Fantasy and sci-fi author Dave Duncan has passed away at the age of 85. A prolific author who wrote over 50 books since publishing his first title, A Rose Red City, at the age of 53, Duncan leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable, transportive speculative fiction.
Duncan was born in Scotland, but moved to Alberta, Canada following graduation from the University of St. Andrews. He worked as a petroleum geologist for 31 years before switching to writing full-time following the publication of his first novel.
Duncan played a vital role in establishing and strengthening the Canadian sci-fi and fantasy community, and was a founding member of SF Canada. In 2015, he was honored with induction into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. Duncan was also a two-time winner of the Aurora Award; first for his 1990 title West of January, and then in 2007 for Children of Chaos.
Some of Duncan's most-beloved series include The Seventh Sword, a four-book epic about a critically ill young man who is transported from his hospital bed to a world of high fantasy, and A Man of His Word, the saga of an unbreakable but severely-tested bond between childhood friends Inos and Rap.
Duncan's latest book Trial by Treason, book two in The Enchanter General duology, was published on October 2nd. At the time of his death, Duncan was living on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. He leaves behind three children, four grandchildren, and his wife of over fifty years, Janet, who was his in-house editor.
Lorina Stephens at Five Rivers Publishing had these poignant words to share about Duncan's passing:
"We go through life knowing we are born to die, but some people we come across are legendary, and so we forget they are mortal also. Dave was one such. A gentleman, crusty at times if you didn’t understand his background or culture, a storyteller of great skill. In fact, I’d come to think of him as a modern bard, comfortable by his virtual hearth, spinning yarns to enthrall the unwary."
We suspect Duncan's tales will continue to enthrall the unwary for a long time to come.
Celebrate the life and work of Dave Duncan with more of his incredible titles.
Featured image: Alchetron
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