The Belgariad

David Eddings (1931-2009) was an American fantasy author best known for his "Belgariad" and "Mallorean" series. Born in Spokane, Washington, Eddings served in the US Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked as an editor and salesman before turning to writing. His debut novel, "Pawn of Prophecy" (1982), launched the "Belgariad" series, which achieved immense popularity and established Eddings as a leading fantasy author. The series follows the adventures of Garion, a young farm boy who discovers his destiny as a prophesied hero. Eddings' other notable works include the "Mallorean" series, a prequel to the "Belgariad," and the "Elenium" and "Tamuli" trilogies. He also wrote several short stories and co-authored several novels with his wife, Leigh Eddings. Eddings received numerous awards for his work, including the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Literature and the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement. His books have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.