Jack L. Chalker (1944-2005) was one of science fiction's most prolific and popular authors, with a readership numbering in the hundreds of thousands. His bestselling novels and series include The Changewinds, Midnight at the Well of Souls and its sequels, The Quintara Marathon trilogy, the "Soul Rider" series, the "Rings of the Master" series, and others. His novels have been translated into many foreign languages and many have been book club selections. He was a familiar figure at SF conventions, often as a guest speaker, frequently as toastmaster.