Lloyd Alexander was an American author best known for his fantasy novels, particularly the Chronicles of Prydain series. Born on January 30, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he began writing at a young age and published his first book in 1964. His works often draw inspiration from Welsh mythology and folklore. Throughout his career, Alexander received numerous awards, including the prestigious Newbery Medal for his book The High King in 1969. He wrote over 40 books, appealing to both children and adults, and his storytelling is celebrated for its rich characters and imaginative worlds. Alexander passed away on May 17, 2007.