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 -



Did you know Jack? Have you enjoyed reading his stories? Share your memories, thoughts and experiences here:

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Wednesday 29 May 2013 16:03
I am italian, 37 years old, and I discovered Vance's books 30 years ago thanks an uncle. I hope you are living great adventures in Tshai and Lyonesse, master!
Umberto Pignatelli

Wednesday 29 May 2013 16:03
I am italian, 37 years old, and I discovered Vance's books 30 years ago thanks an uncle. I hope you are living great adventures in Tshai and Lyonesse, master!
Umberto Pignatelli
Wednesday 29 May 2013 16:03
Every roleplayer has a debt. Thanks for all.
Filippo Burighel

Wednesday 29 May 2013 16:03
Every roleplayer has a debt. Thanks for all.
Filippo Burighel
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
A sad day. Let us reread the excellent books, enjoy the excellent characters, and have a good laugh over the excellent plots.
Casper

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
A sad day. Let us reread the excellent books, enjoy the excellent characters, and have a good laugh over the excellent plots.
Casper
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
Thanks for all those worlds
Fernando Martnez

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
Thanks for all those worlds
Fernando Martnez
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
Big Planet was a beautiful trip. Merci beaucoup pour ce voyage.
Bon vent à vous !

A.C.
Antoine Chalet

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:59
Big Planet was a beautiful trip. Merci beaucoup pour ce voyage.
Bon vent à vous !

A.C.
Antoine Chalet
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:56
A truly extraordinary writer. Peace be unto you, grandmaster.
Hannu Blommila

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:56
A truly extraordinary writer. Peace be unto you, grandmaster.
Hannu Blommila
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:56
Thank you, Mr Vance.
You were an amazing writer and you will be missed.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:56
Thank you, Mr Vance.
You were an amazing writer and you will be missed.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:54
Jack's voice was part of the soundtrack of my childhood.
The many parties, jam sessions, dinners, trips, and houseboat work sessions that our families enjoyed together are treasured memories that will not be forgotten.
Greg and I visited a couple of years ago and Jack was playing an instrument (ukulele?) and singing old songs from the 20s and 30s -- great stuff!
He was surrounded by family and friends in the magnificent house he had built in the Oakland hills. . . one final memory to hang onto.
Astrid Anderson Bear

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:54
Jack's voice was part of the soundtrack of my childhood.
The many parties, jam sessions, dinners, trips, and houseboat work sessions that our families enjoyed together are treasured memories that will not be forgotten.
Greg and I visited a couple ... click to read more
Astrid Anderson Bear
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:54
I grew up with Jack's books and have enjoyed them beyond compare. Other writers hardly interested me since I discovered his work. Some of his books I have re-read up to ten times. I have never re-read any books from other authors.
Thank you Jack. Without you my life wouldn't have been the same!
Chris Oldenhof

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:54
I grew up with Jack's books and have enjoyed them beyond compare. Other writers hardly interested me since I discovered his work. Some of his books I have re-read up to ten times. I have never re-read any books from other authors.
Thank you Jack. ... click to read more
Chris Oldenhof
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:53
I'd find it impossible to say which of your works I loved the most, so let me just say thank you for them all.
Tom Lynch

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:53
I'd find it impossible to say which of your works I loved the most, so let me just say thank you for them all.
Tom Lynch
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:53
Here's to one of the greatest storytellers of our time, who outlived most of his generation. Now rest in peace.
Johan Anglemark

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:53
Here's to one of the greatest storytellers of our time, who outlived most of his generation. Now rest in peace.
Johan Anglemark
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
Happy trails Mr Vance, & thanks for everything.
Michael McCarthy

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
Happy trails Mr Vance, & thanks for everything.
Michael McCarthy
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
I loved Jack Vance's works, especially those set in that fantastic, diverse setting, the Oikumene. Too bad we won't have other stories from Jack.
Fred Furtado

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
I loved Jack Vance's works, especially those set in that fantastic, diverse setting, the Oikumene. Too bad we won't have other stories from Jack.
Fred Furtado
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
All the stories of Jack Vance on the shelf, and my favorite writer in my younger years.

My favorite hero? Kirth Gersen, for his goal in life, and - of course - Cugel, my little crook.

