David Andrew Gemmell (August 1, 1948 - July 28, 2006) was a bestselling British author of heroic fantasy. A former journalist and newspaper editor, Gemmell had his first work of fiction published in 1984, going on to write over thirty novels. Best known for his debut, Legend, Gemmell's works are often violent and explore themes of honour, loyalty and redemption. His books have sold more than one million copies.