Jack Vance has died

[DavidDvorkin]

http://www.jackvance.com/

[FSogol]

1. One of the true greats in both sci fi and fantasy. RIP, Mr. Vance.

If you haven't read:

• The Dying Earth (collection of linked stories, 1950)
• The Eyes of the Overworld (novel, 1966)
• Cugel's Saga (novel, 1983)
• Rhialto the Marvellous (three linked stories, 1984)

• Lyonesse series: Suldrun's Garden • The Green Pearl • Madouc
• The Cadwal Chronicles: Araminta Station • Ecce & Old Earth • Throy

Then shame on you.

Anyone read his short story, "The Moon Moth?" Probably my favorite by him and contains one of the most alien cultures ever described in science fiction.

[DavidDvorkin]

2. I discovered him in the late 1950s

I was a teenager and I was snapping up every new sf book that came out (which was possible, back then). A new Vance was a delight.

[petronius]

4. The Moon Moth is a fabulous story - one of my favorites overall

But I don't know if I've read any of the others you mention: I accept my shame (and the reading assignment)...

[navarth]

6. I have read all of those

and I will always revere the novels of my favorite all-time author, Jack Vance. He is the one author I would take on the desert island. And that's tough, because I also love John Steinbeck, Russel Banks, many great authors.

My Dad had Mr. Vance's novels laying around; I grew up on SciFi. I treasured my Dad and I treasure Mr. Vance's books.

I've read The Demon Princes novels at least 4 times; Planet Of Adventure 3 times...The Moon Moth, at least 3 times.

Mr. Vance's work is something I return to every once in a while, like a comfy old overcoat, like watching The Big Sleep or Out Of The Past again. They never get old. They're old friends that I love to visit with.

I learned of Mr. Vance's transition yesterday. After scanning the bulk of the internet articles about it, I broke out The Eyes Of The Overworld once more, that novel being the breakthrough Vance read for me, the book that made me see the beauty and joy of his writing. Cugel the Clever being outwitted by the Busiaco while Derwe Coreme hurled insults at him still tickles me.

R.I.P. Mr. Vance; we will not see your like again. I never used so many colons and semicolons in my correspondence before I read you. You grew my vocabulary exponentially; you populate my imagination. Saying 'thank you' is so inadequate.

(on edit) I forgot to mention: where do you think my screen name here comes from???? Navarth!! From The Palace Of Love!!!

[FSogol]

7. If you had to pick one, what would you pick?

For me a toss up between "The Eyes of the Overworld" or "The Moon Moth."

[navarth]

8. One Vance Story!!??!!

That is just BRUTAL of you....that's really tough.

I might just go for The Palace Of Love.

[Rowdyboy]

3. He was a class act and I've enjoyed him for longer than I like to remember....

Thank you sir, for your work.

[getting old in mke]

5. *sad*

Just was talking about him to my daughter last week to introduce her to Cugel.

May need to visit Lyonesse soon...