Filling the Void - Who's most like RZ?

[Grimward]

Ever since his death in 1995, I've been looking for an author who might cause me to recall Roger Zelazny. I haven't really found one yet. I'm sure many of you have stumbled across this before (I think a link here in the Chrons was the first time I encountered it), but you'll notice that, other than H.L. Mencken and Dave Duncan, there's are large void surrounding Zelazny. Now, I've never read either, so I may just have to look into them. Any comments from those who've read either and also RZ? Alternatively, who have you read who puts you in mind of the great one?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

Grim

 

[clovis-man]

Not sure how the grid is supposed to work. Stephen Donaldson appeared on a page three times at three different corners.

Although the mapping doesn't bear it out, I see Tim Powers as similar in some respects. For example, compare The Anubis Gates with Jack of Shadows.

I feel a certain kinship with Roger Zelazny. I worked in California, adjudicating Social Security Disability claims in the early 1970s. he reviewed decisions at the SSA Bureau of Disability Insurance in Baltimore.

 

[ckovacs]

Ever since his death in 1995, I've been looking for an author who might cause me to recall Roger Zelazny. I haven't really found one yet. I'm sure many of you have stumbled across this before (I think a link here in the Chrons was the first time I encountered it), but you'll notice that, other than H.L. Mencken and Dave Duncan, there's are large void surrounding Zelazny. Now, I've never read either, so I may just have to look into them. Any comments from those who've read either and also RZ? Alternatively, who have you read who puts you in mind of the great one?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

Grim

If you spell Zelazny correctly -- as in this link: Literature-Map: Roger Zelazny -- you get a different map, with Harlan Ellison right next to him for some reason! I think both of them are very unique, and that's why there is a void surrounding them.

 

[Grimward]

That's interesting, Chris, I arrived at Zelazney's (intentional this time!) Literature Map yesterday from a web search, and was so preoccupied with the void around him that I didn't even notice that Zelazny was misspelled! It definitely does give you two different results....

Any thoughts as to similar authors?

 

[Snowdog]

I haven't tried either of the authors you mentioned, I'll have to look them up.

I can't say I've come across anyone else like Zelazny. One name that is often mentioned as being like him is Steven Brust. I have never been able to get on with him at all, but his name is brought up so often that others must think there is something in it.

 

[Heck Tate]

I think Harry Harrison reads like Zelazny sometimes. Briefly narrated, sharp dialogue, and touches of humor in places you wouldn't expect it.

 

[DrMclony]

Zelazny was a classic for sure. Somebody like him? I am not entirely sure that's possible. If I think of anybody I will surely post it, but I wouldn't hold out too much hope.

I thought for a moment I had something in doc smith but it would be drawing a very long bow and was simply because I was reading both around the same time about twenty years ago. Smith lacked something against Zelazny. Zelazny had the greater imagination perhaps, but smith had the story tellers mind. put those two together with a little bit of Niven and you might get Zelazny 2.0

Apart from that, you have delivered us quite the conundrum!

 

[Grimward]

Apart from that, you have delivered us quite the conundrum!

Wish it were otherwise, Dr. M, but I guess I have to concede.

Btw, Chris Kovacs (above) helped compile a wonderful collection of the Great One's stuff. If you haven't seen it, I thoroughly recommend a perusal...

And welcome here. ;-)

 

[JoanDrake]

Neal Stephenson? I dunno, it might be that Zelazny was just my favorite all time author and anybody I like I see as similar to him.

They do both have the same richness of ideas.

Tim Powers too. I would agree with clovis there