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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Friday 18 November 2016 18:11
For over forty years, I fought besides Gavin Waylock and Adam Rieth; with the Brave Free Men: for the honor of the sheirls in the hussade tank, for honor, and for glory.
And always, Jack Vance led the way...

... and in my heart, he always will!
Duncan Kunz

Friday 18 November 2016 18:11
For over forty years, I fought besides Gavin Waylock and Adam Rieth; with the Brave Free Men: for the honor of the sheirls in the hussade tank, for honor, and for glory.
And always, Jack Vance led the way...

... and in my heart, he always will!
Duncan Kunz
Saturday 29 October 2016 22:35
So much of movie and TV science fiction and fantasy is really bad or overstretched (e.g. three movies made out of "The Hobbit".
Why not movies out of the Lyonesse trilogy or Planet of Adventure or Demon Princes.
Or a single movie based on Dragon Masters or the Moon Moth.
julian thomas

Saturday 29 October 2016 22:35
So much of movie and TV science fiction and fantasy is really bad or overstretched (e.g. three movies made out of "The Hobbit".
Why not movies out of the Lyonesse trilogy or Planet of Adventure or Demon Princes.
Or a single movie based on Dragon ... click to read more
julian thomas
Tuesday 25 October 2016 13:26
He got me by the very first story I read and never let loose. Wonderful, extraordinary science fiction with a grand dose of humor.

Thanks Jack!
Joep Oude Veldhuis

Tuesday 25 October 2016 13:26
He got me by the very first story I read and never let loose. Wonderful, extraordinary science fiction with a grand dose of humor.

Thanks Jack!
Joep Oude Veldhuis
Friday 7 October 2016 19:07
The finest of writers. I am so grateful to Jack for all the endless hours I have spent lost in the rich and beautiful worlds he drew in my imagination with his wonderful words. A peerless genius. There'll never be another like him.
Mathew, Wales
Anonymous

Friday 7 October 2016 19:07
The finest of writers. I am so grateful to Jack for all the endless hours I have spent lost in the rich and beautiful worlds he drew in my imagination with his wonderful words. A peerless genius. There'll never be another like him.
Mathew, Wales
Anonymous
Friday 23 September 2016 23:04
Jack Vance has been my favorite author for 45 plus years. His stories have taken me to far worlds and lands, for hours beyond count. I have most, if not all, copies of his fantasy and SF stories. I am currently re-reading (for the umpteenth time)the Planet of Adventure: Tschai novels. Thank you, Jack Vance, for giving me such enjoyment over the years.
Henry Hartmann

Friday 23 September 2016 23:04
Jack Vance has been my favorite author for 45 plus years. His stories have taken me to far worlds and lands, for hours beyond count. I have most, if not all, copies of his fantasy and SF stories. I am currently re-reading (for the umpteenth time)the ... click to read more
Henry Hartmann
Tuesday 20 September 2016 12:43
What a shame, I missed the date, so, better late then never: Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Vance! You are alive in your stories, which we all love. Cheers!
Thomas Sieber

Tuesday 20 September 2016 12:43
What a shame, I missed the date, so, better late then never: Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Vance! You are alive in your stories, which we all love. Cheers!
Thomas Sieber
Thursday 8 September 2016 08:36
Jack Vance's voice was unique and inimitable.
I've spent decades reading and re-reading his work:
Witty, bittersweet, beautiful, imaginative, well-plotted- it's easy to run out of superlatives and adjectives.
One of my son's middle name is 'Kirth' :-)
Karim

Thursday 8 September 2016 08:36
Jack Vance's voice was unique and inimitable.
I've spent decades reading and re-reading his work:
Witty, bittersweet, beautiful, imaginative, well-plotted- it's easy to run out of superlatives and adjectives.
One of my son's middle name is ... click to read more
Karim
Wednesday 7 September 2016 15:01
My favorite author. End of discussion.
Philip Kelley

Wednesday 7 September 2016 15:01
My favorite author. End of discussion.
Philip Kelley
Tuesday 23 August 2016 07:32
His stories helped me to pass many nights and many days, wondering to meet Kirth Gersen.
My nickname when I was a singer in a rock band was Rhune Fader and one of our songs titled "The face"
One of the most important writers in my life.
RIP Jack and see you on the other side.
Giorgio

