Professor John Cressler and his wife Maria posing with Cressler's new book “Merchants of Iniquity," the last installment in his Anthems of al-Andalus Series.
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This summer, Georgia Tech Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Professor John D. Cressler released the fourth and final book in his Anthems of al-Andalus Series, “Merchants of Iniquity”. This final release comes after 14 years of writing and many visits to Spain for research on the history of the real events the stories are based on.
"Writing fiction has been a great joy," Cressler said. "I want my colleagues and students to know that it's possible to follow your passions and live a fulfilling life."
The Anthems of al-Andalus Series, published by Milford House Press, depicts the rich history of medieval Spain, focusing on a time when Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted in an era of cultural and intellectual prosperity. The series explores themes of love, politics, and cultural exchange against the backdrop of significant historical events.
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ECE Takes You There
This story is part of the "ECE Takes You There" summer series highlighting student, faculty, and alumni summer adventures! From exciting internships to international travel, discover how the ECE community is exploring, learning, and growing.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
The latest novel takes readers to Islamic-ruled Spain and the expulsion of Jews and Muslims.
"I wanted to write historical novels because I love historical fiction," Cressler said. "When I came upon Cordoba in the 11th century, I was struck by the coexistence and respect for other cultures."
Cressler’s books are not only meticulously researched but also vividly brought to life through firsthand experiences.
"The process requires seeing the places, knowing the history, and feeling the atmosphere," Cressler said. "I walked the alleys of Granada at night, imagining what it would have been like during the medieval period."
The trips to Spain allowed Cressler to authentically capture the sights, sounds, and emotions of his settings, enriching his narrative with vivid detail. He immersed himself in the environments that his characters would have experienced.
Moclín in Granada, the best-kept secret of Andalusia, another location in the series.
Cressler visited Patio de Los Leones in Spain as part of his research.
Panorama view of Alhambra palace as seen from Generalife.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba on the locations in Merchants of Iniquity.
Balancing Academic Excellence and Creative Passion
The idea of diving deeply into one’s personal and professional pursuits is nothing new for Cressler. He’s a Regents’ Professor renowned for his work in extreme environment electronics, specifically novel microelectronic and photonic devices, circuits, and systems using nanoscale silicon-germanium (SiGe) alloys.
His team has worked with SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors for decades and are currently working with NASA’s Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) program to design the electronics infrastructure for upcoming Europa surface missions.
He credits his role at Georgia Tech for enabling him to manage both his academic career and his professional writing career.
"The discipline and structure required for academic success have translated into a consistent writing routine," Cressler said. "I write for the first two hours of the day, five days a week. Consistency is key."
This routine has allowed him to produce substantial works of historical fiction while maintaining his responsibilities as a professor. He hopes his journey of writing the Anthems of al-Andalus Series inspires students and colleagues to pursue their dreams.
"I am excited to share this work with the ECE community," said Cressler. “Not many people have a job that allows the freedom to explore their creativity."
A special book event and celebration will be held for “Merchants of Inquiry” at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center on August 27 at. Space is limited! Please RSVP.
The book will be available for purchase, along with the author's previous novels. All book sales will benefit the Ignatius House Retreat Center's College Student Initiative fund.
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