- Culture
- 23 Jan 18
Ursula K. Le Guin was both a prolific writer and an inspirational feminist icon. She died at her home in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 88.
Known for her science fiction and fantasy books that were adored by sci-fi fans and the literary community alike, LeGuin’s books were hugely popular and earned her legions of loyal fans. Her most beloved works include The Left Hand of Darkness and the Earthsea series.
Born in 1929, LeGuin proved prolific in her lifetime. She wrote more than than 20 novels, was the author of a dozen books of poetry, more than 100 short stories, seven collections of essays, thirteen books for children and five volumes of translation.
Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Several of her books have been in print for almost fifty years, including The Left Hand of Darkness which imagines a planet where gender does not exist.
Her son, Theo Downes-Le Guin, confirmed the death. He did not specify a cause but said she had been in poor health for several months.