Tuesday 23 August 2016 07:32
His stories helped me to pass many nights and many days, wondering to meet Kirth Gersen.
My nickname when I was a singer in a rock band was Rhune Fader and one of our songs titled "The face"
One of the most important writers in my life.
RIP Jack ... click to read more
Giorgio
Wednesday 13 July 2016 14:22
I was 25 years old when I discovered Vance in the Dying earth (1975), I did not know Jack Vance but
I got it
because the cover for this French print was
from Philippe Druillet who was my prefered cartoonist in France, so I supposed
the book to be
good too, but it was more, much more : I have been grasped by the style and stories. Since this time I read all Vance works every year, again and again. I cannot get enought of him. Jack Vance is not just a wonderful writer, He is a "honnête homme" - in the French sense -
Bravo, jack !
Jean Luc, France

Wednesday 13 July 2016 14:22
I was 25 years old when I discovered Vance in the Dying earth (1975), I did not know Jack Vance but
I got it
because the cover for this French print was
from Philippe Druillet who was my prefered cartoonist in France, so I supposed
the book to ... click to read more
Jean Luc, France
Sunday 26 June 2016 20:56
Was introduced to Jack Vance through a tribute from George RR Martin. Immediately fell in love with his high speech, tongue in cheek style. Once I got past the surface and saw the meat of his writing I was again floored by his effortless world creation. Have most his works now and "recollecting" signed works. Easily a master and one of the greatest to put ink to paper. So thankful the world had so many years with him.
Jeremy Dukes

Sunday 26 June 2016 20:56
Was introduced to Jack Vance through a tribute from George RR Martin. Immediately fell in love with his high speech, tongue in cheek style. Once I got past the surface and saw the meat of his writing I was again floored by his effortless world ... click to read more
Jeremy Dukes
Wednesday 22 June 2016 10:47
Rereading "Maske: Thaery" for the third or fourth time, and I became depressed that Jack's voice has been silenced. He cannot be replaced.
David Knight

Wednesday 22 June 2016 10:47
Rereading "Maske: Thaery" for the third or fourth time, and I became depressed that Jack's voice has been silenced. He cannot be replaced.
David Knight
Sunday 5 June 2016 22:37
I have read "the dragon master" for the first time when i was 12. Now i am 46. I wish
to share with you all the
emotions and laughter And the tears that were associated with all the reading experiences I had with jack vance books and novels. He made me love science fiction and enriched my adolescence . Now reading his books again for the forth or fifth time he made me recall of a wonderfull part of my life. Thank you.
Paolo

Sunday 5 June 2016 22:37
I have read "the dragon master" for the first time when i was 12. Now i am 46. I wish
to share with you all the
emotions and laughter And the tears that were associated with all the reading experiences I had with jack vance books and novels. He ... click to read more
Paolo
Friday 27 May 2016 21:59
jack you are always in our hearts
Gianni Farina

Friday 27 May 2016 21:59
jack you are always in our hearts
Gianni Farina
Monday 7 March 2016 23:48
Bneginning with The Dying Earth, I have bought. most of Vance's books.
Thanks
for the ebooks!
Anonymous

Monday 7 March 2016 23:48
Bneginning with The Dying Earth, I have bought. most of Vance's books.
Thanks
for the ebooks!
Anonymous
Wednesday 17 February 2016 11:59
I am 65 years old. The first books I read (besides those required in school) were the Tschai novels 40 some years ago and I was hooked forever. I just finished Nightlamp for the umpteenth time and consider it one of the best. I had checked Mr. Vance's web page periodically but missed his departure in 2013. Needless to say I was depressed and disappointed that there would be no more wonderful literary surprises (selfish I know). I have most of his novels and am trying to procure the remainder. In my humble opinion he is the greatest author ever to pen words. Thank you.
Glenn LaPier

Wednesday 17 February 2016 11:59
I am 65 years old. The first books I read (besides those required in school) were the Tschai novels 40 some years ago and I was hooked forever. I just finished Nightlamp for the umpteenth time and consider it one of the best. I had checked Mr. ... click to read more
Glenn LaPier
Thursday 14 January 2016 17:47
The Hugo
winning Story Illustration
for the
surpassingly good
short
story
from The Aug 63 Galaxy
issue
was
a gigantic
turning
point in my Arts
Career/interest.
The story was characteristic
of the high
craft passion and
strength of the
author-
Galaxy Reader and Vance Enthusiast

Thursday 14 January 2016 17:47
The Hugo
winning Story Illustration
for the
surpassingly good
short
story
from The Aug 63 Galaxy
issue
was
a gigantic
turning
point in my Arts
Career/interest.
The story was characteristic
of the high
craft passion and
strength of ... click to read more
Galaxy Reader and Vance Enthusiast
Monday 4 January 2016 23:38
The only fiction that I've read for the last 15 years has been by Jack Vance. His worlds and characters continue to tantalise, his language use and subtlety is exquisite.
Russell Moran

