RL

R.A. Lafferty

15quotes

R.A. Lafferty: A Visionary Writer of Fantasy and Science Fiction


Full Name and Common Aliases


Raphael Aloysius Lafferty was born on 13 December 1914 in Chicago, Illinois, to a family that valued literature and the arts.

Birth and Death Dates


Lafferty lived an impressive life that spanned nearly four decades, passing away on 18 March 2002, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative storytelling and a devoted following.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Lafferty was an American writer, poet, essayist, and science fiction author, whose work spanned multiple genres, including fantasy, science fiction, poetry, and short story collections.

Early Life and Background


Born into a family that cherished literature and music, Lafferty developed an interest in writing at a young age. His father, Thomas Aloysius Lafferty, was a lawyer who encouraged his son's creative pursuits. This nurturing environment allowed Raphael to flourish as a writer and explore various styles of storytelling.

Lafferty's early life was marked by both curiosity and creativity. He studied English literature at the University of Illinois but never pursued a degree, instead choosing to focus on developing his writing skills. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, where he began to develop his writing talent more seriously.

Major Accomplishments


Throughout his long and productive career, Lafferty earned numerous awards for his work. Notably, he won two Nebula Awards for Best Short Story: "Thus We Frustrate Charlemagne" (1956) and "Narrow Valley" (1968). These accolades recognized the skill and originality of his writing.

Notable Works or Actions


Lafferty's most famous novels are probably _Past Master_ (1968), a fantasy novel that reimagines historical figures in a world filled with magic, and _Arrive at Easterwyke_ (1980). He was also known for his short stories, including the aforementioned Nebula Award-winning tales. His poetry collections showcased his lyrical style and thematic depth.

Impact and Legacy


Lafferty's work has had a lasting impact on the fantasy and science fiction genres. His unique blend of magic realism and imaginative storytelling drew readers into extraordinary worlds. His writing often explored themes of power, morality, and human relationships in unexpected ways.

A devoted following continues to appreciate Lafferty's imagination and innovative approach to narrative. His distinctive voice has influenced a range of writers who value creative freedom and bold storytelling choices. As an author, he defied conventions while maintaining an accessible style that drew readers from different backgrounds into his fictional realms.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


R.A. Lafferty is remembered for his captivating imagination, innovative narrative structures, and rich characterization. His unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements captivated audiences, setting him apart from more conventional writers in the genre. As a testament to his enduring impact, _Past Master_ has been continuously reprinted since its publication in 1968, while many of his short stories remain widely anthologized.

Lafferty's creative legacy is not limited to his own writing; he also inspired generations of authors with his willingness to experiment and explore the boundaries of genre. The dedication of his fans ensures that Lafferty's work remains celebrated and studied, providing an enduring tribute to his imaginative vision and skill as a writer.

