August Derleth was an American writer and anthologist, born on February 24, 1909, in Sauk City, Wisconsin. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of weird fiction and for his association with the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Derleth was a key figure in the development of the Cthulhu Mythos, expanding upon Lovecraft's universe and introducing his own characters and themes. In addition to his fiction, Derleth was a prolific editor and publisher, founding Arkham House in 1939 to preserve and promote the works of Lovecraft and other writers of weird fiction. He authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays, and his literary career spanned several decades until his death on July 4, 1971.