The Dead List
But when an author passes away they can still live on in the published and even unpublished works they have done. Posthumously published works are meaningful to their fan base and gives a chance to get something for the road ahead that will not be filled with new materials by their favorite author. Some have fan sites built in their honor to keep the memory alive. Some have authors who take up the writing reins and have successfully captured the deceased writer's style so well that you are not left with a gaping hole. How many of these were or still are your favorites? How do we acknowledge them in memorium? Do we pour out a drop of ink, burn a bic or bronze their typewriter? I think the best way to keep the love and memories going is to support their legacy by continuing to purchase their material.
According to Famous Dead here is the list of authors and writers we have lost in the last few years.
Terry Pratchett: Born: 1948-04-28 - Died: 2015-03-12 The Color of Magic (Discworld)
Sir Terry Pratchett was an English writer who specialized in fantasy novels. His massive Discworld series, about a world contained in a flat disc resting atop elephants (and a turtle), contains 40 books. Pratchett’s work was comic and satirical, and he was prolific. His books have sold over 85 million copies worldwide.
Sir Terry Pratchett was an English writer who specialized in fantasy novels. His massive Discworld series, about a world contained in a flat disc resting atop elephants (and a turtle), contains 40 books. Pratchett’s work was comic and satirical, and he was prolific. His books have sold over 85 million copies worldwide.
David Carr: Born: 1956-09-08 - Died: 2015-02-12
David Carr was a very famous writer known best for his work with The New York Times, where he wrote the Media Equation column and covered culture. Carr was born in Minneapolis, and went to the University of Minnesota, where he majored in psychology and journalism.
David Carr was a very famous writer known best for his work with The New York Times, where he wrote the Media Equation column and covered culture. Carr was born in Minneapolis, and went to the University of Minnesota, where he majored in psychology and journalism.
Mike Nichols: Born: 1931-11-06 - Died: 2014-11-19
Mike Nichols was an American director, writer, and producer whose direction of the 1968 classic The Graduate won him an Academy Award. Nichols was a Hollywood heavyweight, directing films like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Working Girl, The Birdcage, Closer, and Charlie Wilson’s War. Nichols, who was born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky in Berlin in 1931
Mike Nichols was an American director, writer, and producer whose direction of the 1968 classic The Graduate won him an Academy Award. Nichols was a Hollywood heavyweight, directing films like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Working Girl, The Birdcage, Closer, and Charlie Wilson’s War. Nichols, who was born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky in Berlin in 1931
Nadine Gordimer: Born: 1923-11-20 - Died: 2014-07-13 July's People
Nadine Gordimer was a South African writer and activist whose works took on racially-charged themes, especially apartheid in her home country. Her famous novels include 1974’s The Conservationist, 1979’s Burger’s Daughter, 1981’s July’s People, and 1987’s A Sport of Nature. She also wrote numerous collections of short fiction and essays. Gordimer received the Nobel Prize
Nadine Gordimer was a South African writer and activist whose works took on racially-charged themes, especially apartheid in her home country. Her famous novels include 1974’s The Conservationist, 1979’s Burger’s Daughter, 1981’s July’s People, and 1987’s A Sport of Nature. She also wrote numerous collections of short fiction and essays. Gordimer received the Nobel Prize
Walter Dean Myers: Born: 1937-08-12 - Died: 2014-07-01 Monster
Walter Dean Myers was an author of children’s and young adult books with over a hundred of them to his name. Among his most well-known are Fallen Angels, Sunrise Over Fallujah, and Monster.
Walter Dean Myers was an author of children’s and young adult books with over a hundred of them to his name. Among his most well-known are Fallen Angels, Sunrise Over Fallujah, and Monster.
Ruby Dee: Born: 1922-10-27 - Died: 2014-06-11
Ruby Dee was an actress, writer, journalist, and civil rights activist. Among her acting credits were roles in A Raisin in the Sun, American Gangster, and Stephen King’s The Stand. Throughout her career, she won Grammy, Emmy, Obie, Drama Desk, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Ruby Dee was an actress, writer, journalist, and civil rights activist. Among her acting credits were roles in A Raisin in the Sun, American Gangster, and Stephen King’s The Stand. Throughout her career, she won Grammy, Emmy, Obie, Drama Desk, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Rik Mayall: Born: 1958-03-07 - Died: 2014-06-09
Richard “Rik” Mayall was a comedian, writer, and actor. He was known for a comedy partnership with Adrian “Ade” Edmondson as well as Drop Dead Fred (he was Fred) and numerous other projects.
