Favorite Author?

Someone (who knows i read a lot) asked me who my favorite author was today.  And i, in turn, am asking you.  Who is your favorite author?

This may seem like a simple enough question, but with so many quality choices out there, i had a hard time slimming the field down.  But i finally came up with two authors that i could say are leading the pack right now (in fiction and nonfiction respectively. 

George R.R Martin wins it in fiction for me.  His books (the Song of Ice and Fire series,a fantasy series) is just amazing.  He handles multiple story lines with ease and clarity.  His characters seem incredibly real, and although his world building isn't top notch, like Steven Erickson or Tolken, its right up there in the top 5 (i think). 

For nonfiction, it'd have to be Adrian Goldsworthy.  His command on his subject (Roman military) is incredible.  His biography on Caesar was extremely well done, and his book, The Complete Roman Army is probably the best on the subject today.  His book on the Punic wars is also top notch. 

So there are my picks, whats yours? 

John Julius Norwhich, for his masterful and exquisite command of the English language.

Originally posted by Constantine XI John Julius Norwhich, for his masterful and exquisite command of the English language.

I agree and I have read his three volume set about Byzantine history three times.

Fiction: Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E Howard

The Mars series and Conan the Barbarian

primary sources: The Alexiad and the Conquest of Gaul.

Best author?

Evangelos P. Papanoutsos and  Cornelius Kastoriades.

Edgar Rice Burroughs is still one of my favs with his Mars series. Jack London was a great influence on me as well.