Posted by Dominic Angelo Ciocca, Jr. on July 26, 1998 at 14:37:30:
Back in the early eighties I discovered JV and in 1984 I sent him an enthusiastic fan letter. I simply addressed it to
Jack Vance (author) c/o DAW Books some address New York City some zip. Months later I got a letter from JV himself, signed and typed on the same typewriter (I like to think) as Wyst Alastor 1716 and Bad Ronald! Say what, I'm ecstatic! So I cleanly, very neatly and professional looking decoupage see-through cemented the letter to the inside front cover of
Lyonesse: Suldrun's Garden. Unfortunately I chose the book club edition of that work but it still made a very attractive souvenir. I
kept it for more than a decade, but then, feeling like the guy who keeps priceless art locked away for just himself to see-I decided to share it with other Vance-philes so I sold it via this BBS for a nominal $30. Almost immediately I regretted the generous gesture. My sister and father, both JVphiles, thought it was a jackassed thing to do with a unique item and I agreed.
Then a couple weeks back I get an e-mail from Mr Mike Asher (I don't remember the buyer's name) telling me that my letter from JV was posted on the Internet at http://www.jackvance.com
IT's THERE! I got my wish. Please check it out! Go to
www.jackvance.com and click on the bioraphy section, then go to
correspondence and it's under "Fan Mail". Thanks so much Mr. Asher and whomever bought my JV souvenir. My name linked with JV's for the millions! Vicarious thrills! Dom