Foreverness

Jack Vance

Jack Vance passed away at home on the evening of Sunday May 26, 2013, ending a long, rich and productive life. Recognized most widely as an author, family and friends also knew a generous, large-hearted, rugged, genial, hard-working, optimistic and unpretentious individual whose curiosity, sense of wonder and sheer love of life were an inspiration in themselves. Author, friend, father and grandfather – there will never be another like Jack Vance.



~ ☆ Raise a Toast to Jack Vance ☆ ~



"At the last moments of the universe, with eternal darkness converging from all sides, surely someone will arise and cry out: ‘Hold back the end for a final moment, while I pay tribute to the gallant brewmasters who have provided us a pathway of golden glory down the fading corridors of time!’ And then, is it not possible that a bright gap will appear in the dark, through which the brewmasters are allowed to proceed, to build a finer universe?"

- Lurulu -



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Thursday 30 May 2013 00:06
I bought Tales of the Dying Earth on a whim and they were so good that I had finished off most of his books in no time. Cugel is perhaps my favorite character in literature. So much insight packed in his books! RIP Mr.Vance, you will not be forgotten.
Goutham

Thursday 30 May 2013 00:06
I bought Tales of the Dying Earth on a whim and they were so good that I had finished off most of his books in no time. Cugel is perhaps my favorite character in literature. So much insight packed in his books! RIP Mr.Vance, you will not be ... click to read more
Goutham
Thursday 30 May 2013 00:06
Thank you Mr. Vance for all the unique and imaginative stories. You'll definitely be missed.
Anonymous

Thursday 30 May 2013 00:06
Thank you Mr. Vance for all the unique and imaginative stories. You'll definitely be missed.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:55
Thank you, Jack Vance. Part of me will always be walking upon the Dying Earth, or Tschai, or some other world you conjured.
Chris Willrich

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:55
Thank you, Jack Vance. Part of me will always be walking upon the Dying Earth, or Tschai, or some other world you conjured.
Chris Willrich
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:46
I spend a lot of my youth devouring Jack Vance books in my local library. He will be missed
Dennis Bauer

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:46
I spend a lot of my youth devouring Jack Vance books in my local library. He will be missed
Dennis Bauer
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:45
Thank you Jack Vance for your beautiful worlds where
unfailing courtesy, good manners and common sense will always win the day.
Oon Thian Seng, SIngapore

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:45
Thank you Jack Vance for your beautiful worlds where
unfailing courtesy, good manners and common sense will always win the day.
Oon Thian Seng, SIngapore
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:44
Jack, thank you for taking me to all the amazing places you created. Worlds with driving musicians, strange cults, the Intersplit, bravos on balloon-wheeled tricycles, and great Darsh faces hanging over garden walls. Thank you for taking me places that let me come back home and see myself and the people around me with new eyes.
Mark Graybill

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:44
Jack, thank you for taking me to all the amazing places you created. Worlds with driving musicians, strange cults, the Intersplit, bravos on balloon-wheeled tricycles, and great Darsh faces hanging over garden walls. Thank you for taking me places ... click to read more
Mark Graybill
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:36
Mr. Vance, thank you for sharing vivid and not always wonderful, but always *wondrous* worlds with us. You were one of the writers who got me through high school without killing myself.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:36
Mr. Vance, thank you for sharing vivid and not always wonderful, but always *wondrous* worlds with us. You were one of the writers who got me through high school without killing myself.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:33
Thank you Jack Vance for all your wonderful books and stories.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:33
Thank you Jack Vance for all your wonderful books and stories.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:32
50 years
when I was born yet still i grew up with his ideals' running around in my head. The worlds he
brought alive and the incredible characters opened a new world for me, authors should thank him for another fan of sci fi and fantasy novels as he was instrumental in my interest in reading, so other authors will have novels purchased as I in whatever small way wish to have that excitement of entering a diff' world or riding along with a new character on his adventure's.
Thanks mr. Vance for the experiences and the start of my world through your eyes.
jack

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:32
50 years
when I was born yet still i grew up with his ideals' running around in my head. The worlds he
brought alive and the incredible characters opened a new world for me, authors should thank him for another fan of sci fi and fantasy novels as ... click to read more
jack
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:23
What an amazing artist. One of the most distinctive voices in fantastic literature, and perhaps unmatched as a novelist when it came to a consistently high level of artistry and inventiveness.
James May

