Fantasy icon David Eddings, known and beloved by millions of readers for his Belgariad and Mallorean series, has passed away at the age of 77. Eddings'
classic works have influenced thousands of writers -- including the one
penning this blog. Eddings, like many others, was inspired by the
success of The Lord of the Rings. But his own stories were
original and transcendent -- leaving a lasting mark and legacy. He is
also one of the few responsible for popularizing contemporary fantasy
-- writing stories outside of the Middle English favored by Tolkien.
Born in 1931, Eddings was known for sticking to the old ways of
producing manuscripts and continued to use a type-writer even for his
most recent works. Most of his stories were also crafted with the help
of his wife -- Leigh Eddings. Working for many years as a grocery store
manager, he finally managed to publish High Hunt and Pawn of Prophecy in the mid-80s. Pawn of Prophecy was met with stunning success and spawned nine follow-on stories. Eddings' other work includes The Elenium and Tamuli trilogies as well as The Dreamers series.
Eddings was always most pleased when his writing was picked up by
first-time readers stating in an interview to Reed Magazine that once
they were no longer challenged by his books they were free to move
on to “somebody important like Homer or Milton.”
For my part, I remember fondly the day I, just barely a teen,
discovered Eddings sitting on the shelves of a local mom and pop
bookstore. The many warm summer afternoons spent exploring his rich and
fantastic worlds were all worth far more than the $3.99 I paid for his
books. I was one of those who went on to Milton and Homer. But I never
forgot Eddings who helped to instill such a love for great stories.
Farewell Mr. Eddings, you will be sorely, sorely missed.
Originally published
here