Raphael Aloysius Lafferty (1914 - 2002) was an American science fiction and fantasy writer known for his original use of language, metaphor and narrative structure, as well as for his etymological wit. He also wrote a set of four autobiographical novels, In a Green Tree; a history book, The Fall of Rome and several novels of historical fiction. Lafferty's quirky prose drew from traditional storytelling styles, largely from the Irish and Native American and his shaggy-dog characters and tall tales are unique in science fiction. Little of Lafferty's writing is considered typical of the genre. His stories are closer to tall tales than traditional science fiction and are deeply influenced by his Catholic beliefs.