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:23
What an amazing artist. One of the most distinctive voices in fantastic literature, and perhaps unmatched as a novelist when it came to a consistently high level of artistry and inventiveness.
James May
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
As a young man I read "Vandals of the Void" by Jack and it hooked my imagination and sent me down the pathway of reading and later writing Sci-fi. He was one of a kind and I am sure that I am not alone in being inspired by him. He will be truly missed by all.
Delvis MacCumhaill

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
As a young man I read "Vandals of the Void" by Jack and it hooked my imagination and sent me down the pathway of reading and later writing Sci-fi. He was one of a kind and I am sure that I am not alone in being inspired by him. He will be truly ... click to read more
Delvis MacCumhaill
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
Demon Princes was one of my favorite series of books. Thank You
Wesley Young

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
Demon Princes was one of my favorite series of books. Thank You
Wesley Young
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
I hope you are in a better place, Jack Vance - but I can already hear your mighty ghost responding that the question is nuncupatory.
You were the great master of marvels and we shall not look upon your like again.
Thank you for everything.
NickT

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:21
I hope you are in a better place, Jack Vance - but I can already hear your mighty ghost responding that the question is nuncupatory.
You were the great master of marvels and we shall not look upon your like again.
Thank you for everything.
NickT
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:12
Thank you, Jack, for so many wonderful stories.
I will be re-reading The Dragon Masters this evening in tribute.

You will be missed.
Paul Meyer

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:12
Thank you, Jack, for so many wonderful stories.
I will be re-reading The Dragon Masters this evening in tribute.

You will be missed.
Paul Meyer
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:12
万斯大师,您的想象力启发了很多人,您的幽默也感染了很多人。一路走好。
a reader form china

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:12
万斯大师,您的想象力启发了很多人,您的幽默也感染了很多人。一路走好。
a reader form china
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:07
Thank you Jack Vance, for the great work you did and all that you inspired! There will never be another voice like yours.
Rob Schweitzer

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:07
Thank you Jack Vance, for the great work you did and all that you inspired! There will never be another voice like yours.
Rob Schweitzer
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:00
Incomparable. So grateful I ran across Lyonesse back in high school which only lead to more wonderful stories. Rest in Peace.
Stan Komperda

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:00
Incomparable. So grateful I ran across Lyonesse back in high school which only lead to more wonderful stories. Rest in Peace.
Stan Komperda
Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:00
I learned to love the writing of Jack Vance during my teens in the 1970s. My dad had a near-complete collection of his science fiction and I fell in love immediately with the exquisite prose, arch humor, deeply imaginative worlds, and unforgettable characters. Vance is, by far, my favorite author and I can pick up any of his books at any time, turn to any page, and be instantly immersed in pure reading pleasure. I'm saddened by his death, of course, but he was fortunate to live to a ripe old age and by all accounts his life was a very good one. Now, like Navarth, he becomes legend, and though I never knew him, I'll miss him just the same.
ehaight

Wednesday 29 May 2013 23:00
I learned to love the writing of Jack Vance during my teens in the 1970s. My dad had a near-complete collection of his science fiction and I fell in love immediately with the exquisite prose, arch humor, deeply imaginative worlds, and unforgettable ... click to read more
ehaight
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:52
生活是如此乏味,感谢给我们带来故事的人,使我们在枯燥的生活里仍然充满幻想.
china

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:52
生活是如此乏味,感谢给我们带来故事的人,使我们在枯燥的生活里仍然充满幻想.
china
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:49
The Dying Earth opened a whole new world for me
Fan from China

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:49
The Dying Earth opened a whole new world for me
Fan from China
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
Thanks Jack for The Moon Moth! I always treasured that story for its style, plot, interesting unique culture glimpse, and the nice twist at the end. RIP!
Jim Jankiewicz

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
Thanks Jack for The Moon Moth! I always treasured that story for its style, plot, interesting unique culture glimpse, and the nice twist at the end. RIP!
Jim Jankiewicz
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
I read 'To Live Forever' when I was 16, and I realized it was science-fiction for *adults* and it felt like a rite of passage for me. Thank you for having lived and written so well, Mr. Vance!
miguelj

