George MacDonald Fraser 1926-2007

[jeffreyab]

He was the author of the Harry Flashman books. A series of humourous historical novels based on a notorious character from "Tom Brown's School Days" who went on to become a hero, winner of the Victoria Cross, and witness to many historical events, all of them neatly footnoted. My favourite works by him are "Mr. American" about an American gunslinger who tries to flee his present and discover his past in England and the movies "The Three Musketeers" and "The Four Musketeers" from the seventies.

Fraser himself lived an interesting life serving in the Border Regiment in the Far East during World War Two being promoted four times to lance corporal each time and in the Gordon Highlanders as a lieutenant after the war, as a journalist, a screenwriter as well as writing his novels and nonfiction. In 1999 he received the Order of the British Empire for his work.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3126821.ece

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_MacDonald_Fraser

Comments

[phecda.livejournal.com]

I rediscovered the Flashman books recently. Great stuff -- a well told, sometimes bawdy, and always interesting tale -- what more could you ask for? And yes, impeccably footnoted and detailed. Flashy is a wonderful anti-hero who saves the day repeatedly despite his best efforts to avoid service.

[ltmurnau.livejournal.com]

Oh no! No more Flashman!
Though, truth to tell, I enjoyed his Private McAuslan stories much more, as I had a sort of McAuslan in my platoon (though without the luck).

[jeffreyab.livejournal.com]

Those stories are based on his real life so ring true more I think.

[foms.livejournal.com]

This is very sad. I heard it on the news, this morning.

[jackspryte.livejournal.com]

Thanks...I hadn't heard. I have only read one Flashman book in my whole life...I wish I had that time back. I suppose it was good for a pulp.

Still sad to see him go.