Richard “Rik” Mayall was a comedian, writer, and actor. He was known for a comedy partnership with Adrian “Ade” Edmondson as well as Drop Dead Fred (he was Fred) and numerous other projects.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Born: 1927-03-06 - Died: 2014-04-17 One Hundred Years of Solitude (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a Nobel Prize-winning author. He wrote One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a Nobel Prize-winning author. He wrote One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.
Sue Townsend: Born: 1946-04-02 - Died: 2014-04-10 The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4
Sue Townsend was an English writer who is best known for creating the character Adrian Mole, a teenager whose story she told through a series of pieces written in the form of a diary. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole was later turned into a television series. Townsend was also a successful novelist and playwright.
Sue Townsend was an English writer who is best known for creating the character Adrian Mole, a teenager whose story she told through a series of pieces written in the form of a diary. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole was later turned into a television series. Townsend was also a successful novelist and playwright.
Rynn Berry: Born: 1945 - Died: 2014-01-09
Rynn Berry, 68, was a vegan book author that penned books on vegetarian lifestyles in New York City. His most famous work – The Vegan Guide to New York City – made him a well-known name among vegetarian circles. This success led to him becoming an international speaker on the history of vegetarianism.
Rynn Berry, 68, was a vegan book author that penned books on vegetarian lifestyles in New York City. His most famous work – The Vegan Guide to New York City – made him a well-known name among vegetarian circles. This success led to him becoming an international speaker on the history of vegetarianism.
Doris Lessing: Born: 22-10-1919 - Died: 17-11-2013
Doris Lessing was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007. Her works include “The Grass is Singing” (1950), “Children of Violence” (series, 1952–69), “The Golden Notebook” (1962), and “The Good Terrorist” (1985). In 2008, the Times included her on a list called “The 50 greatest writers in Britain since 1945"
Doris Lessing was a British playwright, novelist, and short story writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2007. Her works include “The Grass is Singing” (1950), “Children of Violence” (series, 1952–69), “The Golden Notebook” (1962), and “The Good Terrorist” (1985). In 2008, the Times included her on a list called “The 50 greatest writers in Britain since 1945"
Tom Clancy: Born: 1947-04-12 - Died: 2013-10-01 Red Rabbit (Tom Clancy)
Tom Clancy was a writer, who wrote seventeen bestselling novels. His work typically dealt with espionage and military storylines often related to the Cold War. In addition to his numerous books, his work inspired movies like The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears etc.
Tom Clancy was a writer, who wrote seventeen bestselling novels. His work typically dealt with espionage and military storylines often related to the Cold War. In addition to his numerous books, his work inspired movies like The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears etc.
Marcella Hazan: Born: 1924-04-15 - Died: 2013-09-29 Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
Marcella Hazan was an Italian author famous for her English-language cookbooks, including the The Classic Italian Cook Book: The Art of Italian Cooking and the Italian Art of Eating. Hazan became known as an expert in Italian cooking and won numerous awards for her cookbooks.
Marcella Hazan was an Italian author famous for her English-language cookbooks, including the The Classic Italian Cook Book: The Art of Italian Cooking and the Italian Art of Eating. Hazan became known as an expert in Italian cooking and won numerous awards for her cookbooks.
Seamus Heaney: Born: 1939-04-13 - Died: 2013-08-30 Selected Poems 1988-2013
Seamus Heaney was an Irish poet best known for collections such as Death of a Naturalist and The Spirit Level. His most famous writing centered on the conflict between the British and the Irish throughout the 20th century. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995.
Seamus Heaney was an Irish poet best known for collections such as Death of a Naturalist and The Spirit Level. His most famous writing centered on the conflict between the British and the Irish throughout the 20th century. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995.
Elmore Leonard: Born: 1925-10-11 - Died: 2013-08-20 Fire in the Hole: Stories
Elmore Leonard was a novelist and screenwriter with numerous well-known works, many of which that became well-known films. He wrote Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Hombre, Mr. Majestyk and Rum Punch, which would be adapted for Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. His short stories were also the source for films 3:10 to Yuma being one of them
Elmore Leonard was a novelist and screenwriter with numerous well-known works, many of which that became well-known films. He wrote Get Shorty, Out of Sight, Hombre, Mr. Majestyk and Rum Punch, which would be adapted for Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. His short stories were also the source for films 3:10 to Yuma being one of them
Martin Manley: Born: 1953-08-15 - Died: 2013-08-15
Martin Manley, 60, was a sports writer for the Kansas City Star. Aside from his work at the newspaper, he also helped create the NBA’s Efficiency Index. His final claim to fame was creating a Web site that detailed his reasons for committing suicide.
