This wasn’t the post I had planned to write today, and it certainly isn’t one I want to write. The fields of fantasy and science fiction have lost two of thier luminaries.

Dave Wolverton, who is probably better know as David Farland, died from head injuries he suffered due to a fall down a set of stairs. Goulart had been hospitalized in December with pneumonia and was suffering from dementia. Both men died on the 14th. Goulart had turned 89 the day before.

Dave Wolverton

Wolverton wrote science fiction primarily under the Wolverton byline and fantasy as Farland. Goulart . Wolverton’s Sum of All Men (AKA The Runelords) was a successful series with another volume on the way. Wolverton also taught writing at Brigham Young University.

I read The Runelords not long after it was published and enjoyed it. I never got around to the other volumes simply because of their length. I’d begun acquiring them recently with the intention of reading the whole series.

Ron Goulart

Ron Goulart wrote science fiction, mystery, and nonfiction (usually about pulps or comics). Much of his work was at shorter lengths. Goulart tended to include a good deal of humor in his work.

I’ve read some of his short fiction over the last year and found it a great deal of fun. Over the next week I’m going to finish the collections I was reading.

I’d like to extend my condolences to the families and friends of both men.