Fritz Reuter Leber

Fritz Reuter Leiber Jr. (1910–1992) was an American author renowned for his work in fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Born in Chicago, he was the son of noted Shakespearean actor Fritz Leiber Sr., and his deep immersion in the theatrical world profoundly shaped his writing. He studied psychology at the University of Chicago and later trained for the Episcopal ministry before turning to writing full time.

Leiber coined the term "sword and sorcery" and created his most enduring legacy: the Fafhrd and Gray Mouser series, chronicling two rogues' adventures in the fantastical land of Nehwon, with the city of Lankhmar as its centerpiece. These tales were gathered in collections such as Swords and Deviltry (1970) and Swords Against Death (1970).

Beyond these, his notable works include Conjure Wife (1943), a pioneering exploration of witchcraft; the dystopian Gather, Darkness! (1943); The Big Time (1958), winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel; The Wanderer (1964), another Hugo winner; and the horror masterpiece Our Lady of Darkness (1977). Acclaimed short stories include "Smoke Ghost" and "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes." A multiple Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award winner, Leiber was named a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1981.