Jack Vance (1916-2013) was was a sailor, a writer, an adventurer, a music critic, and one of the greatest masters of fantasy and science fiction. Vance published more than 60 books in his long career, sometimes under pseudonyms. Tales of the Dying Earth (also known as Mazirian the Magician) was among the most influential fantasy books ever written, inspiring generations of writers and the creators of Dungeons and Dragons. His many awards included three Hugos and a Nebula, Edgar, and World Fantasy Award for best Novel, as well as a World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.