Martin Manley, 60, was a sports writer for the Kansas City Star. Aside from his work at the newspaper, he also helped create the NBA’s Efficiency Index. His final claim to fame was creating a Web site that detailed his reasons for committing suicide.
Jack Germond: Born: 1928-01-30 - Died: 2013-08-14
Jack Germond, 85, was a famous political columnist. He was most well known for his work at The Baltimore Sun, but he was involved in everything from newspapers to television. For a while, he regularly appeared on The McLaughlin Group. His final act was finishing up his first novel, “A Small Story For Page Three,”
Jack Germond, 85, was a famous political columnist. He was most well known for his work at The Baltimore Sun, but he was involved in everything from newspapers to television. For a while, he regularly appeared on The McLaughlin Group. His final act was finishing up his first novel, “A Small Story For Page Three,”
Elisabeth Maxwell: Born: unknown - Died: 07-08-2013
Elisabeth Maxwell was the widow of British media tycoon Robert Maxwell, whose mysterious death left her broke when insurance companies refused to pay out. She eventually educated herself on the Holocaust in memory of her late husband–who lost several family members during that time–and started the journal “Holocaust and Genocide Studies”. She received her doctorate.
Elisabeth Maxwell was the widow of British media tycoon Robert Maxwell, whose mysterious death left her broke when insurance companies refused to pay out. She eventually educated herself on the Holocaust in memory of her late husband–who lost several family members during that time–and started the journal “Holocaust and Genocide Studies”. She received her doctorate.
Richard Matheson: Born: 1926-02-20 - Died: 2013-06-23 What Dreams May Come: A Novel
Richard Matheson was a hugely influential writer specializing in (but not limited to) science and horror fiction. Among his most popular titles are I Am Legend, The Shrinking Man, Hell House, What Dreams May Come, Bid Time Return, and A Stir of Echoes. He also wrote a number of episodes of The Twilight Zone.
Richard Matheson was a hugely influential writer specializing in (but not limited to) science and horror fiction. Among his most popular titles are I Am Legend, The Shrinking Man, Hell House, What Dreams May Come, Bid Time Return, and A Stir of Echoes. He also wrote a number of episodes of The Twilight Zone.
Gary David Goldberg: Born: 1944-06-25 - Died: 2013-06-23
Gary David Goldberg, 68, was most well know for creating Family Ties. The popular 1980s sitcom is remembered for many things, but one of the standouts is that it launched Michael J. Fox’ career. After Family Ties, Goldberg went on to create Spin City, Brooklyn Bridge, Dad, Bye Bye Love and Must Love Dogs.
Gary David Goldberg, 68, was most well know for creating Family Ties. The popular 1980s sitcom is remembered for many things, but one of the standouts is that it launched Michael J. Fox’ career. After Family Ties, Goldberg went on to create Spin City, Brooklyn Bridge, Dad, Bye Bye Love and Must Love Dogs.
Vince Flynn: Born: 1966 - Died: 2013-06-19 The Survivor (The Mitch Rapp Series)
Vince Flynn, 47, was a best-selling author of political thrillers. Most of his books followed the exploits of Mitch Rapp – an under-cover CIA counter-terrorism agent. The first book in the series – Term Limits – was released in 1997. The last book in the series – The Survivor.
Vince Flynn, 47, was a best-selling author of political thrillers. Most of his books followed the exploits of Mitch Rapp – an under-cover CIA counter-terrorism agent. The first book in the series – Term Limits – was released in 1997. The last book in the series – The Survivor.
Jack Vance: Born: 28-08-1916 - Died: 26-05-2013 Tales of the Dying Earth
Jack Vance was an American sci-fi author who sometimes wrote under the name Ellery Queen. Vance wrote more than sixty books throughout his career and sometimes crossed genres, moving into the realm of fantasy. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his work and for his memoir, “This Is Me, Jack Vance!”