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
I read 'To Live Forever' when I was 16, and I realized it was science-fiction for *adults* and it felt like a rite of passage for me. Thank you for having lived and written so well, Mr. Vance!
miguelj
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
There was never a writer who could write like Jack Vance. There was never a writer whose works I have read and re-read as much, with the sole possible exception of JRR Tolkien. There was never a writer who combined WIT with IMAGINATION and sheer ADVENTURE as well as Jack. His works inspired me with a longing, now unquenchable, to have more of the same. I am glad that he has, in some ways, begun to receive his due recognition as a writer. Thank you.
Eric M

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:41
There was never a writer who could write like Jack Vance. There was never a writer whose works I have read and re-read as much, with the sole possible exception of JRR Tolkien. There was never a writer who combined WIT with IMAGINATION and sheer ... click to read more
Eric M
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:36
Jack Vance, star-dreamer. His space pirates, detective plots and mysterious other worlds are with us always. Blessings to Mr Vance on his next great journey.

Luckee
luckee

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:36
Jack Vance, star-dreamer. His space pirates, detective plots and mysterious other worlds are with us always. Blessings to Mr Vance on his next great journey.

Luckee
luckee
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:27
I've often considered myself lucky to be on this earth the same time as Jack Vance, a master world builder, history creator,an eloquent wordsmith and story teller. Not to mention, the best at describing two individuals trying to swindle and flatter each other at the same time. I never met him but he touched my life and made it a better one. Thanks Mr. Vance.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:27
I've often considered myself lucky to be on this earth the same time as Jack Vance, a master world builder, history creator,an eloquent wordsmith and story teller. Not to mention, the best at describing two individuals trying to swindle and flatter ... click to read more
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:12
Jack was my favourite writer by far. His unique style and vision brightened my reading over many years. A new Jack Vance novel was always a treat, something to treasure. I've returned and re-read his books time and time again. They never grow stalel they are always fresh.

God bless you, Jack.

--
-Alan
Alan Robson

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:12
Jack was my favourite writer by far. His unique style and vision brightened my reading over many years. A new Jack Vance novel was always a treat, something to treasure. I've returned and re-read his books time and time again. They never grow stalel ... click to read more
Alan Robson
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:12
I had basically stopped reading until I found Vance's sparkling prose. It is, like some have said, like a fine wine. Thank you sir.
James Lightfoot

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:12
I had basically stopped reading until I found Vance's sparkling prose. It is, like some have said, like a fine wine. Thank you sir.
James Lightfoot
Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:03
Your star will shine forever.
Your glory will never be forgotten.
You will always have our affection and gratitude.

Rest in peace or good fortune, whichever is more appropriate in your current condition.
John Anastacio

Wednesday 29 May 2013 22:03
Your star will shine forever.
Your glory will never be forgotten.
You will always have our affection and gratitude.

Rest in peace or good fortune, whichever is more appropriate in your current condition.
John Anastacio
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:58
Jack Vance was one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. We'll miss him, but we were very happy to have him.
Lawrence Person

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:58
Jack Vance was one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. We'll miss him, but we were very happy to have him.
Lawrence Person
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:50
A great spirit has passed, the great red sun gutters out--but wait--we watch with gelid eyes sprung ribald with glee as the weary orb lurches back to life. The Master has passed beyond our reach, but yet, yet, we have his words.

Godspeed.
kesher

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:50
A great spirit has passed, the great red sun gutters out--but wait--we watch with gelid eyes sprung ribald with glee as the weary orb lurches back to life. The Master has passed beyond our reach, but yet, yet, we have his words.

Godspeed.
kesher
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:44
Your fantasy vision and style will never be forgotten, you even got me to use my dictionary after so many years since school with your special selection of words.
We the remaining still live in the Dying Earth, but we will never forget you.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:44
Your fantasy vision and style will never be forgotten, you even got me to use my dictionary after so many years since school with your special selection of words.
We the remaining still live in the Dying Earth, but we will never forget you.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:39
Jack Vance was one of the greatist writers I have had a chance to read.
He was witty and humorous
in his writing.
God Bless you Mr. Vance for hours of reading pleasure!
Bob Pylant

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:39
Jack Vance was one of the greatist writers I have had a chance to read.
He was witty and humorous
in his writing.
God Bless you Mr. Vance for hours of reading pleasure!
Bob Pylant
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:39
Looking at my shelves I see almost every one of Jack's books dogeared through reading and rereading. The pleasure this wonderful man has given me can't really be expressed adequately in words - Thank you. My sincere condolences.
Craig Herbertson

