Roger Zelazny(1937-1995)

Born in 1937, Roger Zelazny left his strongest mark in the Science Fiction Literature of the '60s and '70s. His first story was published in 1962, and he went on to publish more than 150 short stories and 50 books. His best works include novels "Lord of Light" (1967), "This Immortal" (1966), "Creatures of Light and Darkness" (1969), and the Amber series of novels, as well as many excellent short stories and collections. Zelazny was considered the leader of the Science Fiction's "New Wave" movement. Emphasising on the psychology of his characters, as well as on the elaborateness of ideas and literary settings, his writings won acclaim by both the literary critics and the readers. Zelazny's prose is often known to blur the distinction between Science Fiction and fantasy. Some of his best known novels were based on mythology of various cultures. His Lord of Light was based on the Hindu pantehon. Egyption gods and goddesses populated his Creatures of Light and Darkness, while his Eye of Cat featured elements of Navajo religion and folklore. He has won many awards for his work, including 6 Hugos, which are awarded by science fiction fans, and two Nebulas, awarded by Science Fiction Writers of America. Zelazny, who had cancer for several months, died Wednesday June 14th 1995 at St. Vincent Hospital of kidney failure associated with the cancer.