Laurence James


Laurence James was a British science fiction writer, especially known for his involvement with the "Deathlands" series.
James originally worked in publishing other people's books. In 1972 he embarked on the career of "a full-time freelance author and journalist". For several years thereafter he published short science fiction stories in both Britain and the US.
In 1974 he published his first full-length novel, "Earth Lies Sleeping" - the first in a series focused on the exploits of a galactic secret agent named Simon Rack. At the time he was living with his wife and their three children at Roydon, an in 1995.
Due to failing health, James was on that year forced to leave the series. He wrote one last novel, that appeared in 1998.
He died in February 2000. After his death, "James Axler" remained a "House name" which continued to be used by others. In general, "Deathlands" fans consider his books to be the best of the series.