Today (april 14) is the birthday of two writers, one whose work I really like (Jack McDevitt) and the other I’ve never been a fan of (James Branch Cabell). I’ll start with the latter, since  he was born first.

James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) was at  one time a major author in the fantasy field.  There was even  James Branch Cabell Society for a while, although I don’t know if it still exists. I read the first two volumes of Cabell’s work that were published in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series, The Silver Stallion and Figures of Earth. I read them when I was blogging for Black Gate and reading through that BAF titles in order of publication. The links will take you there.

I found them hit and miss. There were passages that were quite funny, as well as some where what the characters appeared to be talking about wasn’t really what they were talking about, if you know what I mean, nudge-nudge, wink-wink.

But on the whole, they didn’t really do anything for me. I suspect Cabell used fantasy as  a method of satrizing some things he couldn’t do openly at the time. You don’t hear Cabell’s name mentioned very often these day. At least I don’t, but he was a major writer for a while, so I’ll acknowledge  his birthday.

The other writer is one of my favorites, although I’m behind on reading him. That’s Jack McDevitt (b. 1935). He’s still writing, although his production has slowed down over the last few years. He’s 89 today, so that’s not surprising.

McDevitt writes classic science fiction, mostly but not entirely set in space. Usually with a strong mystery component of some sort. And by th at, I don’t mean murder, but how did this happen/get her/etc type of mystery. He has two main series. The Alec Benedict series deals with archaeological mysteries and are great fun. the Priscilla “Hutch” Hutchins series is the one I’ve only read a couple in. The ones I’ve read deal a lot with aliens, or rather the lack of living aliens. there are plenty of artifacts around.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him at a couple of conventions. He’s always been very approachable and easy to talk to. He always has something interesting to say, and he’s one of the people I would go to great expense to go see.

So I’d like to wigh Mr. McDevitt a very happ birthday.