Paul Edwin Zimmer

Zimmer began writing poetry and short stories while still in his teens. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1957. In 1964, his short story "The Light That Blinds, the Claws That Catch" was a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story. He was the founding editor of the pre-Tolkien fanzine, If and of Beyond magazine, as well as co-editor of the legendary Last Dangerous Visions with Harlan Ellison.

Zimmer was primarily known for his heroic fantasy novels and stories. He was associated with the sword and sorcery genre, although his work often pushed the boundaries of that definition.

Zimmer's work was deeply influenced by his interest in medieval and ancient history, as well as his love for mythology and folklore. He drew on these sources to create richly detailed and immersive worlds in his novels and stories.

One of Zimmer's most well-known works is the Dark Border series, which consists of "The Lost Prince" (1971), "The Anvil of Ice" (1986), and "The Witch's Tale" (1992). This series is set in a fictional world inspired by Nordic mythology and follows the adventures of a young prince named Haft.

Zimmer's work had a significant and lasting impact on the genre of heroic fantasy. He was known for his strong and complex characters, intricate world-building, and poetic writing style. Zimmer's stories often explored themes of honor, heroism, and the nature of power, adding depth and nuance to the genre. His work continues to be influential to this day.