Gene Wolfe, born Gene Rodman Wolfe on May 7, 1931, was a distinguished American author known for his significant contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres. Wolfe's writing was characterized by its dense, allusive prose and the strong influence of his Catholic faith, a faith he adopted after marrying a Catholic.

Before embarking on his literary career, Wolfe served in the Korean War and graduated from the University of Houston. He initially worked as an engineer, participating in the design of the machine that produces Pringles potato chips, before transitioning to the role of editor for the professional engineering magazine, Plant Engineering. Wolfe's engineering background informed his intricate storylines and complex characters.

Wolfe was a prolific writer, publishing over 30 novels and hundreds of short stories during his career. He is perhaps best known for his Book of the New Sun series, a part of his "Solar Cycle," which is celebrated for its thematic depth and narrative complexity. Wolfe's work frequently featured unreliable narrators, enhancing his exploration of memory, morality, and faith.

Over his lifetime, Wolfe received numerous awards, including the British Science Fiction, World Fantasy, British Fantasy, Locus, Nebula, and Campbell Memorial Awards. In 2012, he was honored as the 29th Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Critics have lauded Wolfe as "the Melville of science fiction," recognizing his profound impact on the genre.