Jack, you will be missed!
Marco Achtereekte

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:52
All the stories of Jack Vance on the shelf, and my favorite writer in my younger years.

My favorite hero? Kirth Gersen, for his goal in life, and - of course - Cugel, my little crook.

Jack, you will be missed!
Marco Achtereekte
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
A great master has left us. Au revoir, monsieur Vance.
Bruno Para

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
A great master has left us. Au revoir, monsieur Vance.
Bruno Para
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
Sleep well Jack, it was an honour meeting you in person twice a few years ago, thanks for all the words... my condolences to John Vance and the other Vance family members, words cannot do this loss justice.
Luk Schoonaert

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
Sleep well Jack, it was an honour meeting you in person twice a few years ago, thanks for all the words... my condolences to John Vance and the other Vance family members, words cannot do this loss justice.
Luk Schoonaert
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
So many worlds so many lands so many adventures x I loved them all thank you mr vance
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:51
So many worlds so many lands so many adventures x I loved them all thank you mr vance
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:50
I am truly sad Jack has finally left us. From the moment I picked up a copy of The Killing Machine I was a fan - and I will be until the moment I die. Thankyou for the adventures, Jack
Geoff Freeman

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:50
I am truly sad Jack has finally left us. From the moment I picked up a copy of The Killing Machine I was a fan - and I will be until the moment I die. Thankyou for the adventures, Jack
Geoff Freeman
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:49
So long, Mr.Vance! Thank you for leaving us so many wonderful tales.
Sean Pierce

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:49
So long, Mr.Vance! Thank you for leaving us so many wonderful tales.
Sean Pierce
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:48
Dear Mr. Vance,

You were a unique voice with a fiercely unique imagination that captured mine and made me look at things differently.
Words fail to capture the gratitude I wish I could express for the years of enjoyment you have given me.


Cheers,

Leo
Leonardo Ferraro

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:48
Dear Mr. Vance,

You were a unique voice with a fiercely unique imagination that captured mine and made me look at things differently.
Words fail to capture the gratitude I wish I could express for the years of enjoyment you have given me. ... click to read more
Leonardo Ferraro
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:47
Thanks for all the stories, Jack. I'm at loss for words, something that could never be said for you. Rest in peace.
Kristian Grossman-Madsen

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:47
Thanks for all the stories, Jack. I'm at loss for words, something that could never be said for you. Rest in peace.
Kristian Grossman-Madsen
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
"To Live Forever" has been one of the most influential books in my life. RIP Jack, your amazing vision will never die.
Jenny

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
"To Live Forever" has been one of the most influential books in my life. RIP Jack, your amazing vision will never die.
Jenny
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
From the shores of the languid river Vissel festooned with showboats to the wan sunsets casting a red tint over Cugel's raised fist on Shangletsone strand, I have been there with you. I own every book you have written, cherish every word, love every story. Over 400 fans joined 'By No means!'- a Facebook group dedicated to the appreciation of your work, and through your words I have met many friends. You are a master of wit and whimsy, high drama, tragedy and fantasy. Thankyou John Holbrook Vance for enriching my life beyond measure.
Rob Wilkinson

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
From the shores of the languid river Vissel festooned with showboats to the wan sunsets casting a red tint over Cugel's raised fist on Shangletsone strand, I have been there with you. I own every book you have written, cherish every word, love every ... click to read more
Rob Wilkinson
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
A french fan thanks you (a lot) for all the wonderful travels he has ever did. Thanks again, and good travel to you.
Xavier

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:46
A french fan thanks you (a lot) for all the wonderful travels he has ever did. Thanks again, and good travel to you.
Xavier
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
Jack, it's been an honor and a pleasure. I salute you. In my heart and thoughts you will live forever.
Arjen Broeze

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
Jack, it's been an honor and a pleasure. I salute you. In my heart and thoughts you will live forever.
Arjen Broeze
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
I'm sitting here in tears.
Only today I was sitting and reading Araminta Station.
I have no idea how many times I've read through my entire Jack Vance collection. I was introduced to Jack Vance's work through an English friend in the early nineties.
I was hooked immediately and began the difficult process of collecting his work.
At that time the best source was second hand book shops.
How can I fully tell you what his work meant to me?
How many hours have I spent wandering through the richly textured, intricate worlds he lovingly crafted?
Nightlamp was one of the most wonderful mysteries that I've ever read. If I start listing favourites I will end up listing them all.
I'm truly saddened.
We've lost a great author and one who made my life richer.
Goodbye Jack with love and tears.
Beth Warner

