This group is dedicated to the appreciation and study of author Jack Vance (1916- ). Though the author of numerous works in many genres, Vance is most famous for his science fiction and fantasy works. He has also published many respected mysteries under the names John Holbrook Vance and Ellery Queen (and written successfully blended SF-mysteries, such as those tales collected in The Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph). His other pen names include Peter Held, John van See, Alan Wade, and Jay Kavanse.

Among the many accolades and awards Jack Vance has received are the Nebula, two Hugos, an Edgar, the World Fantasy Award, and the Jupiter Award. He was also named a SFWA Grand Master and is one of the most respected writers in the SF & F fields.

Vance is also one of the very few SF & F authors to garner high praise from both mainstream and literary critics. He is regarded as a modern American author who transcends genres and conventional labels. Vance is known for his intricate cultural studies and exquisitely artistic use of language and wordgames (he often creates his own languages and unique vocabularies).

In his SF works, he created the Gaean Reach Universe, in which numerous series appear (including the Alastor, Durdane, Tschai, Cadwal, Lurulu, Big Planet, Demon Princes, and Gaean Reach series).

* This group is the successor of the Jack Vance Group I formed in the 1990s.