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:39
Looking at my shelves I see almost every one of Jack's books dogeared through reading and rereading. The pleasure this wonderful man has given me can't really be expressed adequately in words - Thank you. My sincere condolences.
Craig Herbertson
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:37
I'll always remember Jack for his sense of humor and his love of Big Band Jazz. He was always saying how his music was what kept him young and at 96 he was still playing songs on his uke for whoever came to visit. We're all going to miss you!
Tim Sherburn

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:37
I'll always remember Jack for his sense of humor and his love of Big Band Jazz. He was always saying how his music was what kept him young and at 96 he was still playing songs on his uke for whoever came to visit. We're all going to miss you!
Tim Sherburn
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:33
There are fewer giants among us. You left this world only to live forever in your books.
Thank you Sir, for the wonder and the magic!
HS Facio

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:33
There are fewer giants among us. You left this world only to live forever in your books.
Thank you Sir, for the wonder and the magic!
HS Facio
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:32
My favorite genre writer of all time - how I have loved Jack Vance's stories for decades!
What a loss!
HE WILL BE MISSED!
Amy Harlib

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:32
My favorite genre writer of all time - how I have loved Jack Vance's stories for decades!
What a loss!
HE WILL BE MISSED!
Amy Harlib
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:31
Your ways with words and turns of phrase* are truly unique, often imitated but never duplicated. May your works live ever and on. RIP Jack Vance.
*And let us not forget your wonderful use of footnotes.
Andrew Raibeck

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:31
Your ways with words and turns of phrase* are truly unique, often imitated but never duplicated. May your works live ever and on. RIP Jack Vance.
*And let us not forget your wonderful use of footnotes.
Andrew Raibeck
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:26
Rest in piece, maestro. It is impossible to convey how much your books have meant to me.
Andrew DeWeese

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:26
Rest in piece, maestro. It is impossible to convey how much your books have meant to me.
Andrew DeWeese
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:23
I was introduced to Mr. Vance by my husband over 15 years ago. The world of sci-fi will never be the same without him. Cheers to the Master !!!
Carole Gagnon

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:23
I was introduced to Mr. Vance by my husband over 15 years ago. The world of sci-fi will never be the same without him. Cheers to the Master !!!
Carole Gagnon
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:18
Oh no! I never told Mr Vance how his stories helped me recover from my Vietnam experience. Wonderful escape to amazing places! What a wonderful imagination! Amazing heroes and villans. It was a pleasure to find a new story or revisiting an old one. Like revisiting a good friend. You will be missed. K leckie
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:18
Oh no! I never told Mr Vance how his stories helped me recover from my Vietnam experience. Wonderful escape to amazing places! What a wonderful imagination! Amazing heroes and villans. It was a pleasure to find a new story or revisiting an old one. ... click to read more
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:18
I was introduced to the writings of Jack Vance via Gary Gygax in Appendix N of the AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide (1979). I have since enjoyed reading Vance again and again, and I've saved a few to read as a I grow older. Thank you, Jack. You were a gem.
Jeff Talanian

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:18
I was introduced to the writings of Jack Vance via Gary Gygax in Appendix N of the AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide (1979). I have since enjoyed reading Vance again and again, and I've saved a few to read as a I grow older. Thank you, Jack. You were a gem.
Jeff Talanian
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:16
You are the greatest sagaman of them all, Jack! I have over forty of your books, and hold them dear in my library. You were - and always will be - an inspiration to me: here, and now from above. I never had the honor of meeting you, but know you well thru your works. The Lioness Trilogy was probably my favorite, but I can name several others that kept me riveted. Rest in peace, Jack, and keep smiling on us. Maybe we can go sailing 'up there' someday together.
Love, Ken & Raquel
Ken Lehman

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:16
You are the greatest sagaman of them all, Jack! I have over forty of your books, and hold them dear in my library. You were - and always will be - an inspiration to me: here, and now from above. I never had the honor of meeting you, but know you ... click to read more
Ken Lehman
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:14
The greatest! Honored to have met him at Worldcon in Orlando many years ago.
John J

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:14
The greatest! Honored to have met him at Worldcon in Orlando many years ago.
John J
Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:04
The great Jack Vance is silent. Yet still I hear his voice: witty, skeptical, fond, profound. He has seen it all, understood, and shared it with us most elegantly. Departed, yes, but ever with us.
Rob Gerrand

Wednesday 29 May 2013 21:04
The great Jack Vance is silent. Yet still I hear his voice: witty, skeptical, fond, profound. He has seen it all, understood, and shared it with us most elegantly. Departed, yes, but ever with us.
Rob Gerrand
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:58
Rest in peace
Jack--my sincere condolences to his son end family- i have great remembers from the story of Madouc !
Lucienne Leemans

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:58
Rest in peace
Jack--my sincere condolences to his son end family- i have great remembers from the story of Madouc !
Lucienne Leemans
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:57
I stumbled upon Jack Vance a few years ago, with "Big Planet." And then came Plant of Adventure, the Demon Princes...and there was no turning back.

