Origins & Early Life

John Holbrook Vance (August 28, 1916 – May 26, 2013) was an American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and mysteries. He wrote several mystery novels under pen names, including Ellery Queen. Vance won the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984, and he was a Guest of Honor at the 1992 World Science Fiction Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America made him its 15th Grand Master in 1997, and the Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2001, its sixth class of two deceased and two living writers.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His most notable awards included Hugo Awards in 1963 for The Dragon Masters, in 1967 for The Last Castle, and in 2010 for his memoir This Is Me, Jack Vance!; the Nebula Award in 1966, also for The Last Castle; the Jupiter Award in 1975 and the World Fantasy Award in 1990 for Lyonesse: Madouc, and the Edgar Award in 1961 for the best first mystery novel for The Man in the Cage. His first publications were stories in science fiction magazines. As he became well known, he published novellas and novels, many of which were translated into French, Dutch, Spanish, Russian, Italian, and German. An Integral Edition of all Vance's works was published...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (767): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
• Armie Hammer — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (1986): American actor known for roles in 'The Social Network' and 'Call Me by Your Name'
• Alan Bean — Shared historical date (05-26 · Died) (2018): American astronaut, naval officer, and lunar explorer who walked on the Moon.
• Alberto Ascari — Shared historical date (05-26 · Died) (1955): Iconic Italian racing driver, two-time Formula One World Champion for Ferrari.
• 1916 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1916
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• 2013 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2013
• May 26 (05-26) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 26