Jack Vance was an American sci-fi author who sometimes wrote under the name Ellery Queen. Vance wrote more than sixty books throughout his career and sometimes crossed genres, moving into the realm of fantasy. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his work and for his memoir, “This Is Me, Jack Vance!”
Hal McClure: Born: 1921 - Died: 2013-05-26
Hal McClure, 92, was a famous AP journalist that covered two wars in Israel during the 1960s and 70s. Beyond his war coverage, he was a respected foreign correspondent that worked in numerous foreign countries for 21 years. After retiring as a journalist, McClure became a documentary film maker.
Hal McClure, 92, was a famous AP journalist that covered two wars in Israel during the 1960s and 70s. Beyond his war coverage, he was a respected foreign correspondent that worked in numerous foreign countries for 21 years. After retiring as a journalist, McClure became a documentary film maker.
Bernard Waber: Born: 1924-09-27 - Died: 2013-05-16
Bernard Waber, 91, was a famous children’s book author. His most famous works are The House On East 88th Street and the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile series of books. He also wrote a book called Bravery to help children cope with the September 11 attacks.
Bernard Waber, 91, was a famous children’s book author. His most famous works are The House On East 88th Street and the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile series of books. He also wrote a book called Bravery to help children cope with the September 11 attacks.
Joyce Brothers: Born: 1927-10-20 - Died: 2013-05-13
Joyce Brothers was a psychologist well known for her TV appearances. She also wrote a daily advice column in newspapers from 1960 to 2013.
Joyce Brothers was a psychologist well known for her TV appearances. She also wrote a daily advice column in newspapers from 1960 to 2013.
Al Neuharth: Born: 1924-03-22 - Died: 2013-04-19
Al Neuharth was the founder of USA Today, and former chairman of Gannett. He was also a columnist From South Dakota, Neuharth started out co-founding SoDak Sports, a local newspaper covering the sports scene in South Dakota. It went bankrupt within a year, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a hugely successful publisher, obviously.
Al Neuharth was the founder of USA Today, and former chairman of Gannett. He was also a columnist From South Dakota, Neuharth started out co-founding SoDak Sports, a local newspaper covering the sports scene in South Dakota. It went bankrupt within a year, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a hugely successful publisher, obviously.
Roger Ebert: Born: 1942-06-18 - Died: 2013-03-04
Roger Ebert was a film critic, journalist, and overall titan of the movie industry. Ebert, whose first film review column appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967, was also known for his series of review shows with fellow critic Gene Siskel. He was the first film critic to ever receive a Pulitzer Prize.
Roger Ebert was a film critic, journalist, and overall titan of the movie industry. Ebert, whose first film review column appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967, was also known for his series of review shows with fellow critic Gene Siskel. He was the first film critic to ever receive a Pulitzer Prize.
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala: Born: 1927-05-07 - Died: 2013-04-03 Heat and Dust
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was a Booker prize-winning author and Oscar-winning screenwriter. She won the former for her novel Heat and Dust. She won Academy Awards for Howards End and A Room with a View. She was also nominated for The Remains of the Day.
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was a Booker prize-winning author and Oscar-winning screenwriter. She won the former for her novel Heat and Dust. She won Academy Awards for Howards End and A Room with a View. She was also nominated for The Remains of the Day.
Don Payne: Born: 1964-05-04 - Died: 2013-03-26
Don Payne, 48, was a well-known writer for American television and film. He was most well-known for his work on The Simpsons as a writer. He continued to write episodes up until his death, with two episodes scheduled to air posthumously. He was also responsible for the screenplays of five feature films.
Don Payne, 48, was a well-known writer for American television and film. He was most well-known for his work on The Simpsons as a writer. He continued to write episodes up until his death, with two episodes scheduled to air posthumously. He was also responsible for the screenplays of five feature films.
Anthony Lewis: Born: 1927-03-27 - Died: 2013-03-25
Anthony Lewis, 85, is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and New York Times columnist. He was most well known for his column, “Abroad at Home,” which tackled subjects like free speech, human rights and constitutional law. He won Pulitzers in 1955 and 1963. The latter was for a book called, “Gideon’s Trumpet”
Anthony Lewis, 85, is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and New York Times columnist. He was most well known for his column, “Abroad at Home,” which tackled subjects like free speech, human rights and constitutional law. He won Pulitzers in 1955 and 1963. The latter was for a book called, “Gideon’s Trumpet”
