Marion Zimmer Bradley was an American author best known for her contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres. Born on June 3, 1930, she gained fame for her novel The Mists of Avalon, which reimagines the legend of King Arthur from a female perspective. Her work often explored themes of feminism and spirituality. In addition to her writing, Bradley was a prominent editor and helped to shape the careers of many other authors. She founded the Sword and Sorceress anthology series, which showcased new voices in fantasy literature. Bradley's influence continues to be felt in the genre today.