Date of Birth: August 28, 1916
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: May 26, 2013
Biography
John Holbrook “Jack” Vance was born on August 28, 1916, in San Francisco, California. He was an acclaimed American author known for his unique contributions to the science fiction, fantasy, and mystery genres. Vance’s literary career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote more than 60 novels and numerous short stories. His distinctive style was characterized by intricate plots, vivid descriptions, and a rich use of language. Vance attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied mining engineering, physics, and journalism, although he did not complete his degree. His early career was marked by various odd jobs, including work as a seaman and an electrician in the naval shipyards during World War II, which enriched his writing with diverse experiences. He gained widespread recognition with his “Dying Earth” series, starting with “The Dying Earth” in 1950. This series, along with other works like “The Demon Princes” series and “The Lyonesse Trilogy,” cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. Vance’s works often explored themes of social decay, complex societies, and human resilience. Throughout his career, Vance received numerous awards, including the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Despite his declining eyesight in later years, he continued to write with the help of computer software. Jack Vance passed away on May 26, 2013, in Oakland, California, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the genre.
5 Interesting Facts about Jack Vance
1. Jack Vance won the prestigious Hugo Award three times and the Nebula Award once.
2. He wrote under several pseudonyms, including John Holbrook and Ellery Queen.
3. Vance’s “Dying Earth” series inspired the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
4. He was legally blind for much of his later life but continued to write using computer software.
5. Vance was an accomplished jazz musician, playing the cornet and the ukulele.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Vance
1. “The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.”
2. “I have had my vision.”
3. “A barbarian is not aware that he is a barbarian.”
4. “The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.”
5. “There is no universal goal; there is only the goal of each individual.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Jack Vance achieved is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Jack Vance had one son, John Vance, who is also a writer and has worked to preserve and promote his father’s literary legacy.
Relevant Links
1. [Jack Vance Official Website](http://www.jackvance.com/
2. [Jack Vance on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5376.Jack_Vance
3. [Jack Vance on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Vance
4. [The Vance Integral Edition](http://www.vanceintegral.com/
