Manly Wade Wellman (1903–1986) was an American writer whose work ranged across fantasy, science fiction, horror, westerns, detective fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction. His stories appeared in magazines including Astounding Stories, Startling Stories, Unknown, and Weird Tales. He is particularly remembered for fantasy and horror set in the Appalachian Mountains, where he drew on regional folklore.

Wellman wrote novels and short fiction for both adult and juvenile readers. His Appalachian stories feature recurring figures such as John the Balladeer, a wandering singer whose adventures bring local legends and supernatural events into contact.