Christopher Stasheff was an acclaimed American fantasy and science fiction author, known for his unique storytelling and world-building abilities. His work has often been compared to that of J.R.R. Tolkien, particularly his Warlock of Gramarye series of books, which showcases his talent for blending science fiction and fantasy elements.
Stasheff was born in the United States and spent his early childhood in Mount Vernon, New York. However, he spent the rest of his formative years in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Throughout his life, Stasheff had difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, and he turned to teaching as a way to compensate for this. He taught at the University of Eastern New Mexico in Portales before retiring to Champaign, Illinois, in 2009.
Despite his efforts to plan his life, Stasheff found that other people didn't always follow his script, which caused some misunderstandings with his wife and four children. He turned to writing as a way to take control of his stories and create his own worlds. Stasheff's novels allowed him to be the director, designer, and actor all in one, giving him the ability to shape his stories in a way that teaching never could.
Throughout his career, Stasheff was known for his kind and gentle nature, as well as his willingness to guide and mentor anyone who asked. He had a witty sense of humor and a love for terrible puns, which his friends, family, fans, and students will remember fondly. Stasheff passed away in 2018 from Parkinson's Disease, but his legacy as a beloved and influential author lives on.