Clive Barker is an English author, playwright, film director, and visual artist. He is best known for his work in the horror genre, particularly his novella The Hellbound Heart and his series of short stories known as The Books of Blood. He has also written fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as screenplays for films such as Candyman and Nightbreed. Barker has won numerous awards for his writing, including the British Fantasy Award and the Bram Stoker Award.