Beginning in 1937, L. SPRAGUE DE CAMP was a major figure in SF and fantasy with novels that included the acclaimed Lest Darkness Fall. A member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers Guild of America, he championed the Conan adventures beginning with the Gnome Press hardcovers in the 1950s. The 1960s Lancer paperbacks paired him with author LIN CARTER, who also was the editor for the influential Ballantine Adult Fantasy series.