Joel Rosenberg (science fiction author)

Joel Rosenberg (born July 5, 1954, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; died June 8, 2011, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) was a Canadian-American science fiction and fantasy author. He is best known for his Guardians of the Flame series, which began with the novel The Sleeping Dragon (1983). This series is characterized by its exploration of libertarian themes and its realistic portrayal of medieval combat and economics.

Rosenberg's work frequently involved characters transported from our world to fantasy or science fiction settings, often with modern knowledge and skills that gave them an advantage. He often challenged established tropes of the fantasy genre.

Beyond Guardians of the Flame, Rosenberg authored other series, including the Mordecai series, featuring a wise and occasionally ruthless Jewish merchant. He also wrote standalone novels and short stories.

Rosenberg was known for his strong libertarian political views, which were often reflected in his writing. He was an active member of science fiction fandom and frequently engaged with his readers. He was also an advocate for individual freedom and responsibility. He passed away due to complications from respiratory failure.