David Eddings published his first novel, HIGH HUNT, in 1973, before turning to the field of fantasy with The Belgariad, which hit the New York Times bestseller lists, as did his Malloreon series, The Elenium and The Tamuli series.  Born in Spokane, Washington, he served in the United States Army and taught college English.   His wife Leigh Eddings collaborated with her husband for more than a dozen years on numerous bestsellers.