Leo Frankowski (1943 - 2008)

[james_davis_nicoll]

editrx has relayed the news that she was informed that Leo Frankowski died yesterday.

Comments

[tavella.livejournal.com]

Can't say I regard this as much of a loss to either life or literature.

many returns

[(Anonymous)]

one wonders when you die, if people will say the same...Shame on you!

I'll Give Him This Much

[tandw.livejournal.com]

"Any man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind...."--John Donne, Meditation 17

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

Man, that's young.

To my shame, I actually kinda like the cross-time engineer books.

[jrittenhouse.livejournal.com]

It was the one with the rape scene that did me in.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

Me too. If there's a reason to view him as a loss, someone else is going to have to tell me.

It wasn't just a rape scene. It was a rape justified from early in the book, with her friends in favor of it.

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

Is this the one where she gets dragged off to the bedroom and everyone else makes jokes about the screaming?

[yendi]

Yep. And "everyone else" includes no one but the other women, who actually conspire to ensure that it'll happen, because they're sure (correctly, thanks to Frankowski's gloriously fucked-up worldview) that the victim will fall in love with the man after he's raped her.

Oh Really?

[orthosophy.livejournal.com]

I just re-read (for probably the 10th time) and I was under the impression that she was menstruating and that is why is was her blood on the sheets. Shoot me if I'm wrong. Leo was kind of a flake, but a page about his death isn't where I'm going to insult him. Even the blogs are pretty funny at times, and he certainly has a style.

While I'm at it, if you read his webpage focusing on the blogs and then his Co-author's work (Empire of Texas), it is glaringly obvious that "his" writing was what we saw in the first 6 books and "Conrad's Crusade" (at least the bad parts) reads more like Rodger Olson (or whatever his name is. I'm not going back to look).

This is way after the fact because I found this looking for other things.

Re: Oh Really?

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

This is way after the fact because I found this looking for other things.

Given that I recently left a message on the pyr-o-mania blog on an entry that was two years old, I can't really point fingers here.

Re: Oh Really?

[bunsen-h.livejournal.com]

"In truth, my leg wound had opened a bit in the struggle, but what's a little blood on the sheets on your first night with a woman? Well, admittedly, it was the wrong person's blood, but one can't have everything."

You know, for sheer sporkiness, this stuff beats The Starlost hands-down.

[bunsen-h.livejournal.com]

You're misremembering. The crowd outside the door is mixed, and includes "Father Thomas, the priest".

[patchwork-prose.livejournal.com]

I read all of his cross-time engineer books as they came out and quite enjoyed them. So sorry to hear of his death.

[grimjim.livejournal.com]

His web site has been updated with a brief obituary.
http://www.leofrankowski.com/content/

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

After marrying and subsequently divorcing a Russian,

I was aware only that he had married a Russian.

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

It also mentions that he had returned to the US, apparently to work on the books (don't quite see why he couldn't do that in Russia, but whatever). Rather sounds like his great dreams weren't playing out well. Kinda sad really.

[james-nicoll.livejournal.com]

He got dumped by Baen in the middle part of the decade, which wouldn't have helped, and I assume the US dollar fell against the ruble, which would be quite annoying if most of his customers were Americans.

[connactic.livejournal.com]

At a guess, the divorce was due to his wife deciding that he wasn't worth the trouble compared to the money he was bringing in.

I never read any of his books, but these two webpages really cranked me off:

http://leofrankowski.com/content/?q=should_i_buy_frankowskis_books

in which he said:

"If you are a Liberal who thinks that productive people exist for the sole purpose of supporting non-productive people (and most especially Liberals)"


OK- fine- you don't like welfare payments or whatever. On another page, though:

http://leofrankowski.com/content/?q=2005--a_rough_year

And, with _________’s help, I finally got my Social Security payments, which aren't much, but are enough to pay for the rent and food in Russia.

I am not so mean-spirited that I would have wanted Leo to be forced to eat dogfood and live in a cardboard box in his impoverished old age, but I also didn't appreciate having my political stance belittled by someone who was benefitting from it.

Leo's Social Security payments

[(Anonymous)]

I wonder how much he received from the Social Security system compared to how much he was FORCED to pay into it. Since one is forced to pay into it, I see nothing wrong with receiving the payments. I have a problem with people receiving payments from the program when they have paid little or nothing into it.

