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

Jean-Sbastien lutz

Goodbye Jack Vance. You were and will be a huge inspiration for all the writers around the world. I will keep the memories of many nights spend travelling with you and your characters. I hope that you'd find a house with a nice view to the sea, somewhere in Lyonesse.
30 mei 2013

donovan s. brain

I went home and set aside the book I was reading(sorry, Kathy Goonan, I'll get back to you) and picked up ARAMINTA STATION again. All night long I strode across an alien world, between wild creatures in primeval splendor and mossy mansions sunk in tradition, tiny details and grand sweeps of landscape, and all of it filtered through the eyes of young and eager characters, waking from childhood to become men and women and take their places in the story.
30 mei 2013

Jur Groot

From Lyonesse to the Dying Earth; from the Beyond to the Alastor Cluster; from Big Planet to Tschai... Demodand and Sandestin, Phung and Progressive Eel, all mourn the passing of (one of) the greatest sf, fantasy and mystery writers of the last two centuries. Let us raise a glass of punch to the genius that was John Holbrook Vance.
30 mei 2013

Brian R.

Thank you.
30 mei 2013

Dale L. Walker

A genuine American genius; a writer of limitless imagination ... from DYING EARTH in 1950, which I read at age 15 in the outback of Illinois, I have been in awe of this magnificent man of letters. Lift a parting glass to a rare mind and a great man.
30 mei 2013

Tim Weatherill

Jack Vance changed my entire outlook on life in many ways. His lovely wry wit and delight in language, his incredible imagination and ability to build whole worlds and societies simply tore me away from ordinary cares, and lightened my life. Thank you, Jack Vance, for all the worlds in every time.
30 mei 2013

Stijn

Alas, all good things come to an end. Tonight, I shall become drunk as circumstances dictate. RIP
30 mei 2013

Erik Goldman

More important than his obvious wit and mastery of language, Mr. Vance's breadth of vision -- and nearly limitless sense of the power of the human spirit -- were contagious to generatious of readers. He was a truly great man.
30 mei 2013

Michael Sheldon

Simply the best science fiction/fantasy writer of our time. The Dying Earth series of books and Lyonnesse trilogy were ground breaking fantasy. He was also a master at highlighting the vast array of human cultures and how an environment can impact the development of culture.
30 mei 2013

Jeremy S

Jack Vance may be gone, but his tales, be they written on paper, pages, screens, or in our minds, will remain forever.
30 mei 2013

Polynsia

Cher Monsieur, Reposer bien paix, merci pour votre œuvre monumentale... From France
30 mei 2013

Alun Hughes

Jack - I should be working, but there are 44 volumes of your work on my office shelves leaking out memories of Oakland, and indeed the typescripts in Boston. What an inspiration. Thank you.
30 mei 2013

Jeff Craton

All writers hold worlds within themselves. Thank you for sharing yours with us.
30 mei 2013

Jared

Another epic tale comes to an end. Thanks for living it.
30 mei 2013

Dave Morris

Jack Vance will live forever through his works, which give endless pleasure through many re-readings and will continue to delight and enthrall generations to come.
30 mei 2013

James

A toast to Jack Vance! May his life and his books influence generations to come...
30 mei 2013

Gregory Floriolli

Goodbye to the Grandmaster of Science Fiction and Fantasy, and the greatest author of my lifetime. Thanks, Jack Vance, for so many enjoyable stories. The amazing worlds that Mr. Vance created will remain in my imagination for the rest of my life. In a world of 7 billion people, Mr. Vance's voice was truly unique.
30 mei 2013

Maija Katarina

A gentle giant amongst science fiction and fantasy authors, I think the world would be very poor had he never written. His influence was great, and I very much appreciate his works and continue recommending them to others. My condolences to the family and thank you for this opportunity to write something about him on this page.
30 mei 2013

Olivier Motillon

From France. Jack thank you for having me whenever transported beyond the real, for, in the first lines of your fiction, able to take me with you in your world. I keep in my library all your books (translated into French) I will regularly read many times and would do it again. All my condolences to your family. for once, it will never be alone in this painful moment. Have to nice trip to the other side
30 mei 2013

Pat Miner

I love Jack's work more than any other. City of the Chasch was my first Vance book and the Tschai series is still a favorite. I'm reading Big Planet again in celebration of the life and art of the one and only Jack Vance. Thanks Mr. Vance. RIP.
30 mei 2013

Paul Brooks

Although I never met Mr. Vance when I read the sad news of his passing I felt as if a good friend had departed. He had entertained and enlightened me for many years through his stories. He leaves a marvelous legacy for us and future generations. Rest in peace my friend.
30 mei 2013

