Philip Jose Farmer, creator of the Wold Newton Universe, has died at the age of 91.
Farmer’s contributions to science fiction were incredible, including two “bios” of pulp heroes Tarzan and Doc Savage.
But his creation of the Wold Newton Universe was his peak, where he linked together characters such as Professor Moriarty, the Spider, the Shadow, Philip Marlowe, and James Bond into a single extended family.
According to his web site, he passed away in his sleep on February 25. He is survived by his wife Betty, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
well, that’s a bummer. i loved the riverworld books.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Cripes…. now, THAT is sad…
A toast to you, Jose Farmer, the first one to show me what could be done with speculative fiction as an art form.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Yeah, that guy really turned my around with his work. He did things with fiction that no one else ever has.