Born in 1927 Daniel Keyes joined the US merchant marine aged 17. He won the Hugo for the short story that Flowers for Algernon was based on and the Nebula for the novel itself. He has a masters degree in English and American literature and is a Professor of English and Creative writing. He lives in America
For many people, this much-loved SF classic is one of the most considerable achievements in the genre - further, it is a book admired by many who spurn the entire genre. Keyes's tales of a mentally-retarted cleaner who is granted an ever-increasing superior intelligence is both moving and profound, and the narrative style (in which the hero's syntax moves from sub-literate to genius level) is unique. (Kirkus UK)