Jude Fisher is the pseudonym of the English woman Jane Johnson. She was born in Cornwall. She graduated from Liskeard Grammar School, then studied English literature at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where - impressed by Tolkien's reading - she chose to specialize in Anglo-Saxon and ancient Icelandic texts. She received a degree in English Literature and Drama and taught for a year at North London College. Then Jane decided not to change her fascination with the Old Norwegian language, the history of Norway and its literature and to get a master's degree in Scandinavia. She enrolled in the master’s degree program of the university college and successfully completed it in the specialization “Old Icelandic Language and Literature?”. Then she was incredibly lucky. One day on the street she had a conversation with a neighbor, and she said that she was going to quit her job. When Jane asked where she worked, the neighbor replied, George Allen & Unwin Publishers? For Johnson, these words sounded like music, because it was the first company to publish Tolkien. Upon learning that her neighbor was leaving the secretarial position, Jane, despite having no qualifications or abilities for secretarial work, managed to get a job. A week later, she worked with Tolkien’s book catalogues and a still-beginning series of fantasy literature. Six months later, Jane was promoted and became an editor.
George Allen & Unwin Publishers? Jane Johnson was responsible for the artistic design of Tolkien’s books, and commissioned John Howe and Alan Lee for covers and calendars. She also introduced the work of Ted Nasmith to the public for the first time.
Since 1995, Jane has been the publishing director of the ?Voyager? science fiction series at HarperCollins?.
As an editor, she participated in the publication of books by such authors as Clive Barker (Edwin, 1952-), Brian Patten (Brian Patten), Jeff Rieman (Geoff(rey) [Charles] Ryman, 1951-), Kim Stanley Robinson (Kim Stanley Robinson, 1952-), Stephen King (Edwin) King, 1947-) and Peter Straub (Peter Straub, 1943-), M. John Harrison (M(ichael) John Harrison, 1945 - ), Michael Marshall (Rahman) - Martin (Mahmandahlham) (1965), Lindahlham (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) (Arth (Rahlham) - Martin (Rahlham) - Ehondham) - (191565), Lindahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) - Martin (Mahlham) (Mahlham) (Mahlham
She co-wrote four novels with M. John Harrison, The Wild Road?, The Golden Cat?, The Knot Garden? and Nonsuch?, published under the pseudonym Gabriel King. Sorcery Rising? is her first solo book. In addition, Jane is the author of the official three-volume guide to Peter Jackson's acclaimed film trilogy (?The Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy - Visual Companions?): The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion? (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Visual Companion? (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Visual Companion? (2003).
In the spring of 2005, she will publish her first book, The Secret Country.
Jude Fisher’s books have been translated into several languages and published in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Japan.