L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is the author of 85 science fiction and fantasy novels and 50 short stories, as well as non-fiction and political/economic commentary. His five fantasy series include the Recluce Saga, the Imager Portfolio, and The Grand Illusion. His most recent books are Legalist, the fourth book of The Grand Illusion, and Last of the First, the twenty-sixth Recluce novel. He has been a U.S. Navy pilot; a market research analyst; a real estate agent; director of political research; legislative and staff director for U.S. Congressmen; Director of Legislation/Congressional Relations for the U.S. EPA; and a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues. His website is lemodesittjr.com.