Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany, was an Irish writer and dramatist best known for his work in the fantasy genre. He was born in London in 1878 and educated at Eton and Trinity College, Dublin. He wrote over sixty books of fiction, plays, and poetry, including The Gods of Pegana, The King of Elfland's Daughter, and The Book of Wonder. He was a major influence on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, and other fantasy writers. He was also a prolific chess player and a member of the Irish Chess Union. He died in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative and influential works.