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
I'm sitting here in tears.
Only today I was sitting and reading Araminta Station.
I have no idea how many times I've read through my entire Jack Vance collection. I was introduced to Jack Vance's work through an English friend in the early ... click to read more
Beth Warner
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
George R.R Martin brought me here, LOL. I am a young man who never really read your works because they weren't easily available in my country. But I have a copy of that tribute collection, "Songs of the Dying Earth". That's how George basically introduced me to you. I'm sure the acclaim you've received would have been well-deserved, and it's sad to see even an author you only knew in passing pass away. Rest in peace, Mr Vance.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:45
George R.R Martin brought me here, LOL. I am a young man who never really read your works because they weren't easily available in my country. But I have a copy of that tribute collection, "Songs of the Dying Earth". That's how George basically ... click to read more
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
I don't know how I can put into words how much Jack Vance meant to me. Maybe if I had his mastery over writing I could. Other stories are just stories, but Jack Vance's stories for me are seeds of wonder that blossom out infinitely. His tales never get old to me and everytime I reread them I get something fresh and new. The world is diminished by his passing as far as I am concerned.
Joe from Brooklyn

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
I don't know how I can put into words how much Jack Vance meant to me. Maybe if I had his mastery over writing I could. Other stories are just stories, but Jack Vance's stories for me are seeds of wonder that blossom out infinitely. His tales never ... click to read more
Joe from Brooklyn
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
As one of those standing on your shoulders, thank you for being a giant.
Ty Franck

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
As one of those standing on your shoulders, thank you for being a giant.
Ty Franck
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
I cannot express what I feel at this news... I have adored Jack Vance's writing for decades, and many of his books and short stories are way up there in my list of favourites. He has also had a huge influence on me as a writer.
A long and very productive life, but I'll miss him like I will miss few other authors.
Erica Dakin

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:44
I cannot express what I feel at this news... I have adored Jack Vance's writing for decades, and many of his books and short stories are way up there in my list of favourites. He has also had a huge influence on me as a writer.
A long and very ... click to read more
Erica Dakin
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:43
Jack Vance was an inspiration, an example for writers to look up to. To read when wonder, to love and to be amazed.
'I must turn that page, oh and another.' To be so fully immersed in his worlds..

Often, as I would read his works, I told myself: yes, this is what I want to be when I grow up. For me the grand master of Fantasy & SF. Thank you Mister Vance for all you have done and have left behind, you will be greatly missed.
Zilven

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:43
Jack Vance was an inspiration, an example for writers to look up to. To read when wonder, to love and to be amazed.
'I must turn that page, oh and another.' To be so fully immersed in his worlds..

Often, as I would read his works, I told myself: ... click to read more
Zilven
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
Jack Vance is the only author who could leave me vaguely surprised, when I looked up from one of his stories, at not being in the place, time and culture he had created. I loved everything he ever wrote and am still searching out those few books and short stories that I haven't. He was one of the giants of speculative fiction and he will be missed. Thanks for all the great hours of reading!
Beth

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
Jack Vance is the only author who could leave me vaguely surprised, when I looked up from one of his stories, at not being in the place, time and culture he had created. I loved everything he ever wrote and am still searching out those few books and ... click to read more
Beth
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
For inspiring Gary Gygax among others, who inspired role players, who inspired gamers, who now number in their billions.
Anonymous

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
For inspiring Gary Gygax among others, who inspired role players, who inspired gamers, who now number in their billions.
Anonymous
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
A giant among giants. Unlike him ever, I'm at a loss for words.
John Kennard

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
A giant among giants. Unlike him ever, I'm at a loss for words.
John Kennard
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
Jack Vance was one of the first SF authors I ever read and his work blew me away when I read the Planet of Adventure series at the age of 11. Many years later, as a SF writer, I met and interviewed him in Seattle - he was blind, but still did a 2 hour signing session. One of the absolute greats. Thank you so much.
Liz Williams

