Fantasy writer David Eddings dies
04.06.09 | Graeme Neill
Bestselling fantasy author David Eddings, who wrote The Belgariad and the Malloreon series, has died aged 77.
Jane Johnson, publishing director at Eddings' UK publisher HarperCollins, paid tribute to the author. HarperCollins was his publisher from 1990 until 2006, when his last title, The Elder Gods, was released.
She said: "The Voyager team and I were immensely sad to hear the news. The arrival of a new Eddings novel used to be a grand event for the whole division. In the 90s, each one was guaranteed a Number One position on the Sunday Times hardback bestseller list, selling 100,000 copies apiece."
But his huge worldwide success and fame did not change Dave at all. In his dealings with me, and with Joy Chamberlain, his long-time editor, he was unfailingly self-effacing on the subject of his success, once saying: 'I'm never going to be in danger of getting a Nobel Prize for literature, I'm a storyteller, not a prophet. I'm just interested in a good story.'
"He was a towering force of modern commercial fiction, a master of the epic, and a delight to work with. We'll miss him tremendously."
Born in Spokane in Washington state, Eddings studied Middle English at university after a stint in the US Army. After a period working on missile development, Eddings wrote his debut novel, a contemporary adventure called High Hunt, in 1973. He switched to fantasy after noticing a copy of The Lord of the Rings was in its 73rd printing.
Comments on this article
By Andy Betony
David Eddings wrote some of the best books I ever read, not only his fantasy novels but his contempory fiction as well. He will be missed greatly03 Jun 09 18:23
By Myke Olson
:'( That is so sad... Him and Leigh were some of my favorite authors... In fact I am currently re-reading the Malorean for the 10th or so time... on Demon Lord of Karanda right now. So sad... His Wit and Flair in the fantasy field will Definitely be missed.03 Jun 09 18:31
By Tim Palmer
No-one will ever write fiction the way David (and Leigh) did. As with Myke, I've read the Belgaraid, Mallorean, Elenium and Tamuli about 7 times each, I could never find an author who engrossed me like he (they) did. R.I.P David.03 Jun 09 22:33
By Katy B
I have such fond memories of reading The Belgariad and The Malloreon growing up. They were some first science fantasy books I read.. and they really got me into the genre.04 Jun 09 08:20
By Mark Collins
It's sad that the author of one of the first fantasy books that I ever read has passed on. My condolences to his family in this time. His great stories will be immensly missed.04 Jun 09 10:16
By Paul O'Neil
I came late to his work, starting with the Ruby Throne, which meant when I started reading him he has already completed the Belgariad and I didn't have to wait for the series a good thing since I loved the books. What I loved most was his flair for conversations. ofter breaking out in loud laughter when reading it. He is one of a handful of authors I have gone back to read. Unfortunately some of his last work and characters were just revisits of the same plot. Still nicely done but not as fresh as earlier work.04 Jun 09 15:48
By Jason Reasoner
I still remember getting excited about fantasy novels in late junior high because of his books. I was saddened to read this news.04 Jun 09 16:11
By Veronica
Rest in peace, David Eddings. You introduced me to fantasy, and I am ever grateful.06 Jun 09 21:07
By Lantrix
He will be missed. He lives on in his characters and novels he created.07 Jun 09 00:50
By Mick Hackney
I found a discarded copy of the 2nd book of the Mallorean on the way to work and have been a fan ever since. I feel that his works could be enjoyed by young and old alike and am sorry at his departue. So long mate.07 Jun 09 22:48
By Jannis
The moments with the Belgariad and tha Mallorean series will always be treasured deeply with me. Thank you Mr. Eddings for sharing such great stories with us.08 Jun 09 07:42
By Sara Scholey
Words simply cannot say how sad I am to learn that one of my favourite authors has died. His books are amazing, a real adventure from the first page to the last, and his characters are truly believable, my favourite being Sparhawk. The world has lost a brilliant and gifted writer who will be sorely missed by all his many and adoring fans - me included.08 Jun 09 13:55
By Anita Mills
One of my favorite authors, his characters feel like old friends and I still visit them often. I'm so sad there will be no more. My love and condolences to Leigh and the rest of his family. He will be sorely missed by many. xx15 Jun 09 04:23
By Fiona Feickert
My hubby introduced me to Mr. Eddings books and used to read them to me every night. It was fun for each of us to be able to share in the magic! I always wanted to see his series made into movies... loved the characters, and it'd be fun to be able to share that world with my "non-reader" friends too. ;)19 Jun 09 02:08