Quotes by R.A. Lafferty

It is said that—Arcadius having offered its weight in gold for the head of Gainas—King Uldin drew out the brains of Gainas and poured in molten lead to win a better bargain with his prize. This part of the story has been doubted, and for no better reason than that it had been told five hundred years earlier of the head of Gaius Gracchus—as though a good trick might not be pulled more than once.
"
It is said that—Arcadius having offered its weight in gold for the head of Gainas—King Uldin drew out the brains of Gainas and poured in molten lead to win a better bargain with his prize. This part of the story has been doubted, and for no better reason than that it had been told five hundred years earlier of the head of Gaius Gracchus—as though a good trick might not be pulled more than once.
RL
This short history should have something to satisfy every taste and perversion: action, treachery, fratricide and regicide, corruption, and bloodshed. It contains thirteen murders, the victims being mostly of one family. It lists the ways in which a man or an Empire may be surrounded and destroyed; and contains a veritable catalog of subversions and finely wrought treacheries—which the reader may be able to make use of in his own life.
"
This short history should have something to satisfy every taste and perversion: action, treachery, fratricide and regicide, corruption, and bloodshed. It contains thirteen murders, the victims being mostly of one family. It lists the ways in which a man or an Empire may be surrounded and destroyed; and contains a veritable catalog of subversions and finely wrought treacheries—which the reader may be able to make use of in his own life.
RL
But we are all Goths, for all that, whoever we are; which is to say, Outlanders. And like the Goth Sarus we still owe loyalty to an Empire, but we no longer know of what the Empire consists. We are still bound by the statement of Stilicho that the highest duty in the World is the proper ordering of the World. There will be, and are, other worlds; and perhaps it is not a terrible thing that a world should end. But we are still in admiration at the great corpse of it.
"
But we are all Goths, for all that, whoever we are; which is to say, Outlanders. And like the Goth Sarus we still owe loyalty to an Empire, but we no longer know of what the Empire consists. We are still bound by the statement of Stilicho that the highest duty in the World is the proper ordering of the World. There will be, and are, other worlds; and perhaps it is not a terrible thing that a world should end. But we are still in admiration at the great corpse of it.
RL
The Western Empire, supported generation after generation by half a hundred of the strongest and most remarkable men in history, from Stilicho to Charlemagne, died and disintegrated and left off being the Empire.The Eastern Empire, supported by fools and slaves and fops, and ruled by the worst and most incompetent of men and women, managed to endure and thrive for a thousand years more.
"
The Western Empire, supported generation after generation by half a hundred of the strongest and most remarkable men in history, from Stilicho to Charlemagne, died and disintegrated and left off being the Empire.The Eastern Empire, supported by fools and slaves and fops, and ruled by the worst and most incompetent of men and women, managed to endure and thrive for a thousand years more.
RL
Alaric now at this moment of supreme crisis, coming down to the rough shore and seeing the howling waves, raised his hand to heaven and called out that the Gulf of Corinth should freeze!It froze!And the Goths, shattering the last scrim of Roman interceptors, abandoned their horses and crossed the ice on foot!
"
Alaric now at this moment of supreme crisis, coming down to the rough shore and seeing the howling waves, raised his hand to heaven and called out that the Gulf of Corinth should freeze!It froze!And the Goths, shattering the last scrim of Roman interceptors, abandoned their horses and crossed the ice on foot!
RL
Olympius, in the name of the Emperor Honorius, ordered the forces in Bologna to take the field against Alaric, on peril of the death of their families. The generals sent word that they could not find the forces of Alaric. The scouts from Bologna silently saluted the Goths of Alaric as they went by, but they could not find them.
"
Olympius, in the name of the Emperor Honorius, ordered the forces in Bologna to take the field against Alaric, on peril of the death of their families. The generals sent word that they could not find the forces of Alaric. The scouts from Bologna silently saluted the Goths of Alaric as they went by, but they could not find them.
RL
Foreman, you’re the historian,” Thomas said. “It’s tha same damned thing they killed me for the first time, isn’t it?” “Same damned thing, Thomas.
"
Foreman, you’re the historian,” Thomas said. “It’s tha same damned thing they killed me for the first time, isn’t it?” “Same damned thing, Thomas.
RL
Christopher couldn't recall what day it was; he certainly didn't know what hour it was. It was a gray day, but there was no dullness in that gray. It was shimmering pearl-gray, of a color bounced back by shimmering water and shimmering air. It was a crimson-edged day, like a gray squirrel shot and bleeding redly from the inside and around the edges. Yes, there was the pleasant touch of death on things, gushing death and gushing life.
"
Christopher couldn't recall what day it was; he certainly didn't know what hour it was. It was a gray day, but there was no dullness in that gray. It was shimmering pearl-gray, of a color bounced back by shimmering water and shimmering air. It was a crimson-edged day, like a gray squirrel shot and bleeding redly from the inside and around the edges. Yes, there was the pleasant touch of death on things, gushing death and gushing life.
RL
#senses
The art of story-telling has not been declining from the beginning. It has been declining for only about twelve thousand years. One reason for the decline is a dietary deficiency: the scarcity of Wooly Rhinoceros Meat and of Dire Wolf Meat. And the other reason is the disappearance of good places where good stories may be told.
"
The art of story-telling has not been declining from the beginning. It has been declining for only about twelve thousand years. One reason for the decline is a dietary deficiency: the scarcity of Wooly Rhinoceros Meat and of Dire Wolf Meat. And the other reason is the disappearance of good places where good stories may be told.
RL
#literature
The seven bad-humored and unfunny devils who eat ourselves and our narratives alive are Pretentiousness, Pomposity, Presumption, Pontificality, Pavoninity or Peacockery, Pornography, and Pride, these seven offenses to all life. They have oozed out from under the iron doors and then they have inflated themselves immeasurably.
"
The seven bad-humored and unfunny devils who eat ourselves and our narratives alive are Pretentiousness, Pomposity, Presumption, Pontificality, Pavoninity or Peacockery, Pornography, and Pride, these seven offenses to all life. They have oozed out from under the iron doors and then they have inflated themselves immeasurably.
RL
#literature
Showing 1 to 10 of 15 results