The Legacy of Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018)
This world of wildest dreams we devotees call fantasy will never be the same. News of the passing of Ursula K. Le Guin on Monday evening has deeply touched the community of science fiction and fantasy fans, and countless others who have been inspired by her writings.
Le Guin was a multi-award-winning author, having won several Locus, Hugo and Nebula awards, and also the World Fantasy Award. She was bestowed with the esteemed designation of Grand Master by The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The Library of Congress declared her a Living Legend – an honour given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fabric of American cultural, scientific and social heritage.
Le Guin was also a dedicated feminist, and an unwavering defender of the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Many glowing tributes have been written by fellow authors and enthusiasts who found inspiration in her work and her legacy.
The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy is home to many of Le Guin's treasured works, many of them first editions, and many of them inscribed by the author.
A Wizard of Earthsea (1968). First edition. Inscribed by the author to the Merril Collection.
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969). On the left is the first U.K. edition, and on the right is the first U.S. edition.
The Tombs of Atuan (1971). First edition, inscribed by author.
The Farthest Shore (1973). First edition.
Very Far Away From Anywhere Else (1976). First edition.
The Water is Wide (1976).
Gwilan's Harp (1981). Limited, numbered edition, # 199 of 300.
Buffalo Gals and Other Animal Presences (1987). Inscribed by author.
Catwings (1988). Inscribed by author.
It is with a heavy heart that I wandered into the stacks in the days following the sad news of her passing – but looking upon these treasured works, and contemplating the worlds of wonder that have been left to us – I feel proud and honoured to be part of a team that will preserve Ursula K. Le Guin's legacy for future generations of readers.
9 thoughts on “The Legacy of Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018)”
Thank you Sephora…for this beautiful tribute to Ursula LeGuin.
This woman truly was a matriarch of Fantasy and Science Fiction writing..She was also a feisty and opinionated writer, one who would even butt heads with Donald Trump not long ago over the definition of Science Fiction! She tackled themes such as feminism, environmentalism and anarchy in her novels, and was fearless in her quest for proving the difference between literary truths and lies.
An extraordinary talent – I feel so privileged to be in the company of Ursula Leguin’s remarkable works here in the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy.
…https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/feb/03/ursula-le-guin-rebuts-charge-that-science-fiction-is-alternative-fact.
Thank you Sephora…for this beautiful tribute to Ursula LeGuin.
This woman truly was a matriarch of Fantasy and Science Fiction writing..She was also a feisty and opinionated writer, one who would even butt heads with Donald Trump not long ago over the definition of Science Fiction! She tackled themes such as feminism, environmentalism and anarchy in her novels, and was fearless in her quest for proving the difference between literary truths and lies.
An extraordinary talent – I feel so privileged to be in the company of Ursula Leguin’s remarkable works here in the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy.
…https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/feb/03/ursula-le-guin-rebuts-charge-that-science-fiction-is-alternative-fact.
Thank you Sephora…for this beautiful tribute to Ursula LeGuin.
This woman truly was a matriarch of Fantasy and Science Fiction writing..She was also a feisty and opinionated writer, one who would even butt heads with Donald Trump not long ago over the definition of Science Fiction! She tackled themes such as feminism, environmentalism and anarchy in her novels, and was fearless in her quest for proving the difference between literary truths and lies.
An extraordinary talent – I feel so privileged to be in the company of Ursula Leguin’s remarkable works here in the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy.
…https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/feb/03/ursula-le-guin-rebuts-charge-that-science-fiction-is-alternative-fact.
Great and timely post. I had just reread the Left Hand of Darkness at Xmas and was reminded how powerful a writer she was.
Great and timely post. I had just reread the Left Hand of Darkness at Xmas and was reminded how powerful a writer she was.
Great and timely post. I had just reread the Left Hand of Darkness at Xmas and was reminded how powerful a writer she was.
RIP…I haven’t read a lot of LeGuin, but The Lathe of Heaven is one of my favourite books of all time.
RIP…I haven’t read a lot of LeGuin, but The Lathe of Heaven is one of my favourite books of all time.
RIP…I haven’t read a lot of LeGuin, but The Lathe of Heaven is one of my favourite books of all time.