Paul Pajzs

His journey on that pathway paved with dreams and past the corridors of time to His Last Castle has, indeed, just begun.
30 mei 2013

Scott

Thank you Jack for the stories. Your voice is greatly missed.
30 mei 2013

Aaron Sikkink

Thanks for all the magic!
30 mei 2013

Stefan Bexkens

Amongst the stars in the firmanent, Yours burns bright and fair May your light guide us to new lands. In our dreams and everywhere. My hero, My saviour My muse, Unreachable yet in my hands, May you rest beyond the Dying of Earth. Fare thee well.
30 mei 2013

Jean-Paul Wissink

For the last 40-odd years the books of Jack Vance have been a mainstay in my book-collection. His books were one of the first i read when i discovered Fantasy/Science-Fiction and i count him among the Granmasters of SF/F. Although i'm really a hard-SF fan i always enjoy re-reading on of Jack's books. His style of wrting is still unsurpassed and will be missed. RIP, Jack !
30 mei 2013

Daniel Thompson

I have read the Cugel novels at least a dozen times. Also "The Dragon Masters" and "The Jinxmen" are among my favorites. Ports of Call should be read every few months... It is so sad that there will be nothing new from the master, but I will still be reading him years from now. Thank you Jack, fair winds.
30 mei 2013

Bill Johnston

I had the privilege of meeting Jack and Norma when they visited Kansas City for a convention in the 1990s. In awe of Jack's amazing talent, I touched by their kindness and humility, even as the rascal disappointed me by saying he was through writing about the Dying Earth. Jack's work became a fixture in my life in the 1960s with the discovery of 'Mazirian the Magician' in L. Sprague de Camp's fine anthology, 'The Spell of Seven' in the 1960s and immediately sought out a copy of 'The Dying Earth.' I was simply captivated by the eloquence, diction, wry humor and rich style that have been described so well and often by so many other readers and writers, and every new (and new-to-me) Vance title from that day forward was a cause for great joy. As Robert Silverberg observed in an essay some years back, Jack's stories should be catalogued by number, like the old joke about in-jokes, so that discriminating readers could simply call out '47' or '93' to elicit a common recollection among the group, as of a particularly fine wine, musical opus or clever joke. I am saddened beyond words to know there will be no more numbers, but my life has been enriched immeasurably by this wonderful man and his work, and my gratitude is abiding. My heart goes out to his family in this time of loss.
30 mei 2013

Jan Bechtum

Thanks Jack for the many moments of joy and wonder when I read and re-read all of your books. RIP.
30 mei 2013

Richard

Many thanks for the hours and hours of reading enjoyment
30 mei 2013

Roelof Ruules

Thanks Jack, for all the words and visions, the worlds and all the people on them. May they live on forever, and you through them!
30 mei 2013

Rene Verrijk

I will always remember the Tchai books, a great reason to read scifi, RIP
30 mei 2013

Anonymous

Gave me wonderful images, characters and language to dream over from childhood to the day I shuffle off this mortal coil. Thankyou Mr Vance. RIP.
30 mei 2013

Fabrice

One of my all-time favorite SF author, along with Herbert, Asimov or Van Vogt. The end of a generation.
30 mei 2013

William Adams

Thank you for your written works --- they meant a lot to me, and I would have been a better person if I'd discovered them when I was younger. Thank you to your family for sharing your gifts with us --- I know that must have been a sacrifice at time and it is appreciated. I just wrote in a card being given to a young lady who is just graduating high school, ``Life is a message written in ink. Write carefully, write beautifully, & write w/ character.'' Congratulations on a life written w/ care, using beautiful words and w/ a character which shines as an example of what men should aspire to be.
30 mei 2013

Chadda

Jack Vance a laissé derrière lui une oeuvre immense et riche. Ses descriptions nous transportaient dans un univers autre et merveilleux en quelques mots. Jack a été l'un des premiers auteurs à travers lesquels j'ai découvert les littératures du fantastique et a à jamais marqué mon appréciation du monde. Aujourd'hui encore je relis avec délectation ses fantasques explorations. Tu nous manqueras.
30 mei 2013

Luinrandr

Your novels showed us different side of fantasy. Thank you and R.I.P.
30 mei 2013

Kari McKern

Spent my childhood sweating the wait for a new a "demon prince" novel. I've re-read slabs of his oeuvre fairly regularly. A remarkable and refined imagination. xo
30 mei 2013

Anonymous

The world of roleplaying game would not be the same without the poor old Jack. I thank him for him sharing his imagination.
30 mei 2013

Colin P Langeveld

Rest easy Jack, this world will not see the likes of you like again. Thanks for the years of adventure
30 mei 2013

