Lloyd Alexander is the author of several best selling fantasy series. His most famous works include the Chronicles of Prydain, which were inspired by Welsh mythology. He won the Newbery Medal for the fifth book in the series, "The High King." The second book of the series, "The Black Cauldron" was the basis of the Disney film, and won a Newbery Honor Award. He also wrote the Vesper Holly adventures, the Westmark trilogy, and "The Arkadians." He has written books inspired by Greek, African, Chinese and Persian mythology. He lived in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.