<p>California native Jack Vance (1916-2013) was one of the greats of science fiction. He was the author of dozens of sci-fi books and fantasy novels, including the popular Lyonesse and Dying Earth series and the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book <i>The Last Castle</i>. In 1997, he was honored as a Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America. He died in Oakland, California.</p>