Today, August 28 is the birthday of four creators of the fantastic. Today has been pretty full. Well, the whole week has, actually. I’ve not had a chance to read anything by any of these folks, so this will just be an informational post, similar to the one I did last year.

First is Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873). Le Fanu was one of the premier Irish authors of ghost stories and gothics. He was the author of “Carmilla“, one of the best vampire stories ever written, I’ve been making my way through his novel Uncle Silas, which M. R. James considered to be an excellent example of the gothic form.

Second is one of the greatest authors of both science fiction and fantasy, Jack Vance (1916-2013). I wanted to review something he wrote but wasn’t able to work it in. I’ll to do so within the next few days, but I make no promises.

Then there’s the other Jack born today, Jack Kirby (1917-1994). When it comes to creating bizarre characters for the comics, Kirby was pretty much without peer.

Last, but not least, is the lady in the group, Vonda N. McIntyre (1948-2019). McIntyre was a highly regarded science fiction writer, although not a necessarily prolific one.

Barbara Hambly (b. 1951) was born on this date as well, but I hope it’s’ years before she meets the informal criteria I have about birthday posts usually being reserved for those who have passed on.