Re: Leo's Social Security payments

[connactic.livejournal.com]

Hello anonymous middle-aged fat man who is a pathetic loser.

I am only commenting on this post since you are apparently unaware of how Social Security works. There is no magic fund that you 'pay' into. You just get money from other people who are currently paying the Social Security Tax, which redistributed by the government. If you consider having to make payments into it 'theft' then you have to also deem taking payments out of it 'theft' as well. A truly moral/ethical person with this view would elect not to take other people's money and only live off of what he/she were able to put aside on their own.

Personally, I don't mind paying into a fund to help ensure that the aged and infirm don't have to eat dogfood. I also didn't begrudge Leo Frankowski the pittance he received. I do object to the self-deception that allowed him to take the payments yet also maintain that other unfortunates who needed assistance were somehow not deserving.

Re: Leo's Social Security payments

[avram]

Hey! As a middle-aged fat male pathetic loser who supports progressive taxation and a social safety net, I take offense at that characterization.

Re: Leo's Social Security payments

[emt-hawk.livejournal.com]

Apparently you're not so pathetic as you think.

--Hawk
[Proud to be part of the social safety net]

[nihilistic-kid.livejournal.com]

It's sad, but of course my second thought was "Did his wife finally kill him?"

Ah, the obit says: "After marrying and subsequently divorcing a Russian"...an odd way to put it. I guess Russian women aren't as submissive as he had hoped?

[derekl1963.livejournal.com]

That was my first thought.

[carloshasanax.livejournal.com]

The poor man.

nil nisi bonum

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

I shall be busy mourning Eartha Kitt.

Leo will be missed.

[(Anonymous)]

I must say I am dismayed that people would use a memorial page to spew venom against an author who they have not even read. I read most of his work and I am proud to say that I enjoyed it and I do consider myself a liberal. If you believe Leo was a racist or a sexist without reading and prejudging his work it then you are no better than the people who did the same thing to Mark Twain. Leo you wrote excellent science fiction. You did not get as much recognition as you deserved. You will be missed.

Re: Leo will be missed.

[(Anonymous)]

Thankyou. I just found out that Leo Passed. Sometimes life gets so busy, I forget to check up on my favorite Authors. When I discovered this information, I spent all night online discovering all the details...AND FOUND NONE!

Do not make the mistake of thinking Leo was unhappy! He loved life and enjoyed it extensively! Heck, he had problems like us all, questions unanswered...disappointments! But HE LIVED! Voraciously! What an appetite!

He was an inventor, hard worker, prophet, magnificent writer, creator, and wonderful man. If he had major faults, they are perhaps trusting people too easily, if that can be called a fault, and giving his love away to those who only used him.
I am insulted and offended at the ignorance shown on this blog, but hey...I guess we all suffer impudence in life at times.

R.I.P. Leo., I will raise a glass fo ryou tonight! Cheers....

If any wish to read him, check out;
rodger.olsen@greatauthorsonline.com

This man was original and unique. His books inspired me and influenced me in ways I will never really comprehend!

Oh, he was opinionated! Oh yes! Thank God for Leo Frankowski! His honesty and forthrightness was so fresh for these young eyes at a time when I was so confused! I will miss his new stuff, and I hope that Dave Grossman or Rodger Olsen, will finish his last novel. As a tribute to this man's great work!

Dan

Re: Leo will be missed.

[(Anonymous)]

It is easy to judge a man, especially when you have not walked in his shoes. Interesting isn't it, when so many can criticize his writing, yet never been in print themselves? Curious, how so many can believe an author's fiction, is a reflection of his thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Question: IF a man writes of rape, is it as bad as a man who acts it out? Is not American news media the worst propagators of violence and fear in society today? Sure, lets blame Leo...it's easier now that he is dead.

I liked Leo for his fun romps in the Conrad series. I loved the fact that he lived life the way he felt it should be lived for him. I love the fact he built a castle...how many of his critics can claim the same? Have they been able to live their dreams as well as Leo?

Leo saw the break-down of American Civilization and he left while he could. I applaud him for that. Things were tough in the end for him, and I am sorry for that, however, if anyone understood that, Leo understood that it was in the doing that defined a man...not his expecting everyone else to do it for him...a brave man, a great writer, a brilliant mind...never truly recognized for his genius, and that is a loss to America. I for one, will remember him.

Re: Leo will be missed.

