Peter S. Beagle, born in New York City in 1939, was graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959. His first book, the novel A Fine and Private Place, was published the following year. He lived in Paris and traveled in France, Italy, and England and then spent a year at Stanford University on a Writing Fellowship. His second book, I See by My Outfit, an account of a cross-country trip by motor scooter, was published in 1965. Mr. Beagle has published stories and articles in The Atlantic and Holiday, among other periodicals. He lives in Santa Cruz, California.