About the Author

Abraham Grace Merritt (January 20, 1884 - August 21, 1943), known by his byline, A. Merritt, was an American editor and author of works of fantastic fiction. One of the best-paid journalists of his era, Merritt made $25,000 per year by 1919, and at the end of his life was earning $100,000 yearly -- exceptional sums for the period. His financial success allowed him to pursue world travel and exotic hobbies, like cultivating orchids and plants linked to witchcraft and black magic. His other novels include Burn, Witch, Burn (1932), which was filmed as The Devil-Doll by Tod Browning.