Monday 4 January 2016 23:38
The only fiction that I've read for the last 15 years has been by Jack Vance. His worlds and characters continue to tantalise, his language use and subtlety is exquisite.
Russell Moran
Thursday 24 December 2015 17:40
Jack Vance has been my favorite author for 30 years.
I have read nearly every book or short story he wrote three times or more and always enjoy him.
I think he is one of the most imaginative, creative, thoughtful, funny, writers of all time.
I especially love the Adam Reith Series, the Kirth Gersen series, the Lyonesse books, Cugel, the mysteries.
Hey, I think I will go get a Jack Vance book and read it right now!
Truly Planet Earth was made better by this writer.
Don

Thursday 24 December 2015 17:40
Jack Vance has been my favorite author for 30 years.
I have read nearly every book or short story he wrote three times or more and always enjoy him.
I think he is one of the most imaginative, creative, thoughtful, funny, writers of all time.
I ... click to read more
Don
Sunday 13 December 2015 15:18
I owe Jack Vance some of my most beloved reading hours. I love his work, so much. Thanks for all this marvels.
Valdo

Sunday 13 December 2015 15:18
I owe Jack Vance some of my most beloved reading hours. I love his work, so much. Thanks for all this marvels.
Valdo
Monday 26 October 2015 12:07
Hey Jack!
So you've gone on to join Poul Anderson and the rest of your generation to the Great Typewriter in the sky.
You were a giant amongst giants, but how you tricked us all by masquerading as a mere mortal. I'm so sad you are gone, but boy-oh-boy you sure left one big footprint!

See you down the road less traveled.
Thomas Lowe

Monday 26 October 2015 12:07
Hey Jack!
So you've gone on to join Poul Anderson and the rest of your generation to the Great Typewriter in the sky.
You were a giant amongst giants, but how you tricked us all by masquerading as a mere mortal. I'm so sad you are gone, but ... click to read more
Thomas Lowe
Sunday 27 September 2015 22:09
Sinceramente eres
un genio, y digo que lo eres porque en tus libros estas tu, muchas gracias por dejarnos tus historias, que manera más creativa de crear mundos y civilizaciones
Gerson Colindres

Sunday 27 September 2015 22:09
Sinceramente eres
un genio, y digo que lo eres porque en tus libros estas tu, muchas gracias por dejarnos tus historias, que manera más creativa de crear mundos y civilizaciones
Gerson Colindres
Saturday 19 September 2015 19:59
Magister

When he heard the mage was dead
The student donned a robe of gloom;
And lenses made from sandestin scales
Then with bowed head went to his room.

He lit the green lamp on his desk,
Unsealed a heavy jar of stone
And poured a draught of purple wine
Into a cup of dragonbone.

He raised his head from study
The lamplight pale and green and wan
He saw the pallid dawn come in
And mused; a sadder, wiser man.
Peter Mackenzie

Saturday 19 September 2015 19:59
Magister

When he heard the mage was dead
The student donned a robe of gloom;
And lenses made from sandestin scales
Then with bowed head went to his room.

He lit the green lamp on his desk,
Unsealed a heavy jar of stone
And poured a ... click to read more
Peter Mackenzie
Friday 11 September 2015 06:29
Thank you Mr. Vance for many wonderful stories. I read my first Vance novel Lyonesse in the 1980's as a young teenager. My brother recommended the book to me. He was a great lover of all things science fiction and - to a lesser degree- fantasy. I became quickly a fan too. Jack Vance was a great writer, may he rest in peace.
Anna

Friday 11 September 2015 06:29
Thank you Mr. Vance for many wonderful stories. I read my first Vance novel Lyonesse in the 1980's as a young teenager. My brother recommended the book to me. He was a great lover of all things science fiction and - to a lesser degree- fantasy. I ... click to read more
Anna
Friday 28 August 2015 07:06
Thank You, Mr Vance, for all the hours of joy, wonder, and grandeur you gave to a young boy first discovering the joys of literature. Thank you for giving him entire worlds to explore. Thank you for giving him some of his first friends. Thank you for opening his eyes to magic & the joy of learning.

