Sci-Fi And Fantasy Author Robert Asprin Passes Away
Beloved science fiction author Robert Asprin died on Thursday, May 22, 2008. If you weren’t aware of Asprin’s work, think Terry Pratchett, but in the science fiction realm.
Robert Asprin gained fame with his Myth Adventures series, which follows the misadventures of Skeeve, a magician’s apprentice, and his demon mentor, Aahz.
The Myth Adventures series began with Another Fine Myth and showcased Robert Asprin’s unique blend of comedy and fantasy, eventually expanding to over twenty books.
Robert Asprin had a pretty whimsical tone with the Myth Adventures. Asprin wrote the first twelve novels between 1978 and 2002. The stories are celebrated for their engaging characters and lighthearted, comedic approach to the fantasy genre.
Additionally, Robert Asprin co-created the groundbreaking Thieves’ World anthology series with his then-wife Lynn Abbey. This is thought to be one of the first shared world anthologies, allowing multiple authors to contribute stories set in the same universe.
Robert Asprin’s Thieves’ World series is set in the city of Sanctuary, located on the edge of the Rankan Empire. Sanctuary is a gritty, downtrodden place where the local Ilsigi gods and the invading Rankan gods are constantly at odds. The city undergoes multiple invasions, including a takeover by the snake-worshipping Beysib as the Rankan Empire collapses. It’s revealed that many characters are either offspring of or blessed by various deities, leading them to discover or develop unique powers
I latched on to Robert Asprin via his “Phule’s Company” series, the story of a bunch of lowlife space soldiers winning against impossible and occasionally humorous odds with the help of their brilliant commander.
During his decades spanning literary career, Robert Asprin wrote more than 50 books. He’s survived by his mother, sister, daughter, and son.
According to various reports, Robert Asprin was found, appropriately enough, lying in bed with a Terry Pratchett book in one hand and his glasses by his side. I can’t imagine a better way to go than peacefully reading a good book. No word yet on what caused his death, he was not known to have any serious health problems though word is he was notorious for avoiding doctors.
