Mary Stewart, one of the most widely read authors of our time, began writing at the age of five, when she published her first poem in a small parish magazine in England. Having published 20 novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for young readers, she is noted both for her contemporary stories of romance and suspense and for her Arthurian novels, most recently The Prince and the Pilgrim. She has fourteen New York Times bestsellers to her credit, including The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment, which comprise The Merlin Trilogy. Before embarking on a full-time writing career she taught English at school and university level. Born in England, Mary Stewart has lived for many years in Scotland, dividing her time between Edinburgh and the West Highlands. Her interests include natural history, gardening, Greek and Roman history, music, and art.