Poul Anderson (1926–2001) was a prolific American science fiction and fantasy writer whose career spanned more than five decades. Known for his richly detailed worlds and masterful storytelling, Anderson was celebrated for both his hard science fiction and his imaginative fantasy works. Born in Pennsylvania, he earned a degree in physics from the University of Minnesota, which informed much of his science fiction writing. Anderson won multiple prestigious awards, including seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. His notable works include the "Dominic Flandry" series and "The King of Ys" series, co-authored with his wife, Karen.