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

Based on his work (only his work; since I never met the man in person), he appears to have been constitutionally incapable of seeing women as people, with human rights like everybody else. I managed to somewhat suppress that reaction and got some mild pleasure from the first few of the Crosstime Engineer books, but they are not books that I would want to fall into the hands of adolescents; they model a vile view of humanity and human interaction.

Re: Leo will be missed.

[(Anonymous)]

know that your opinions reflect poorly upon yourself. Feel shame -you deserve to.

Re: Leo will be missed.

[(Anonymous)]

Well you are just another bag of dirt.

Think that Leo sentence over:

"I wanted a woman like my grandmother was. Intelligent, tough, and self reliant. Warm, loving, and absolutely straight. Compassionate with all that lived, caring and supportive, but don't you DARE cross her!"

Sad

[(Anonymous)]

I'm so sorry Leo.
You brought me a lot of happiness with your writing.
I wish your final years were happier.
Thank you for all of your books.

Leo Frankowski- remembered

[(Anonymous)]

I've read everything Leo Frankowski ever wrote. I loved the Conrad series. Coopernicks rebellion was a blast and still holds up well 25 years later. A Boy and His Tank was a great read and very clever and visionary. I am saddened that the series it started will never be completed. I've been waiting and watching for the next book to appear but today found out that Leo died last year. His work lives and I will never stop recommending it.

Marty Lowell

R.I.P.

[(Anonymous)]

A nod to Leo for his fun writing. I thoroughly enjoyed his books, in particular, the Cross Time Engineer series.

And for those that criticize his honest view on life (according to him), shame... it's his opinion... if you don't like it, don't read it... I'm sure there are those out there that do not agree with your opinions either.

Your books will live fondly in my memory. :)

Re: R.I.P.

[(Anonymous)]

Leo, Almost a year later to the day I found out of your passing. I'm a books only - no TV geek. And I understand too well the life of a 100 jobs contractor.

I always wanted to write you to say that my sweet husband turned me on to your books, but you were busy in Russia and didn't answer my note. So, I guess I'll tell your fans, and check in next year to see the responses. Although I HATE the way Conrad treats woman I enjoy the rest of the books. We even named our first son Conrad! Not that you would have changed my mind our second son is Ian. (before I read book 6!) I remember in CTE you must not have liked a man named Ian, because of what you did to him in about book 6 YUCK! My second son is named Ian, but his middle name is Leo for short. After Da Vinci, of course!! I thought you'd want to know. But I guess I'll have to tell you next time I see you - on the other side.

I'll miss your writing. Hope someone finishes your last book. I'm now writing my first. Thank you for the inspiration!

If you're so proud of your opinions on

[emt-hawk.livejournal.com]

Frankowski's writing, feel free to login for your posts.

Posting anonymously annoys me more than what you said. Everybody's entitled to an opinion. Hiding behind the anonymous means you aren't willing to stand behind your opinion. That you're somehow ashamed of it.

I happened to like his books, but then I was a twenty-thirty-something male, where fantasies of having a harem amuse me. Apparently, they amused John Ringo, too.

--Hawk

Leo Leo leo

[daniel wallace macmullin (from livejournal.com)]

well.
I've read all the Posts...and most of you are Morons. But I live and work among Morons, so i am used to it.

Leo was a magnificent individual, and I respected all his work and fond NONE of them wanting. I find my life wanting. I find my friends wanting. Hell, I find everything wanting. But Leo's work was great. Rape scene was offensive? Fuck you. I've studied History, thank you very much, and I know the world was a very ugly place for a long time. I can't stand Americans, so I can pretty much place most of the stupid comments on this page in my waste paper bin of the mind...
Most men will never accomplish a tenth of what Leo accomplished, and I have discovered most of Leo's opinions have proven accurate. I for one feel blessed to have found his work early in life, and consider his first editions on my shelf one of my finest treasures. i am proud to have introduced him to many many people, and if there is a bomb (I can only hope) or an environmental disaster that destroys most of the world, and I somehow survive...his books will be priceless. Not like most of the people blogging here...you can be my workers...

Leo Leo leo

[daniel wallace macmullin (from livejournal.com)]

well.
I've read all the Posts...and most of you are Morons. But I live and work among Morons, so i am used to it.