By Eugene
Oh my, I am just finishing the Elenium and Tamuli series now and I just found out about him. How sad. One thing about the Elenium and Tamuli, I can't put them down.26 Jun 09 05:02
By Susan Noble
I'm so so sad. Any time I have felt a bit low I have reached again and again for Garion and Sparhawk. I have read and re read the series countless times and they will always be my favourite books. I only just found out that David Eddings had passed away when I was looking on the internet for his publisher's address so I could send him a letter thanking him for the books. That is a letter I will always regret not writing sooner. x12 Jul 09 19:29
By Joan Wright
MY very favorite author gone and I have only just found out, when looking for any new books coming out. I am devistated. Having read the other items here the one thing that hasnt been mentioned is the humour. The laughter in every page of the books. The affection of the authors for each other comes across strongly as well. David once said he knew where the jokes were. Hope you are full of laughter where you are now David and thankyou for all the joy you have given me.07 Aug 09 05:20
By Inge Andersland
My father read the Garion-books for me when I was nine years old. They defined me - how I think, how I speak. I don't think I agreed with Eddings about everything, but for as long as I live I will treasure his stories. He basically taught me english (I'm norwegian). It feels strange to know that there will be no more "Eddings-stories".22 Aug 09 23:39
By tony stevenson
david eddings gave me back the thirst for reading, he gave me so much joy.now i find it so hard to try and find new authors with his gift. the world has just become a little less bright03 Sep 09 20:39
By Gary Anstey
I went on-line to see when his next visit with Pol and the old wolf would be coming out. Very sad to see he is gone. We would listen to his books on cd's while driving to South Carolina from Ct. every year. He was an excellent story teller. Rest in peace.22 Sep 09 10:54
By Gary Anstey
I went on-line to see when his next visit with Pol and the old wolf would be coming out. Very sad to see he is gone. We would listen to his books on cd's while driving to South Carolina from Ct. every year. He was an excellent story teller. Rest in peace.22 Sep 09 10:55
By Gavin jensen
I am deeply saddened to hear that David Eddings passed away in June.I can honestly say that when I read his books I could not put them down.You felt like you were in the story yourself.He had a unique way of writing that always has captivated me.He will be sorely missed.Rest in peace Mr Eddings. Mr Gavin Jensen,South Africa.13 Oct 09 19:51
By Peter Cotterill (Winchester, UK)
This man is an inspiration, and it is so unfortunate that he has died. He is one of the people that I would have dearly wanted to meet, but now will never have the chance. The Belgariad and Malloreon are my favourite book series, but now I know that he has died, I will read his work with great sadness in my heart. I cannot write a fitting tribute to him, as I have not the skill, but all I can say is "Rest In Peace". PC02 Nov 09 16:49
By Rachel (Singapore)
David Eddings and his wife were brilliant, inspirational writers. I used to write my own short stories in an attempt to capture some of their witty, heart warming style! I'll never forget the characters they created, how real and tangible they were to me. I think fans would all agree that rereading their books never gets any less enjoyable, because the strength of the writing never fades. You'll be sorely missed, David Eddings. RIP.17 Nov 09 11:12
By Steve lsen
I have read and reread these books since the 80's...someone should do them justice and make them a series of block buster big budget movies...I am deeply saddened by this loss..I feel like I just lost a family member..much the same way when Stevie Ray Vaughn died..a loss08 Jan 10 05:18
By Rosemarie Jackson
I found David Eddings back in the late 70's or early 80's. The book was "Pawn of Prophecy." That book began a wonderful quest of fantasy for me. It helped to read the series when situations in life were difficult. I am sorry to discover he has gone on. He and his wife Leigh Eddings were quite the team. I hope that this comment will be a light to her.27 Jan 10 04:02
By Geoff Campbell
I never reed books, but I purchased the first book in the Belgaraid thinking it wasn't too much to get through as I only wanted something to read while I was on a plain at a time when I was travelling for work. I read the book then had to buy the rest and read them, then I had to get the next set as well. I have never been hooked I reading before but these novels were just so perfect. the only thing that could improve this experiance would be to see my first movie where I have read the book first. these stories would have to be best seller movies.25 Jun 10 12:10