I always say, I read only non-fiction - and Jack Vance. His heroes, always strong and clever and resourceful. The villains, everywhere and crafty and avaricious. The other worlds, so intricate, so real, as if Vance had been there. His amazing vocabulary and command of English: I always have a dictionary close at hand to fully enjoy Vance.

In my first 45 years, I read hundreds of authors. But I know what I like. And why read any other, when I still have Vancian masterpieces to discover?
Erich Toll

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:57
I stumbled upon Jack Vance a few years ago, with "Big Planet." And then came Plant of Adventure, the Demon Princes...and there was no turning back.

I always say, I read only non-fiction - and Jack Vance. His heroes, always strong and clever and ... click to read more
Erich Toll
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:48
One writer can not praise another more than stopping while reading a story as saying, "Damn, I wish I had thought of that!" I've said that about Jack's work as much as anyone else I've read. If The Dying Earth was his only work I'd be envious but he did so much more. I still find myself thinking of The Dragon Masters every so often and I read it, what? Forty. Years ago?
A giant of the craft and a unique voice. Best, R.E.F.
Raymond E. Feist

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:48
One writer can not praise another more than stopping while reading a story as saying, "Damn, I wish I had thought of that!" I've said that about Jack's work as much as anyone else I've read. If The Dying Earth was his only work I'd be envious but he ... click to read more
Raymond E. Feist
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:47
When I buy fantastic book I like to give it away to a friend to read... unless it is a Jack Vance novel.
Those I've kept in my collection to be read again and again.
Thank you Jack Vance for a treasure of work!
Andrew Meadows

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:47
When I buy fantastic book I like to give it away to a friend to read... unless it is a Jack Vance novel.
Those I've kept in my collection to be read again and again.
Thank you Jack Vance for a treasure of work!
Andrew Meadows
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:45
I first discovered Jack Vance as an adolescent with Marune Alastor 933, and have been reading his work off-and-on since then.
Though it's easy to praise his visual scenes, or the wild 'alien' cultures he invented, what I don't hear mentioned a lot is just how damned funny a lot of his work is. In some many of his stories, there's a 'hero' that is from a lowish or marginalized caste that doesn't give a fig about the pretenses and entitlements of those the hero encounters. This interaction often results in a defrocking of the individual the hero encounters as well as their whole society.
And need it be said that this was really just a giant satire of human culture?
My God he was brilliant and as I said to my friend (who worked on the VIE), we probably have no right to mourn because, at 96, Vance left behind a huge volume of work.
Em

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:45
I first discovered Jack Vance as an adolescent with Marune Alastor 933, and have been reading his work off-and-on since then.
Though it's easy to praise his visual scenes, or the wild 'alien' cultures he invented, what I don't hear mentioned a lot ... click to read more
Em
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:40
My all-time favorite sci-fi and fantasy writer - I loved the Dying Earth books, Lyonesse Trilogy, the Planet of Adventure trilogy, and pretty much everything he wrote. A great story-teller and great stylist. My sincere condolences to his family - he will be missed.
Steve Sechi

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:40
My all-time favorite sci-fi and fantasy writer - I loved the Dying Earth books, Lyonesse Trilogy, the Planet of Adventure trilogy, and pretty much everything he wrote. A great story-teller and great stylist. My sincere condolences to his family - he ... click to read more
Steve Sechi
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:36
We need Navarth to lead this toast, but for once, he is silent.
Fernando Salazar

