Laurence James
Encyclopedia
Laurence James was a British science fiction
writer, especially known for his involvement with the "Deathlands
" series.
James originally worked in publishing other people's books. In 1972 he embarked on the career of "a full-time freelance author and journalist". For several years thereafter he published short science fiction stories in both Britain and the US.
In 1974 he published his first full-length novel, "Earth Lies Sleeping" - the first in a series focused on the exploits of a galactic
secret agent
named Simon Rack. At the time he was living with his wife and their three children at an east Herefordshire
village.
Also in 1974 James' publisher at the time, Sphere Books
, provided the reading public with a list of "what Laurence James likes" - including Alf Tupper
, Wilson and Beraddock, old films, old comics, and Rock 'n' roll. Among what he disliked were suit
s, gherkin
s and earwig
s.
Thereafter, James embarked on a highly prolific career, publishing dozens of novels under his own name as well as the pen names James Darke, James McPhee, and James Axler. His writings included books for the series "Dark Future," "Earth Blood," "Galactic Security Service" and "Survival 2000," as well as a number of independent novels and short stories.
His biggest success was the post apocalyptic "Deathlands
" series. "Pilgrimage to Hell
" (http://www.jamesaxler.com/TheBooks/tabid/55/ctl/ViewBook/mid/374/BookID/8/Default.aspx) which launched the series was started in 1986 by Christopher Lowder, completed by James and published under the name James Axler
.
James then went on to write solely no less than 32 novels in this series, attracting a significant fandom, up to and including Eclipse at Noon' in 1995.
Due to failing health, James was on that year forced to leave the series. He wrote one last novel, Crucible of Time that appeared in 1998.
He died in February, 2000. After his death, "James Axler
" remained a "House name" which continued to be used by others. In general, "Deathlands" fans consider his books to be the best of the series.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
writer, especially known for his involvement with the "Deathlands
Deathlands
The Deathlands is a series of novels published by Gold Eagle Publishing. The first novel 'Pilgrimage to Hell' was first published in 1986. This series of novels was first written by Christopher Lowder, under the pen name Jack Adrian. Mr. Lowder became ill after developing the plot and writing most...
" series.
James originally worked in publishing other people's books. In 1972 he embarked on the career of "a full-time freelance author and journalist". For several years thereafter he published short science fiction stories in both Britain and the US.
In 1974 he published his first full-length novel, "Earth Lies Sleeping" - the first in a series focused on the exploits of a galactic
Galactic
Galactic is a funk and jazz jam band from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.-Origins and background:Originally formed in 1994 as an octet and including singer Chris Lane and guitarist Rob Gowen, the group was soon pared down to a sextet of: guitarist Jeff Raines, bassist Robert Mercurio,...
secret agent
Secret Agent
Secret Agent is a British film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, loosely based on two stories in Ashenden: Or the British Agent by W. Somerset Maugham. The film starred John Gielgud, Peter Lorre, Madeleine Carroll, and Robert Young...
named Simon Rack. At the time he was living with his wife and their three children at an east Herefordshire
Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a historic and ceremonial county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire" NUTS 2 region. It also forms a unitary district known as the...
village.
Also in 1974 James' publisher at the time, Sphere Books
Sphere Books
-History:Founded in 1961, Sphere Books began work on its first publication, the 1962 paperback edition of Gottfried Benn's The Trainee Man. Originally part of The Thomson Corporation, Sphere was sold to Pearson PLC in 1985 and became part of Penguin...
, provided the reading public with a list of "what Laurence James likes" - including Alf Tupper
Alf Tupper
Alf Tupper was a fictional working class, 'hard as nails' runner, whose adventures appeared in first The Rover and then The Victor, British boys' comics from D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd...
, Wilson and Beraddock, old films, old comics, and Rock 'n' roll. Among what he disliked were suit
Suit (clothing)
In clothing, a suit is a set of garments made from the same cloth, consisting of at least a jacket and trousers. Lounge suits are the most common style of Western suit, originating in the United Kingdom as country wear...
s, gherkin
Gherkin
The gherkin is a fruit similar in form and nutritional value to a cucumber. Gherkins and cucumbers belong to the same species , but are from different cultivar groups....
s and earwig
Earwig
Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera, found throughout the Americas, Africa, Eurasia, Australia and New Zealand. With 1,800 species in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders...
s.
Thereafter, James embarked on a highly prolific career, publishing dozens of novels under his own name as well as the pen names James Darke, James McPhee, and James Axler. His writings included books for the series "Dark Future," "Earth Blood," "Galactic Security Service" and "Survival 2000," as well as a number of independent novels and short stories.
His biggest success was the post apocalyptic "Deathlands
Deathlands
The Deathlands is a series of novels published by Gold Eagle Publishing. The first novel 'Pilgrimage to Hell' was first published in 1986. This series of novels was first written by Christopher Lowder, under the pen name Jack Adrian. Mr. Lowder became ill after developing the plot and writing most...
" series. "Pilgrimage to Hell
Pilgrimage to Hell
Pilgrimage to Hell is the first book in the Deathlands Saga of novels. Written by Christopher Lowder under his pen name Jack Adrian and published on May 1, 1986, it follows the adventures of Ryan Cawdor, Krysty Wroth and J.B...
" (http://www.jamesaxler.com/TheBooks/tabid/55/ctl/ViewBook/mid/374/BookID/8/Default.aspx) which launched the series was started in 1986 by Christopher Lowder, completed by James and published under the name James Axler
James Axler
James Axler is a house name used by the publishing company Gold Eagle Publishing, the action adventure series published by Harlequin Enterprises Ltd....
.
James then went on to write solely no less than 32 novels in this series, attracting a significant fandom, up to and including Eclipse at Noon' in 1995.
Due to failing health, James was on that year forced to leave the series. He wrote one last novel, Crucible of Time that appeared in 1998.
He died in February, 2000. After his death, "James Axler
James Axler
James Axler is a house name used by the publishing company Gold Eagle Publishing, the action adventure series published by Harlequin Enterprises Ltd....
" remained a "House name" which continued to be used by others. In general, "Deathlands" fans consider his books to be the best of the series.