Fritz Reuter Leiber, Jr.
December 24, 1910 (Chicago) - September 5, 1992
“American writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He was also a poet, actor in theater and films, playwright and chess expert.[b] With writers such as Robert E. Howard and Michael Moorcock, Leiber can be regarded as one of the fathers of sword and sorcery fantasy, having in fact created the term. Moreover, he excelled in all fields of speculative fiction, writing award-winning work in fantasy, horror, and science fiction.” - Wikipedia
introduced Fafhrd and Grey Mouser in August, 1939 in Unknown magazine, edited by John W. Campbell
early influences were H. P. Lovecraft and Robert Graves; received a letter of encouragement from Lovecraft in 1936
earned little money as a writer; addicted to alcohol and downers
actually received royalty checks from TSR for games based on Lankhmar
1975 - named Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy by the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)
Fafhrd was based on Leiber himself; Grey Mouser based on Harry Otter Fischer
notable for growing, taking on more responsibilities, getting married, etc.
Two Sought Adventure
published 1957 by Gnome Press
Swords Against Death
first published 1970 by Ace Books
second of seven volumes
“The Jewels in the Forest” 1939 — original title “Two Sought Adventure”
“The Bleak Shore” 1940
“The Howling Tower” 1941