Science Fiction Writer Harlan Ellison Dies At 84 (variety.com)

Slashdot readers chill and mrflash818 have shared the news of Harlan Ellison's passing. Variety reports: Speculative-fiction writer Harlan Ellison, who penned short stories, novellas and criticism, contributed to TV series including "The Outer Limits," "Star Trek" and "Babylon 5" and won a notable copyright infringement suit against ABC and Paramount and a settlement in a similar suit over "The Terminator," has died. He was 84. Christine Valada tweeted that Ellison's wife, Susan, had asked her to announce that he died in his sleep Thursday.

Comments

My memory of him will be tainted by

[mykepredko]

"Harlan Ellison's The City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay that Became the Classic Star Trek Episode" (https://www.amazon.com/HARLAN-ELLISONS-CITY-EDGE-FOREVER/dp/B001MT932O).

If you liked Ellison's work, make sure you DON'T read this book.

He was one angry dude when he wrote it and I don't believe it was justified. His anger is centred on Roddenberry's temerity in changing what was submitted AND his (irrational) belief that he should get a acknowledgement/royalty of all time-travelling stories (including "The Terminator"). Included in the book is the script he originally submitted and, I think to his chagrin, what ended up being broadcast was superior. If you find a copy of the book, definitely read the original script but skip over everything else, he comes across as unreasonably bitter and entitled.

Ellison had quite an interesting life, produced some excellent science fiction and viciously attacked those he felt denigrated or didn't appreciate this genius - this book is a great example of the latter.