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:36
We need Navarth to lead this toast, but for once, he is silent.
Fernando Salazar
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:32
jack vance was my favorite sf writer as a youth and still today. vance had the singular ability to sketch a completely alien psychology or end a complex epic sf or mystery novel in a single paragraph -- sometimes a single sentence. his outrageous humor and creativity, and his masterful use of color and neology always blew me away. at the same time, he mainly wrote about human beings separated by millenia of autonomous development in an interstellar region termed appropriately and economically the "oikumene." in terms of impact, his dying earth stories still haunt me. they still haunt gaming technology too -- for example, the magic system in dying earth is the basis for how magic works in dungeons and dragons and world of warcraft. as a romp, my favorites are the demon princes series and tschai, planet of adventure. you can read these novels as the misremembered, impressionistic recollection of his time in the merchant marine (american, orientalist, curious, sympathetic to the underdog, acutely aware of the functioning of privilege and the complexities of culture and language, and in many cases, deliberately, outrageously, humorous about it -- not beyond criticism but as cugel the clever says, "One must use his wits in dealing with maledictions." ). a character in tschai, the "dirdir-man" anacho at-afram, voiced vance's basic thesis: "people are plastic." vance's exploration of this -- aesthetically, politically, and otherwise, with complete control of language -- will be sorely missed. i grew up reading his books and already miss him.
Bleak Masterson

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:32
jack vance was my favorite sf writer as a youth and still today. vance had the singular ability to sketch a completely alien psychology or end a complex epic sf or mystery novel in a single paragraph -- sometimes a single sentence. his outrageous ... click to read more
Bleak Masterson
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:32
From the moment I discovered "The Brave Free Men" in a small bookshop, forty-odd years ago, to this day, I have enjoyed all the worlds you made for us.
.
Today, I will order the book you wrote about another wonderful adventure: "This Is Me, Jack Vance". I look forward to reading what may be the most wonderful saga of all.
L Richards

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:32
From the moment I discovered "The Brave Free Men" in a small bookshop, forty-odd years ago, to this day, I have enjoyed all the worlds you made for us.
.
Today, I will order the book you wrote about another wonderful adventure: "This Is Me, Jack ... click to read more
L Richards
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:31
Ah, the world's lost one of the great original flames of inspiration-but he's set a thousand thousand more minds afire with possibilities.
David C.

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:31
Ah, the world's lost one of the great original flames of inspiration-but he's set a thousand thousand more minds afire with possibilities.
David C.
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:31
I am crying real tears right now.
Such a great man, human being, and writer.
One of the highlights of my life was being able to talk to him last year on the phone.
He was such a friendly, engaging conversationalist, as I hoped he would be from his writing.
Peace, Jack and Norma!

Kevin

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:31
I am crying real tears right now.
Such a great man, human being, and writer.
One of the highlights of my life was being able to talk to him last year on the phone.
He was such a friendly, engaging conversationalist, as I hoped he would be from ... click to read more
Kevin
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:27
From his "The Book of Dreams" - "So then, stranger, go your way.
When at last you make your homecoming, wherever it may be among the sparkling worlds, bring report of those who stand brooding yonder."
RIP, Mr. Vance.
Stephanie

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:27
From his "The Book of Dreams" - "So then, stranger, go your way.
When at last you make your homecoming, wherever it may be among the sparkling worlds, bring report of those who stand brooding yonder."
RIP, Mr. Vance.
Stephanie
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:24
Jack Vance is the reason I began reading science fiction.
Somehow always thought I'd get the chance to thank him in person.
RIP, you brilliant man.
Melissa Crandall

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:24
Jack Vance is the reason I began reading science fiction.
Somehow always thought I'd get the chance to thank him in person.
RIP, you brilliant man.
Melissa Crandall
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:23
Amongst lovers of fiction, Jack Vance, his imagination, wisdom, and wit will never be forgotten.

Rest well, wordsmith!
Alexander Fick, Tuebingen

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:23
Amongst lovers of fiction, Jack Vance, his imagination, wisdom, and wit will never be forgotten.

Rest well, wordsmith!
Alexander Fick, Tuebingen
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:22
To Mr. Vance, A giant who lifted me on the back of his imagination - and left vistas yet to explore. Sadly, Chun is still Unavoidable. A glass for Jack, all around.
Brad Finch

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:22
To Mr. Vance, A giant who lifted me on the back of his imagination - and left vistas yet to explore. Sadly, Chun is still Unavoidable. A glass for Jack, all around.
Brad Finch
Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:22
Goodbye, Creator of Worlds.
Thanks for giving me a better life.

Uxo V

Wednesday 29 May 2013 20:22
Goodbye, Creator of Worlds.
Thanks for giving me a better life.

Uxo V