Dave Duncan is a renowned and award-winning science fiction and fantasy author who has lived in Canada since 1955, after moving from his birthplace in Newport-on-Tay, Scotland. He spent his early years in Scotland, receiving an education and learning like any other boy. He attended the High School of Dundee and went on to study geology at the University of St. Andrews. After graduating in 1955, Duncan moved to Calgary, Alberta, and became a Canadian citizen in 1960. He spent nearly thirty years working in the petroleum industry as a geologist before embarking on a new career as a writer.
Duncan's passion for science fiction and fantasy led him to write his first book, A Rose Red City, which he sold just two weeks after retiring from his career as a geologist. This career change was prompted by a downturn in the oil business, which provided him with the opportunity to focus on his writing full-time. He currently resides on Vancouver Island in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife, Janet, whom he married in 1959. They have one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Duncan has published over 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also including young adult, science fiction, and historical works. He has written under the pseudonyms Sarah B. Franklin and Ken Hood. His most successful series include The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages and are now available in audiobook format. Duncan was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame. Sadly, Dave Duncan passed away in October 2018, leaving behind his wife, children, and grandchildren.