Just read of the death of the wonderful writer Ursula Le Guin, aged 88.
Le Guin pioneered fantasy and scoff writing away from an emphasis on the 'hard sciences' and away from a world viewed solely through a white, world view, introducing other, more nuanced perspectives informed as much by anthropology, sociology, philosophy, politics, and legends every bit as much as science.
Her superb "Earthsea" series transformed the way the genre came to be viewed, and served as an inspiration for many other writers.
A sharp, intelligent, witty, thoughtful, gifted writer - she wrote until recently - she will be missed.
Le Guin pioneered fantasy and scoff writing away from an emphasis on the 'hard sciences' and away from a world viewed solely through a white, world view, introducing other, more nuanced perspectives informed as much by anthropology, sociology, philosophy, politics, and legends every bit as much as science.
Her superb "Earthsea" series transformed the way the genre came to be viewed, and served as an inspiration for many other writers.
A sharp, intelligent, witty, thoughtful, gifted writer - she wrote until recently - she will be missed.