Ruud S

A toast to the best SF/Fantasy writer I came across in the 30odd years I'm reading ! I still love your books, Jack, they all have a special place on my bookshelves ! Thank you for bringing your writings into my world !
30 mei 2013

Peter van den Berg

Dank je, Jack!Je maakte dromen waar en de moeite waard!
30 mei 2013

Juan Ortega

A toast to you with a good beer. Thank you, dear mr Vance.
30 mei 2013

Marcel Pubben

Your work was among the first I discovered in SF&F and won me over for these genres. Every few years I reread your wonderful stories and some forty years after that initial introduction I enjoy them as much as the first time, maybe even more. Your endless perspectives and special sense of humor will not be forgotten.
30 mei 2013

Arjan Fernhout

Thanks, Jack. Visiting other planets was like a thrilling holiday in every book you wrote. I find it hard to believe that Hollywood yet has to discover your amazing talent. May you rest in peace.
30 mei 2013

Bob van der Linden

Jack Vance, you will forever have two bookshelves in my house. Thank you.
30 mei 2013

Anonymous

Au revoir Jack, merci de m'avoir fait tant rêver et surtout de m'avoir appris à aimer la littérature.Je t'ai lu à onze ans , j'en ai trente neuf, et toujours le même plaisir à te lire, relire.J'ai l'impression d'avoir perdu un ami, je suis triste.Aurevoir
30 mei 2013

Hylke ter Bals, the Netherlands

The Star King was the first Science Fiction novel i ever read, at the age of 16. Have been a fan of the genre ever since. Thank you Jack Vance, you will be missed! A true legend has left our planet 🙁
30 mei 2013

Michiel Nieuwenhuijse

I grew up with Jack Vance his novels. I was a huge fan of Cugel and recently decided, at age 41, to read Planet of Adventure over again. I was, once more, overwhelmed by the storyline, the method how Vance is describing all of his exotic creatures and different cultures and his main characters. Then I remember that Vance, just like me, had travelled a lot during his live and for me it was obvious that his way of telling stories have been influenced by this. Not only did I grew up with Vance his novels, they had a huge impact on what I've become. I dare say that much of my creativity as a graphical designer has been made possible through reading Vance's rich and wonderful cultures and exotic worlds. Even though I'm saddened that he is no more, the knowledge that his stories will live on in my thoughts makes me humble and I can only give Vance a salute with the words: "rest peacefully, you'll be in my heart forever!" Michiel Nieuwenhuijse Amsterdam - The Netherlands 30 - may 2013
30 mei 2013

Steve

Rest in Peace Jack Vance. Thank you for everything.
30 mei 2013

P. lamers

Thnx!
30 mei 2013

Raphael T.

When I was at school where you are told to read, it bored me. Vance stories were the trigger, he gave me the taste to read, for which I'm forever grateful. Wherever he is now, I'm pretty sure there's a new star shining bright somewhere in the galaxy.
30 mei 2013

Mark Schellekens

Dankjewel Jack Van m'n tienerjaren af prikkelde je mijn fantasie en maakte me tot wie ik ben vandaag. Iemand die graag lees, ontdekt, deelt en vooral leeft. 🙂 Als er een wereld is voor jou na dit leven, lijkt dat vast op die werelden in je boeken. Thank you for sharing your talent and fantasies. May you live on through your books, Cheers to you!
30 mei 2013

Peter

Rest in Peace Jack. Have been a fan ever since i discovered SciFi when i was a teenager in the sixties. one does not read your books, one lived them. Have a good life on the other side.. Peter Netherlands
30 mei 2013

Peter de Laet

Thank you, Jack, for teaching me to read, to dream and to think.
30 mei 2013

Christian Battandier

Merci et encore merci pour tous ces voyages. Merci de m'avoir fait rencontrer il y a 40 ans Cugel... Merci Monsieur Vance.
30 mei 2013

Sheila Mertens

From the moment I read my first Vance, almost 40 years ago, Jack's stories have been an inspiration and a great joy to me ever since. I count myself lucky to own and have read all his books. Thank you, dear Jack, for this great gift. May you rest in peace.
30 mei 2013

stphane France Haute garonne

Bonne route à toi vieux routard de la sf
30 mei 2013

Jenna Moran

Thank you, Jack Vance. Your work was beautiful. You were a god. My copy of Madouc is covered in folded pages where I marked particularly beautiful passages, Araminta Station may well have been the best book ever written, and the end of The Face was . . . amazing forever. Sleep well. You'll be missed.
30 mei 2013

Kevin Polder

I found that in any area of arts there is one special hero for you, without whom your life would have been so much less rich. I grew up reading the books of Jack Vance and, indeed, he's been my hero in literature all along.
30 mei 2013
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