Keith Roberts

Keith Roberts (1935 - 2000), was a British science fiction author. He began publishing with two stories in the September 1964 issue of "Science Fantasy" magazine, "Anita" (the first of a series of stories featuring a teenage modern witch and her eccentric granny) and "Escapism."

Several of his early stories were written using the pseudonym Alistair Bevan. His second novel, "Pavane", which is really a collection of linked stories, may be his most famous work: an alternate history novel in which the Roman Catholic Church takes control of England following the assassination of Queen Elizabeth I.

Roberts wrote numerous novels and short stories, and also worked as an illustrator. His artistic contributions include covers and interior artwork for "New Worlds" and "Science Fantasy", later renamed "Impulse". He also edited the last few issues of "Impulse" although the nominal editor was Harry Harrison.

In later life, Roberts lived in Salisbury. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990, and died of its complications in October 2000. Obituaries recalled him as a talented but personally 'difficult' author, with a history of disputes with publishers, editors and colleagues.

Partial bibliography

Novels
*"The Inner Wheel"
*"Pavane"
*"The Boat of Fate" (a historical novel set in Britain at the end of the Roman Empire's power)
*"The Furies" (featured in episode 3x03 of the FOX drama "Bones (TV series)")
*"The Chalk Giants" (arguably also a collection of linked short stories)
*"Molly Zero"
*"Gráinne" (British Science Fiction Association Award winner, 1988; slipstream fiction)
*"Kiteworld" (originally published as linked short stories)
*"The Road to Paradise" (a thriller, without fantastic elements)

Collections
*"Anita" (linked short fiction)
*"The Passing of the Dragons"
*"The Grain Kings"
*"Machines and Men"
*"Ladies From Hell"
*"The Lordly Ones"
*"Kaeti & Company" (linked short fiction)
*"Kaeti On Tour" (linked short fiction)
*"Winterwood and Other Hauntings"

Other
*"Lemady: Episodes of a Writer's Life" (autobiography, with fictional elements)

External links

* [http://www.solaris-books.co.uk/Roberts/ The Worlds of Keith Roberts]
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