James L. Haley is an American author and historian who has written several books on Texas history. Haley grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, attended L. D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in political science. He attended the University of Texas School of Law before becoming a full-time writer. Haley's work has garnered many awards, including a Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.