Christopher Paolini

Christopher Paolini was born in 1983 in California where he still lives.  Home schooled for the duration of his education, Paolini graduated from high school at the age of 15 through a set of accredited correspondence courses from the American School in Chicago, Illinois. Following graduation, he started his work on what would become the novel Eragon and its sequel Eldest, both set in the kingdom of Alagaësia.

In 2002, Eragon was published in a small way by Paolini International LLC, Paolini's parents' company. However, his big break was to come in Summer 2002, when the stepson of author Carl Hiaasen found Eragon in a bookstore and loved it, and Hiaasen brought it to the attention of his publisher, who subsequently made an offer to publish Eragon and the rest of the Inheritance Cycle. The second edition of Eragon was published in August 2003. At the age of nineteen, Paolini became a New York Times bestselling author.   Eragon has since been adapted into a film of the same name.

Eldest, the sequel to Eragon, was published in 2005. The third book in the cycle, Brisingr, was released in autumn 2008.  The fourth and final title in the series has yet to be given a date for publication.

Paolini's literary inspirations include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, E. R. Eddison and the epic poem Beowulf.  Other literary influences include David Eddings, Brian Jacques, Anne McCaffrey, Raymond E. Feist, Ursula K. Le Guin. Other favourite authors include Philip Pullman and Garth Nix.   Paolini notes that in his writing he ‘strives for a lyrical beauty somewhere between Tolkien at his best and Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf.’

In this video, Christopher delivers the manuscript for the very last book in the Inheritance sequence to his publisher. Press play to watch:

Inheritance Book Four Christopher Paolini Still the real battle lies ahead: Eragon and Saphira must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. The Rider... Format: Hardback - Released: 20/08/2011 Lovereading Price: £14.24 - Saving £4.75 (25%)

Brisingr - Deluxe Edition Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in this unmissable fantasy epic. Brisingr means fire and was the first word that came out of the mouth of the dragon. Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon... Format: Hardback - Released: 22/10/2009 Lovereading Price: £14.99 - Saving £5.00 (25%)

Brisingr Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in this unmissable fantasy epic. Brisingr means fire and was the first word that came out of the mouth of the dragon. Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon... Format: Paperback - Released: 27/08/2009 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)

Brisingr Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in a fantasy epic that promises to be one of the key publishing sensations of 2008. Brisingr means fire and was the first word that came out of the mouth of the dragon. Following the... Format: Hardback - Released: 20/09/2008 Lovereading Price: £12.74 - Saving £4.25 (25%)

Eragon Christopher Paolini Eragon, the first in Paolini’s Inheritance trilogy releases as a movie with a cast of impressive actors on 15 December.For those teenagers and adults alike who’ve enjoyed The Lord of the Rings or indeed The Dark Materials trilogy we think... Format: Paperback - Released: 02/11/2006 Lovereading Price: £5.24 - Saving £1.75 (25%)

Eldest Christopher Paolini This Christmas there is a real feast in store in the fantasy arena and Christopher Paolini can only be described as a precocious new find. He began his debut novel, Eragon, the first in The Inheritance trilogy at 15 and... Format: Paperback - Released: 07/09/2006 Lovereading Price: £5.99 - Saving £2.00 (25%)