Walter Tevis was a bestselling literary fiction and science fiction author, born in 1928 in San Francisco. At the tender age of seven, he learned to play chess, which would later become a significant theme in his writing. A few years later, Tevis was diagnosed with Sydenham’s chorea and rheumatic heart disease, leading to a year-long stay in a convalescent home. While there, he was given phenobarbital, a drug that he enjoyed and would later contribute to his struggles with alcoholism. Tevis's parents moved to Lexington, Kentucky during his stay at the home, essentially abandoning him. He was eventually sent for, but his strict upbringing in Kentucky led him to find solace in pool and pool halls, as well as observing gamblers at the Phoenix Hotel.
Tevis's life was marked by several significant achievements in his writing career. Three of his six novels were adapted into major films, including "The Hustler," "The Color of Money," and "The Man Who Fell to Earth." His book "The Queen's Gambit" was also adapted into a successful 7-episode mini-series in 2020. Tevis's works have been translated into at least 18 languages, cementing his status as a renowned author. Despite his Kentucky upbringing, Tevis eventually settled in New York, where he continued to write until his death in 1984. His writing left a lasting impact on the literary world and continues to be celebrated today.