[close] Esther Friesner is an American science fiction and fantasy author best known for her humorous pieces. Friesner attended the Stuyvesant High School, a public magnet high school in New York City, as well as Vassar College. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish and was a college professor before becoming a writer. She has been nominated a number of times for the Hugo and Nebula awards, winning the Nebula Award for Best Short Story in 1995 and 1996 for, respectively, Death and the Librarian and A Birthday. In addition to short stories, she has published a number of novels and is a prolific editor of anthologies. She is a frequent guest of honor at science fiction conventions, having appeared at Bubonicon, Arisia, Boskone, Baycon and Albacon in the 1990's and into the 21st cenutry. Her best book by popular demand is Nobody's Princess, which takes the Greek legend of Helen of Sparta, and gives it a new beginning. [close]