Thank you, Mr Vance, for without you, I would've been lesser- as a boy and as a man.
Rohit Patnaik

Friday 28 August 2015 07:06
Thank You, Mr Vance, for all the hours of joy, wonder, and grandeur you gave to a young boy first discovering the joys of literature. Thank you for giving him entire worlds to explore. Thank you for giving him some of his first friends. Thank you ... click to read more
Rohit Patnaik
Wednesday 15 July 2015 01:52
Thank you Jack for the countless hours spent and yet to be spent reading your books. My daughter is not yet 4, and while I'm sure I'll place many books before her as she grows, some of which she'll read and some not- I think I'll put Jack's books in unusual places like secret magical objects, and hope she comes upon them at odd times and won't be able to resist finding out what's inside.
Robert Ward

Wednesday 15 July 2015 01:52
Thank you Jack for the countless hours spent and yet to be spent reading your books. My daughter is not yet 4, and while I'm sure I'll place many books before her as she grows, some of which she'll read and some not- I think I'll put Jack's books in ... click to read more
Robert Ward
Friday 10 July 2015 01:09
It all started with the paperback Ace Double of Houses of Iszm backed with Son of the Tree bought on a whim in a drugstore in Cleveland Heights in 1974. Throughout a lifetime, Jack Vance's stories and writing style have remained an undiminished delight. His art was a window through which to view different worlds across an infinity of galaxies. I did my best over the decades to find his books, and ultimately subscribed to the VIE without hesitation. Jack's command of the language has always provided great pleasure, great joy in the reading. Many have tried, but none that I know of were able to employ such a rich, high style with such perfect natural ease. I owe Jack Vance a great debt of gratitude for the joy and edification that his art works have given to me.
Mark Straka

Friday 10 July 2015 01:09
It all started with the paperback Ace Double of Houses of Iszm backed with Son of the Tree bought on a whim in a drugstore in Cleveland Heights in 1974. Throughout a lifetime, Jack Vance's stories and writing style have remained an undiminished ... click to read more
Mark Straka
Sunday 28 June 2015 18:38
I wish I had the chance to meet Jack Vance.
My husband's family was related to him on the Gardner side.
Recently we buried my husband and at the grave site found Jack's grandmothers grave...Inez Case Vance.
What a surprise.
My mother-in-law was able to visit him when he was last in Seattle.
The family history is very interesting and how they came to California from the east coast and were part of the gold rush history.
It is a shame family gets disconnected.
If he had children or grandchildren, I would like to share this part of his history with them.
Janice Nunes

Sunday 28 June 2015 18:38
I wish I had the chance to meet Jack Vance.
My husband's family was related to him on the Gardner side.
Recently we buried my husband and at the grave site found Jack's grandmothers grave...Inez Case Vance.
What a surprise.
My mother-in-law was ... click to read more
Janice Nunes
Sunday 14 June 2015 18:17
My dear friend Jack Vance, I miss you, I think I must have last called you around the time you left the world, I did not know, did not want to find out. I found out only today. I remained so busy with life, I tried not to peak, to see the truth, I never knew.
It saddens me so much, the world is now bereft of it's greatest imagination, your work WILL spread wide, and be made solid. I hope to contribute; I hope others can experience the wonders of your stories, your worlds, your peoples. You are a wonderful man, I am so sad now, I miss you, I miss speaking with you. You will forever be in my heart. Above all, THANK YOU JOHN for your work, rest now, in peace.
Sean O'Sullivan

Sunday 14 June 2015 18:17
My dear friend Jack Vance, I miss you, I think I must have last called you around the time you left the world, I did not know, did not want to find out. I found out only today. I remained so busy with life, I tried not to peak, to see the truth, I ... click to read more
Sean O'Sullivan
Sunday 14 June 2015 08:48
I purchased a copy of Lyonesse in the 1980's at AAFES bookstore in Bitburg Germany. I was a teenager and it was my first time reading a book that was so funny, dark, whimsical and unpredictable.
I loved how his descriptions were almost lyrical but not taxingly so. As I grew older and read other fantasy novels, I realized nothing could scratch my itch like Lyonesse.
As I matured, I saw more and more in it than just a fantasy adventure. For some reason, reading it was almost cinematic; those characters and settings just popped!
I still have my very worn copy of Lyonesse, and bought an e-reader version.
Thank you Jack Vance!
You are hands down my favorite author; what a gift you gave me!
Michele Armstrong

Sunday 14 June 2015 08:48
I purchased a copy of Lyonesse in the 1980's at AAFES bookstore in Bitburg Germany. I was a teenager and it was my first time reading a book that was so funny, dark, whimsical and unpredictable.
I loved how his descriptions were almost lyrical but ... click to read more
Michele Armstrong
Tuesday 26 May 2015 16:36
Jack're always in my heart, thank you for the wonderful moments that your books always give me.
Gianni Farina
Gianni Farina

Tuesday 26 May 2015 16:36
Jack're always in my heart, thank you for the wonderful moments that your books always give me.
Gianni Farina
Gianni Farina
Thursday 14 May 2015 17:24
I first met Jack's works in my teens. I was reading sci-fi and fantasy as if there were to be no tomorrows. I went on to read much much more and have been fortunate to read some of the greatest works from the greatest authors. The story that calls me most, and the one whose call I will always answer is Lyonesse. Aillas; Shimrod, King Casimir and Madouc.
Characters that sit within me as real as any of my friends. I loved Jack; his humour, his hard work, his research and his love of the good things about which he wrote so eloquently. His magic was real magic, and anyone who shared in Jack's world came away shimmering and vibrant with the certain knowledge that here was craft of the very highest order.
Liam K Murphy

