David Drake, requiescat in pace
We are saddened to learn of the death of David Drake. David was a friend to Pilum from the very beginning. In spite of his failing health, he was always ready with an encouraging word.
One of our authors posted the following to Pilum's Discord server:
RIP, David Drake, 9/24/45–12/10/2023, age 78 years. A prolific author, most well known for his Hammers Slammers series of military SF but also a significant writer of fantasy and thrillers. His early work with Karl Edward Wagner and Jim Groce on the Caracosa imprint was critical in preserving the works of Manly Wade Wellman. A scholar who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Iowa, a drafted veteran of the Vietnam War, a man who translated Virgil as a hobby, and a man generous with those newly entering the profession of writing. Pilum's first collection The Penultimate Men proudly features a blurb that Drake kindly gave to an unknown imprint -- perhaps one of the last blurbs that he gave. Pilum presents condolences to his surviving family members. He will be sorely missed.
One of our authors posted the following to Pilum's Discord server:
RIP, David Drake, 9/24/45–12/10/2023, age 78 years. A prolific author, most well known for his Hammers Slammers series of military SF but also a significant writer of fantasy and thrillers. His early work with Karl Edward Wagner and Jim Groce on the Caracosa imprint was critical in preserving the works of Manly Wade Wellman. A scholar who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Iowa, a drafted veteran of the Vietnam War, a man who translated Virgil as a hobby, and a man generous with those newly entering the profession of writing. Pilum's first collection The Penultimate Men proudly features a blurb that Drake kindly gave to an unknown imprint -- perhaps one of the last blurbs that he gave. Pilum presents condolences to his surviving family members. He will be sorely missed.