Jim has rescued wild dolphins, trained seals and sea lions, scuba-dived in the gloom under 15 feet of ice, done stand-up comedy, directed plays, and spent winters in Antarctica. He's been a biologist, professional dancer, laboratory manager, college professor, professional diver, research assistant, photographer, and writer. He's covered many subjects in his published work, including travel, science, natural history, human interest, scuba diving, the environment, writing, teaching, science fiction, and fantasy. He has published three books on Antarctica, a manual on scientific diving in Antarctica, and numerous articles and essays. His memoir, Antarctica: A Year at the Bottom of the World, is still considered by many to be the best contemporary account of life in Antarctica. Discover magazine named his collaborative work with another photographer, Under Antarctic Ice, one of the 20 best science books of 2004. "Jason Hunter and the Talisman of Elam" is his first novel. Originally from San Diego, he now lives in New Hampshire with his wife, son, and a crazy little fuzz-muffin of a dog.