Thursday 14 May 2015 17:24
I first met Jack's works in my teens. I was reading sci-fi and fantasy as if there were to be no tomorrows. I went on to read much much more and have been fortunate to read some of the greatest works from the greatest authors. The story that calls ... click to read more
Liam K Murphy
Thursday 23 April 2015 17:08
I read my first jack Vance novel at 14 - The Star King. Captivating, absorbing, magnificent. Each work, a wonder. I was hooked, and remain so. He's gone now, and so I tip my hat, and thank him. I will miss the great Jack Vance
kenny hill

Thursday 23 April 2015 17:08
I read my first jack Vance novel at 14 - The Star King. Captivating, absorbing, magnificent. Each work, a wonder. I was hooked, and remain so. He's gone now, and so I tip my hat, and thank him. I will miss the great Jack Vance
kenny hill
Monday 13 April 2015 14:20
I don't remember what the first Jack Vance book was that I read. What I do know, is that I have all of them, and I read most of them at least twice.
Even in the dutch translations, the writing, the travels, the humor, the haggling, all the planets, the societies, and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed them. And I it somehow influenced my own writing. No, I am not a writer, but even without being a writer, you can have a certain style.
Jack Vance's books have had a lasting influence.
I should go look up some of my favorite books in english; read them as they were intended :-)
Arjen

Monday 13 April 2015 14:20
I don't remember what the first Jack Vance book was that I read. What I do know, is that I have all of them, and I read most of them at least twice.
Even in the dutch translations, the writing, the travels, the humor, the haggling, all the ... click to read more
Arjen
Thursday 26 March 2015 18:15
I just wanted to say thank you Mr. Vance! I am a disabled Marine now, and I have rekindled a love of reading and found you adventures a very nice surprise. It amazes me how wonderful and ingenious your writing is compared to the same old story we see rewritten today by so many. You truly have given me many fond hours of reading and exploring your universe and worlds. May you be found and kept well, wherever you are! Maybe with Mazirian the Magician?

Ed
Ed in Az

Thursday 26 March 2015 18:15
I just wanted to say thank you Mr. Vance! I am a disabled Marine now, and I have rekindled a love of reading and found you adventures a very nice surprise. It amazes me how wonderful and ingenious your writing is compared to the same old story we ... click to read more
Ed in Az
Sunday 22 March 2015 23:34
Here's to a man that gave me so much joy in my youth with his grand Demon Princes novels. I tried to leave a message to him a few years ago, but was unable to get through. Jack, I'm sorry I missed ya, so may your travels be Heavenly!
Bill Appel

Sunday 22 March 2015 23:34
Here's to a man that gave me so much joy in my youth with his grand Demon Princes novels. I tried to leave a message to him a few years ago, but was unable to get through. Jack, I'm sorry I missed ya, so may your travels be Heavenly!
Bill Appel
Saturday 21 March 2015 18:37
I discovered the Lyonesse series by picking up a book
from a jumble sale when I was a teenager in the early 90s. As soon as I read it I was hooked and had to ask my local library to order in the other two books in the series. Since then I have read and re-read Lyonesse 1, 2 & 3. And my sister bought me the Dying Earth series a few years later. How remarkable a talent Jack Vance had! I can't believe he is not more well known in the UK. So underrated, understated and bypassed at the reader's peril!
Spyder Webb

Saturday 21 March 2015 18:37
I discovered the Lyonesse series by picking up a book
from a jumble sale when I was a teenager in the early 90s. As soon as I read it I was hooked and had to ask my local library to order in the other two books in the series. Since then I have read ... click to read more
Spyder Webb
Friday 13 March 2015 09:38
Jack Vance is the writer who remain in my heart forever.
The one that always makes me laugh, even by reading a book for hundred of times.
A humanist and humorous writer. I have so much things to say about his fabulous work.
I read a lot of fantasy , science-fi, or classical books.
But when I'm running out of stock, or when i read a boring book, i take, everytime a Jack Vance ' book!
He's a great one, he was a great man!
Thanks for everything Jack!

