The prolific author of science fiction, mystery and fantasy died Sunday night at his home in Oakland. He was 96. Vance, whose real name was John Holbrook, wrote more than 60 books during his long life, and continued to write even though legally blind since the 1980s owing to help from his wife Norma and specially designed computer software. He also published under the names John Holbrook Vance, Alan Wade, Peter Held, John van See and Jay Kavanse, and he wrote three Ellery Queen novels.
An excerpt from the LA Times obituary:
Vance's novel "The Dragon Masters" won the Hugo Award in 1963, followed by another Hugo for "The Last Castle" in 1967, and another for his memoir "This is Me, Jack Vance!" in 2010. Along the way he also picked up a Nebula Award, an Edgar Award, a World Fantasy award for lifetime achievement, was made a Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Still, according to the Guardian, Vance always said he wrote just to make money.
While he had no aspirations to literary fame, Vance certainly made his mark on other writers, and developed a loyal and passionate base of fans. Among the many who cite Vance as an influence are Ursula K Le Guin, George RR Martin, Gene Wolfe and Jack L Chalker.
