Happy birthday to Mr. Michael Moorcock, one of speculative literature’s most prolific and imaginative writers. Although he is deservedly famous for his signature creation, the doomed albino swordsman Elric of Melnibone(the latest collection of Elric stories, Swords and Roses, is due out at the end of this month – no small tribute to their enduring appeal) this is only a small part of Moorcock’s work, which covers many genres and defies easy explanation. If there’s a hot new idea in speculative fiction, you can just about guarantee that Moorcock already did it, and probably a few decades prior to anyone else.
I have the privilege of calling Mr. Moorcock a friend. He is truly a gentleman, a compassionate soul deeply concerned with the injustices of this world, possessed of both a remarkable wit and great humility. You know how you always hope your favorite writer is a nice guy, too? Those who meet Michael Moorcock are never disappointed.
Happy birthday, sir, and may you have many more before you.