Florence from France
Florence Aurensan-Rivetti

Friday 13 March 2015 09:38
Jack Vance is the writer who remain in my heart forever.
The one that always makes me laugh, even by reading a book for hundred of times.
A humanist and humorous writer. I have so much things to say about his fabulous work.
I read a lot of ... click to read more
Florence Aurensan-Rivetti
Thursday 12 March 2015 09:18
My my! Look at the hundreds of toasts and tributes, Jack. You sure made an impression on a lot of good folks. Well.....one assumes they are good. I suppose there could be a few jackanapes and villains lurking within the ranks. And, as such, I will add my two dinkets. You flipped a switch in me some sixty-plus years ago. It heightened my imagination, my love of language and made me laugh. Thanks.
George Locke

Thursday 12 March 2015 09:18
My my! Look at the hundreds of toasts and tributes, Jack. You sure made an impression on a lot of good folks. Well.....one assumes they are good. I suppose there could be a few jackanapes and villains lurking within the ranks. And, as such, I will ... click to read more
George Locke
Friday 27 February 2015 00:42
The best sf writer i have ever read. His genius was obvious in every book.
Will never be replaced. Thanks mr vance
for years of enjoyment that never waned q
John

Friday 27 February 2015 00:42
The best sf writer i have ever read. His genius was obvious in every book.
Will never be replaced. Thanks mr vance
for years of enjoyment that never waned q
John
Sunday 22 February 2015 03:35
I have bee reading science fiction since I was 9 years old.
I am now 64 years old.
Mr. Vance's work has been my primary consolation all of my life.
I have read and reread his work hundreds of times.
Fair winds and far horizons, Mr. Vance.
You take my thanks for your work wherever you may gave gone.
Anonymous

Sunday 22 February 2015 03:35
I have bee reading science fiction since I was 9 years old.
I am now 64 years old.
Mr. Vance's work has been my primary consolation all of my life.
I have read and reread his work hundreds of times.
Fair winds and far horizons, Mr. Vance.
You ... click to read more
Anonymous
Monday 16 February 2015 04:18
Damn' !! The first book I ever bought with my own money was Jack's
That was 40 years ago ;-) I gathered all his french translated books through time until I discovered there were more in english. That was 30 years ago ;-)
And now he's dead.
Damn' !! I just only heard of it !
His style, his humour, his marvellous travelling capacity which he used to study mankind... well, I loved and enjoyed it all along. So, thank you Jack and fare well.
What makes my pain lighter is that I'm sure you've influenced so many artists that I'll see you sometimes in the works of others.
Steve Edline

Monday 16 February 2015 04:18
Damn' !! The first book I ever bought with my own money was Jack's
That was 40 years ago ;-) I gathered all his french translated books through time until I discovered there were more in english. That was 30 years ago ;-)
And now he's dead. ... click to read more
Steve Edline
Thursday 12 February 2015 16:09
Having read and appreciated 'Tschai' at a young age, it took me a few years to read it again.
Only then did it dawn on me how well this story was actually written.
How imaginative and articulate and witty the author really was.
Now, several years and many of (2nd hand) Vance books later, it continues to amaze me in every story how present-day his ideas and characterizations are, how ingenious the plots and trickery, how ironic the observations and how original the peculiarities of described people, societies and phenomena.
It also makes me wonder how encyclopedic his knowledge was, in an era partly before pc and internet.
Raising a quality beer to Jack Vance right now.
Henry Belt's last voyage

Thursday 12 February 2015 16:09
Having read and appreciated 'Tschai' at a young age, it took me a few years to read it again.
Only then did it dawn on me how well this story was actually written.
How imaginative and articulate and witty the author really was.
Now, several years ... click to read more
Henry Belt's last voyage
Wednesday 28 January 2015 04:46
Thank you, Jack, for making my youth a time of more wonder and excitement, and for brightening my life with your wonderful stories and characters.
Bas Suverkropp

Wednesday 28 January 2015 04:46
Thank you, Jack, for making my youth a time of more wonder and excitement, and for brightening my life with your wonderful stories and characters.
Bas Suverkropp
Tuesday 13 January 2015 18:02
They say you're never really gone until the last person that remembers you is gone too. In that case, Jack will be around for a very, very long time and thank goodness for that.
Peter Bondante

Tuesday 13 January 2015 18:02
They say you're never really gone until the last person that remembers you is gone too. In that case, Jack will be around for a very, very long time and thank goodness for that.
Peter Bondante
Friday 9 January 2015 03:33
I read a lot of science fiction when I was in college and graduate school.
I was pursuing a science degree and the stories were great escape since all the experiments worked.
I quickly realized that there were various levels of writing ability on display from the various Golden Age writers.
All could tell a story, and all had their points, but this guy Jack Vance that I kept running into in anthologies was really in a class by himself.
His stories could be gripping adventures, human dramas and even interesting personality interactions, but there was always a subtle mental aspect to the characters in them as well.
I quickly learned that you do not "skim" a Jack Vance story or he'll throw you some subtlety that you will miss through inattention and then five pages later you will have to backtrack and catch what he slyly partially concealed from you in order to make sense of the rest of the story.

