Vernor Vinge passed away this week after a long life, successful careers in both education and writing, and a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 79.
Dr. Vinge earned his Ph.D. in mathematics at UC Davis in 1971. Most of his academic career was spent at San Diego State. His first short story was published in the UK magazine New Worlds in 1965.
He published many influential books, winning Hugo Awards for Fire Upon the Deep, A Deepness in the Sky, and Rainbow’s End. His novellas Fast Times at Fairmont High and The Cookie Monster also won Hugos. Additionally, he won several Prometheus Awards, including one for lifetime achievement.
Dr. Vinge is also renowned for introducing the concept of singularity, a particularly portentous notion in light of the preeminence of artificial intelligence these days; introducing the preliminary seeds for cyberspace as a literary concept; and exploring the ramifications of libertarianism in future civilizations. To say he is one of the more influential science fiction authors of the last half century is putting it mildly.
Wherever you are in the world tonight, pour one out or spare a moment in silent honor for this great author and his contributions to the field.
Today marks the debut of Stentorian’s Moon, Book 8 in the Star League Assassins series. Book 9, Codename Raven, is now available for preorder, to be released April 25.
(Image courtesy Microsoft Designer)
Rest in peace, Vernon Vinge. 🙏 My condolences to the family.
I know I have read one or three books of his, but don’t remember which ones they were. I’m sure I have a paperback or two in my library. I’ll look up his books again.
Thank you, Jaxon. 🧡