Well, damn: Jack Vance died

Jack Vance, one of the grand old writers of science fiction and fantasy, passed away at age 96 this weekend at his home in Oakland.  Within the field, Vance was well known, a SFWA Grand Master who was a writer's writer.  Outside the field, he never gained the recognition he deserved, as so many have noted, including the New York Times in this 2009 profile on him.

I never met Vance.  Now, I never will.  I have, though, like so many others, met his worlds and his language, and having done so, I am richer for the encounters.

The next time you're looking around for something to read, consider a Vance novel, perhaps his Dying Earth novels.  You'll be glad you did.