Leo was a magnificent individual, and I respected all his work and fond NONE of them wanting. I find my life wanting. I find my friends wanting. Hell, I find everything wanting. But Leo's work was great. Rape scene was offensive? Fuck you. I've studied History, thank you very much, and I know the world was a very ugly place for a long time. I can't stand Americans, so I can pretty much place most of the stupid comments on this page in my waste paper bin of the mind...
Most men will never accomplish a tenth of what Leo accomplished, and I have discovered most of Leo's opinions have proven accurate. I for one feel blessed to have found his work early in life, and consider his first editions on my shelf one of my finest treasures. i am proud to have introduced him to many many people, and if there is a bomb (I can only hope) or an environmental disaster that destroys most of the world, and I somehow survive...his books will be priceless. Not like most of the people blogging here...you can be my workers...
Dan MacMullin
Canada

Leo, women, etc.

[(Anonymous)]

I was Leo's editor at Del Rey for many of his books. He was a nice but complex fellow. I corresponded with him from time to time after I left Del Rey in '99. I think I can say that the characters in Leo's books do not necessarily reflect Leo's views. Much of the material about female characters that is thought to be objectionable was written by Leo to annoy people who annoy easily. I know this because we discussed it fairly often.

From my dealings with Leo, it was clear that he respected women as individuals, never had anything derogatory to say about a woman unless she had for some reason merited it.

As far as his time in Russia is concerned, I think he was a bit naive. Leo was not a small man, nor handsome, and he was surprised that in Russia he could date women who, in the States, would not have stopped to call for help if he'd fallen over in the street and been struck by a car. He liked the fact that in Russia he could date women who were independent, well educated, and good looking. And he loved the fact that they stood up to him. It did not seem to have occurred to him that the fact that he was considered a catch in Russia might have had something to do with the Russian economy and a population of women who'd grown tired of infantile Russian men. And of living poor.

I have no idea what killed his marriage: whether it was Leo's running short of money, a wife who despaired over Leo's apparent inability to learn Russian or to lose weight or who just decided she couldn't handle his personality any longer. Or something more sinister.

But I miss him. He was funny and very smart. And a real bastard to negotiate with.

Owen Lock

R.I.P Leo F

[(Anonymous)]

You were a great writer.Thank you for what you left behind.

Re: R.I.P Leo F

[(Anonymous)]

Agreed. He is missed.

A Brilliant Storyteller...

[(Anonymous)]

Not going to comment on the other posters here but did want to say that Mr. Frankowski was a brilliant storyteller and I greatly enjoyed his writings. I also enjoyed his postings about his castle and wish he had been able to finish it. I'll miss his work and wish I had had the opportunity to meet him. Therman Campbell.

My favorite author

[(Anonymous)]

Even though I know there will never be another, I still always look for a Leo Franowski book when in the book store. Thanks Leo, you're missed.

A fan

[(Anonymous)]

I read the Conrad series in my early 20's. Enjoyable read. Over the next decade or so I read the rest of his work and enjoyed it also. I just found out the he passed away and I'm saddened that there won't be future frankowski work available. I'm thankful that I was able to enjoy what he did write though. Cheers Leo. Thanks for the good times.

Trevor Fletcher
British Columbia
Canada

R.I.P Leo Frankowski

[(Anonymous)]

Agree with the positive comments about this awesome writer...I've read everything of his I could get my greedy little hands on and still lament that there will be no more. The Conrad books are some of my favorite works EVER--just bought them & A Boy & His Tank for my kindle.
Immensely talented writer,I like him like I like Heinlein or Ringo,nowadays.
Anyway, you will be missed, Mr. Frankowski,& thankyou for all the hours of pleasure you afforded me with your books...

Was he important?

[(Anonymous)]

He made me laugh out loud while I was just reading along and BANG I was laughing out loud. I never laugh outloud, I am pretty sure Leo was important, he mocked the 007/Hugh Heffner/John Wayne world view while giving geeks of all ages some of the funniest pages ever written.

RIP

[(Anonymous)]

I still think fondly of his Conrad series after all these years...

There were a fun read... especially for those with a technical mind...

RIP

A legacy

[(Anonymous)]

Everything I've read by Leo I've enjoyed. He's made me see the world through a myriad of different lenses.

I've wandered New Kasubia with you, dreamed of living in trees genetically altered to house people and looked out to see for the famed Fata Morgana.

Rest in Peace, your war is over.