David Andrew Gemmell was a British author of heroic fantasy, best known for his debut novel, Legend. Born on 1 August 1948, Gemmell was a former journalist and newspaper editor before having his first work of fiction published in 1984. He authored over thirty novels, which are celebrated for their exploration of themes such as honour, loyalty, and redemption despite encompassing violence. His narratives always showcase a strong heroic theme, yet depict heroes that are typically flawed. With over one million copies sold, his work continues to be popular worldwide.
The David Gemmell Awards for Fantasy, which were active from 2009 to 2018, aimed to "restore fantasy to its proper place in the literary pantheon". The awards were chaired by writer Stan Nicholls and decided by public vote.