I don't think many writers had the handle on human motivation that Vance did, and I don't mean just science fiction writers either.
He elevated to literary art a genre that most people thought were one step above comic books back when he started.
I've read everything of his that I could find and have not found a single story that wasn't absorbing and educational, as well as
imagination expanding.
His use of language could be daunting, but it would send you to worlds unimaginable once you started understanding it.

Si Tibi Terra Levis, Jack.
I will miss you.
Ifness

Friday 9 January 2015 03:33
I read a lot of science fiction when I was in college and graduate school.
I was pursuing a science degree and the stories were great escape since all the experiments worked.
I quickly realized that there were various levels of writing ability on ... click to read more
Ifness
Friday 2 January 2015 05:41
Many hours have I spent reading his novels, and pondering his magical words and worlds. For me, he was one of the great writers of the 20th century. There are still a few of his novels I have not yet read - looking forward to them!
Bart van Herk

Friday 2 January 2015 05:41
Many hours have I spent reading his novels, and pondering his magical words and worlds. For me, he was one of the great writers of the 20th century. There are still a few of his novels I have not yet read - looking forward to them!
Bart van Herk
Tuesday 30 December 2014 09:32
Just read Telek in a 1952 copy of Astounding - Science Fiction
My path led me to this site and to remember the life of Jack Vance - an extraordinary storyteller!
Peter Rizzo

Tuesday 30 December 2014 09:32
Just read Telek in a 1952 copy of Astounding - Science Fiction
My path led me to this site and to remember the life of Jack Vance - an extraordinary storyteller!
Peter Rizzo
Wednesday 24 December 2014 06:50
Difficult to adequately express not only the pleasure I gained from Jack's books over the years, but the guidance and ambition he helped me to develop growing up. Will there ever be the like again ?
Selim Cavanagh

Wednesday 24 December 2014 06:50
Difficult to adequately express not only the pleasure I gained from Jack's books over the years, but the guidance and ambition he helped me to develop growing up. Will there ever be the like again ?
Selim Cavanagh
Thursday 18 December 2014 08:55
Because of Mr. Vance's dedication to a literary genre not all that well thought of back in the '60s, he taught me the lesson that good stuff is where you find it, not where you expect it to be. Being one of the best American prose stylists of the 20th century reinforces that lesson.
James May

Thursday 18 December 2014 08:55
Because of Mr. Vance's dedication to a literary genre not all that well thought of back in the '60s, he taught me the lesson that good stuff is where you find it, not where you expect it to be. Being one of the best American prose stylists of the ... click to read more
James May
Thursday 11 December 2014 22:36
Dear Jack, when I was 10 you galvanized my imagination with the Dying Earth. I am still resonating with your words, more than 20 years later. Sometimes I see you, perched by a waterfall where a bank of purple foxgloves gathers the cool mist. Dusk is slowly dissolving the landscape into heliotrope and amber, and I see you among comrades, eating choice viands and chuckling at some wry afterthought.
Billy Cryer

Thursday 11 December 2014 22:36
Dear Jack, when I was 10 you galvanized my imagination with the Dying Earth. I am still resonating with your words, more than 20 years later. Sometimes I see you, perched by a waterfall where a bank of purple foxgloves gathers the cool mist. Dusk is ... click to read more
Billy Cryer
Monday 1 December 2014 11:21
Saturnine, although a perfectly good word, amongst many taught to a young me by Vance, does not describe his writing...

Chock a Block with humour and demonstrations of his wry (but never mean spirited) wit, a session with a Vance book always left me entertained and optimistic. I was obscenely happy when I received my copy of the Vance Integral Edition and saddened by his loss shortly thereafter.

Like many others, I suspect, I wish I had a chance to let him know how much I appreciated his writing...
Anonymous

Monday 1 December 2014 11:21
Saturnine, although a perfectly good word, amongst many taught to a young me by Vance, does not describe his writing...

Chock a Block with humour and demonstrations of his wry (but never mean spirited) wit, a session with a Vance book always left ... click to read more
Anonymous
Saturday 15 November 2014 21:49
Jack has just left us on the dock.

He barely waved goodbye, his mind already contemplating the coming journey.

I hope he has time to write home, but I am not betting on it.

Farewell, my friend of so many adventures. You have to face this one all by yourself.

As always, I expect that everything will all right.
Anonymous

Saturday 15 November 2014 21:49
Jack has just left us on the dock.

