Lyndon Hardy was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941. He developed an interest in fantasy while attending Caltech, where he became involved in science fiction fandom. Hardy is best known for his Magic by the Numbers fantasy series, which features magic that is grounded in constraints and limitations, a departure from traditional portrayals of magic as an all-powerful force. The series, which has been praised by the New York Times, includes seven books, with the most recent being "One Last Heist."
In the Magic by the Numbers series, Hardy combines his knowledge of physics with elements of alchemy, sorcery, and wizardry. The protagonists in his stories are not easily rescued by a simple wave of a wand, and readers can enjoy the books in any order as they feature different leading characters. Hardy's approach to magic reflects his sense of realism, and he has yet to come up with a plot in which a stamp collector saves the universe.
Prior to his writing career, Hardy gained notoriety for orchestrating what has been called the best college prank ever pulled: The Rose Bowl Card Stunt Caper in 1962. This experience, along with his background in physics, has informed his approach to storytelling and has contributed to the unique and engaging quality of his Magic by the Numbers series.