M. A. R. Barker

M.A.R. Barker (1929-2012) created the world of Tekumel, the setting for his novels and games. Inspired by Indian, Mayan, Aztec and other non-European mythologies and cultures, Barker wove these together with his own ideas to imagine an amazing science-fantasy setting. A Fulbright Scholar, Barker went on to teach at McGill University in Montreal and then at the University of Minnesota. A long-time historical game player, in 1975 Barker created a role-playing game, Empire of the Petal Throne after playing Original Dungeons & Dragons. After that, he wrote several novels, including The Man of Gold and Flamesong, both of which were published by DAW Books in the 1980's. His work is available again through the efforts of The Tekumel Foundation, established in 2008 to preserve Barker's creative legacy.