James Lafayette Dickey (February 2, 1923 – January 19, 1997) was an esteemed American poet and novelist, renowned for his profound contributions to literature. Appointed as the eighteenth United States Poet Laureate in 1966, Dickey's legacy is marked by his impactful literary works and the prestigious Order of the South award he received.

Dickey's most celebrated novel, Deliverance (1970), gains significance not only for its compelling narrative but also for being adapted into the highly acclaimed 1972 film of the same name. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, his journey into the realm of literature was punctuated by his service as a pilot during the Second World War, followed by an academic pursuit at Vanderbilt University, where he earned an MA in 1950. His return to military service during the Korean War with the US Air Force further shaped his experiences.

Transitioning back to civilian life, Dickey ventured into academia, teaching at Rice University in Texas and the University of Florida. Between 1955 and 1961, he navigated the world of advertising agencies in New York and Atlanta. However, the publication of his first book, Into the Stone (Middletown, Conn., 1962), marked a turning point in his career, prompting him to leave advertising behind and dedicate himself to teaching at various colleges and universities. His tenure as poet-in-residence and Carolina Professor of English at the University of South Carolina is especially noteworthy.

His third volume, Buckdancer's Choice (Middletown, 1965), not only earned critical acclaim but also won the prestigious award, further solidifying Dickey's position in the literary world.