Wayland Drew (1932–1998) was a Canadian author and educator known for his thought-provoking fiction and environmental non-fiction. His debut novel, "The Wabeno Feast" (1973), set in Northern Ontario, explored themes of societal collapse and colonialism, earning praise from Margaret Atwood for its allegorical depth. Drew gained wider recognition for his "Erthring Cycle" science fiction trilogy (1984–1986) and novelizations of films such as "Dragonslayer", "Batteries Not Included", and "Willow", several of which were translated into multiple languages.
A high school teacher for over three decades, Drew balanced his career in education with a prolific writing life. His works often reflected his concerns about humanity's relationship with nature and society, blending ecological themes with speculative fiction. This dual focus extended to his non-fiction, including "Superior: The Haunted Shore" and "A Sea Within: The Gulf of St. Lawrence", which celebrated Canada's landscapes while examining environmental issues. Drew's final novel, "Halfway Man" (1989), revisited the thematic preoccupations of his debut, bringing his literary career full circle.