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
Jack Vance was one of the first SF authors I ever read and his work blew me away when I read the Planet of Adventure series at the age of 11. Many years later, as a SF writer, I met and interviewed him in Seattle - he was blind, but still did a 2 ... click to read more
Liz Williams
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
The Last Castle is vivid with the meks and phanes.
Bioengineering goes rampant.
MegaCoder

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:42
The Last Castle is vivid with the meks and phanes.
Bioengineering goes rampant.
MegaCoder
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:41
Dear mr. Vance, thank you for all the beautiful worlds and personae you've created. I hope I will be enjoying them for a long time to come!
Aard-Jan

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:41
Dear mr. Vance, thank you for all the beautiful worlds and personae you've created. I hope I will be enjoying them for a long time to come!
Aard-Jan
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:36
Jack Vance's Lyonesse was one of the first books to capture my heart. At 12 years old, I missed seeing Notre Dame so that I could read it in the hotel room. He forever influenced me and my desire to read. Thank you, Mr Vance. RIP
Tari Pie

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:36
Jack Vance's Lyonesse was one of the first books to capture my heart. At 12 years old, I missed seeing Notre Dame so that I could read it in the hotel room. He forever influenced me and my desire to read. Thank you, Mr Vance. RIP
Tari Pie
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:34
Thank you Mr. Vance for all the worlds you created. I still remember the fisrt time reading the adventures of Adam Reith, Cugel...

Your words will never be forgotten

Luis Guillermo

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:34
Thank you Mr. Vance for all the worlds you created. I still remember the fisrt time reading the adventures of Adam Reith, Cugel...

Your words will never be forgotten

Luis Guillermo
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:33
Unique...irreplaceable...altogether extraordinary.
I'm grateful for the privilege of having known you all these years.
And I will continue to read you.
Robert Silverberg

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:33
Unique...irreplaceable...altogether extraordinary.
I'm grateful for the privilege of having known you all these years.
And I will continue to read you.
Robert Silverberg
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:27
I often hoped to hear news of just one more Vance story on the way. I am sad that this will not happen.

He was a true master of his craft.
Andy Finkel

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:27
I often hoped to hear news of just one more Vance story on the way. I am sad that this will not happen.

He was a true master of his craft.
Andy Finkel
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:20
The greatest. I am bereft. Sail on, Jack.
iucounu

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:20
The greatest. I am bereft. Sail on, Jack.
iucounu
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:17
Hey!
What ya doin', Jack?

"Ohhh, just sittin' here, catching flies, ponderin' on about the universe.
Thought I'd give you a call."

Good to hear from you again.


"You know....." and on he went and went.
His spoken words as fluid and uniquely poetic as his writing.


Grandmaster and then some.

More than client, a friend.

x
Vince Gerardis

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:17
Hey!
What ya doin', Jack?

"Ohhh, just sittin' here, catching flies, ponderin' on about the universe.
Thought I'd give you a call."

Good to hear from you again.


"You know....." and on he went and went.
His spoken words as fluid and ... click to read more
Vince Gerardis
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:15
The greatest writer of the twentieth century

The Dying Earth's sun has finally sputtered and given out
Chris Boote

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:15
The greatest writer of the twentieth century

The Dying Earth's sun has finally sputtered and given out
Chris Boote
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:12
unparalleled imagination I would love to emulate but can only parody
fiona lloyd

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:12
unparalleled imagination I would love to emulate but can only parody
fiona lloyd
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:12
Incredible man, writer, and honest human being. I wish we could have met. Thank you for everything Jack. Your words forever live on, painting eternal universes of adventure and heart.
Chris

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:12
Incredible man, writer, and honest human being. I wish we could have met. Thank you for everything Jack. Your words forever live on, painting eternal universes of adventure and heart.
Chris
Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:03
Thank you, Mr Vance, for instilling the beauty of language in my science fiction reading.
Your characters and dialogue were always unique and wonderful. You brought erudition to even the most lowly roustabouts and never resorted to formulaic plots or characters. RIP.
David Hurst

Wednesday 29 May 2013 15:03
Thank you, Mr Vance, for instilling the beauty of language in my science fiction reading.
Your characters and dialogue were always unique and wonderful. You brought erudition to even the most lowly roustabouts and never resorted to formulaic plots ... click to read more
David Hurst