Born on August 6, 1934, in Oxford, England, Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob grew up amid pacifism, activism, and intellectual curiosity. His American Quaker parents, Alfred and Norma, were engaged in relief efforts during the Spanish Civil War. The family eventually settled in rural Vermont, where they lived off the land in a community inspired by social reformer Scott Nearing. Despite early struggles with reading and writing, Anthony graduated from Goddard College in 1956. That same year, he married Carol Marble and later became a U.S. citizen while serving in the military.
Before achieving literary fame, Anthony held various jobs including teacher, technical writer, and hospital aide. His first published story appeared in 1963, and by the late 1960s he had established himself in science fiction with Chthon and Macroscope, both of which earned Hugo nominations. Although he initially considered himself a science fiction writer, he discovered a preference for fantasy while developing what became A Spell for Chameleon, the first novel in his long-running and wildly imaginative Xanth series. Anthony has stated that fantasy offered more freedom and creative play, especially with language and absurdity, which became hallmarks of his style.
Anthony has cited authors like Poul Anderson and Roger Zelazny as respected influences, though he often emphasized doing things his own way. His body of work spans fantasy, science fiction, speculative fiction, and even psychological horror, including titles like Firefly and Shade of the Tree. He’s also written nonfiction and autobiographical material, notably Bio of an Ogre and How Precious Was That While.
His personal life was deeply connected to his work. He was married to Carol for over 60 years until her death in 2019, and they had two daughters. One, Penelope, passed away in 2009, while his daughter Cheryl has a child of her own. In 2020, Anthony remarried, tying the knot with MaryLee Boyance.
While his books have inspired generations of readers and writers—particularly for their genre-blending and imaginative settings—Anthony has also faced controversy. Some of his novels, especially Firefly and later entries in Xanth, have been criticized for their handling of sexual content, including depictions that some found voyeuristic or inappropriate. Anthony has always defended his creative choices, asserting that he writes about complex and taboo issues not to sensationalize them but to explore human psychology and challenge societal boundaries.
Despite the criticisms, he has earned awards such as the 1978 British Fantasy Award and the 1980 Phoenix Award for lifetime achievement. His works have been challenged and banned in some schools and libraries, but his readership remains loyal. Anthony continues to publish and engage with fans, often sharing personal updates on his website and newsletter, maintaining the blend of accessibility, controversy, and creativity that has defined his long career.
