Joan Lesley Hamilton Cline, who also writes under the pseudonym William Sarabande, is the internationally bestselling author of "The First Americans," an eleven-volume series of historical novels published by Bantam Books. Her work has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her two Spur Award nominations from Western Writers of America. Alongside Jean Auel, she has been recognized as one of the most popular authors of mainstream historical fiction by independent bookstore readers. Multiple titles from her series have achieved simultaneous placements on the B. Dalton and Waldenbooks top ten bestseller lists, further cementing her commercial success.
Born and raised in Hollywood, California, Cline has established herself as a prominent voice in historical fiction. Her "First Americans" series has been released in various formats, including audio abridgments and hardcover editions by the Doubleday Book Club, and has been translated into several foreign languages. The series explores prehistoric North America with meticulous research and vivid storytelling, appealing to readers who appreciate richly detailed narratives. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling drama has solidified her reputation as a master of the genre.