Addition to the Family [website] - link
39. Penguin Random House - Authors [website] - link
40. Patrick Rothfuss - The Books [website] - link
41. TeachingBooks for Schools - Author Book Awards [website] - link
42. sfadb - Patrick Rothfuss Titles [website] - link
43. sfadb - Patrick Rothfuss Awards [website] - link