He barely waved goodbye, his mind already contemplating the coming journey.

I hope he has time to write home, but I am not betting on it.

Farewell, my friend of so many adventures. You have to face this ... click to read more
Anonymous
Monday 3 November 2014 18:48
I first became aware of Jack Vance around the age of 10, in the mid to late 1950's. I fell in love with T'sais and T'sain, and was completely enchanted with the concept of the dying earth, something no-one else has ever used as a backdrop to such beautiful stories. Since then, over the decades, I have managed to "keep in touch" with Jack Vance through Cugel and Iuconu, Kirth Gerson and the Demon Princes, Joe Bain, and literally hundreds of other characters from his seemingly infinite imagination, and now, with e-books, I've managed to acquire and read every one of his works. Through war, peace, trouble, good times, for me there has been one constant, one source of beauty, adventure, in short, life: Jack Vance, and for that I am very thankful.
Jeff Genthner

Monday 3 November 2014 18:48
I first became aware of Jack Vance around the age of 10, in the mid to late 1950's. I fell in love with T'sais and T'sain, and was completely enchanted with the concept of the dying earth, something no-one else has ever used as a backdrop to such ... click to read more
Jeff Genthner
Thursday 23 October 2014 06:44
How many times have I been in a situation, and thought to myself -- what would a Vancian character (take your pick of which one) do? Thank you for the good moments -- and also the practical advice on how to live and how to be.
Anonymous

Thursday 23 October 2014 06:44
How many times have I been in a situation, and thought to myself -- what would a Vancian character (take your pick of which one) do? Thank you for the good moments -- and also the practical advice on how to live and how to be.
Anonymous
Saturday 27 September 2014 05:41
J'ai 57ans. Le premier roman que j'ai lu de
Jack Vance, Le prince des étoiles (The Star King), m'a fait voyager. Il a toujours été depuis lors, mon auteur de SF favori. Tant de souvenirs de ses univers me semblent être des souvenirs vécus. Je ne saurais dire combien de fois j'ai relu (et revécu)les aventures d'A.Reith sur TCHAÏ, ou de K.Gersen... Emphyrio...celui qui a amené la vérité... était mon surnon sur la CB avant l'internet. Un grand merci a JVance là où il est.
Gilles D'Agostini

Saturday 27 September 2014 05:41
J'ai 57ans. Le premier roman que j'ai lu de
Jack Vance, Le prince des étoiles (The Star King), m'a fait voyager. Il a toujours été depuis lors, mon auteur de SF favori. Tant de souvenirs de ses univers me semblent être des souvenirs vécus. Je ... click to read more
Gilles D'Agostini
Monday 15 September 2014 08:07
In 1976, at age of 12, I read my first book, Durdane, and I was immediately in love. The second book was Tschai and after that book I read all your books. Thanks for the good times you have given me.
Elco Hack, The Netherlands

Monday 15 September 2014 08:07
In 1976, at age of 12, I read my first book, Durdane, and I was immediately in love. The second book was Tschai and after that book I read all your books. Thanks for the good times you have given me.
Elco Hack, The Netherlands
Saturday 30 August 2014 02:36
Jack, the wooer of hearts, souls, and minds. Creator of playlands for the imagination and spirit. I found you so late but at least I found you and I love you. Sweet dreams.
AKCharle

Saturday 30 August 2014 02:36
Jack, the wooer of hearts, souls, and minds. Creator of playlands for the imagination and spirit. I found you so late but at least I found you and I love you. Sweet dreams.
AKCharle
Thursday 28 August 2014 13:47
Happy birthday, old chap. This is to your memory!
Anonymous

Thursday 28 August 2014 13:47
Happy birthday, old chap. This is to your memory!
Anonymous
Saturday 23 August 2014 17:53
J'ai 50 ans, et cela fait maintenant 35 ans que j'ai fait ta connaissance. Tu m'as donné beaucoup de bonheur et reste mon auteur favori. C'est avec toujours autant de plaisir que je te relis. Un très grand merci à toi pour ces moments si précieux. J'espère transmettre le virus vancien à mes enfants ... Tu a apporté de la joie et tu continueras longtemps à le faire à un grand nombre d'être humains. Peut t'on attendre quoi que se soit de mieux d'un homme ? Encore merci Jack, et bon vent !
Benot Normand

Saturday 23 August 2014 17:53
J'ai 50 ans, et cela fait maintenant 35 ans que j'ai fait ta connaissance. Tu m'as donné beaucoup de bonheur et reste mon auteur favori. C'est avec toujours autant de plaisir que je te relis. Un très grand merci à toi pour ces moments si ... click to read more
Benot Normand