Tanith Lee British writer of science fiction, horror and fantasy Date of Birth: 19.09.1947 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Writing Career
2. Critical Reception and Literary Legacy
3. Themes and Influences
4. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Writing Career

Tanith Lee, a British writer known for her prolific contributions to science fiction, horror, and fantasy, was born on September 19, 1947, in London, England. Despite persistent rumors to the contrary, she was not related to actor Bernard Lee of James Bond fame.

Though her childhood was generally happy, Lee experienced bullying and the challenges of frequent relocations due to her parents' dance career. However, she found solace in her parents' extensive collection of paperback books. Inspired by works such as Theodore Sturgeon's "Silken Swift" and Saki's "Gabriel Ernest," she began writing at an early age.

Overcoming a learning disability that initially hindered her reading skills, Lee's passion for language and literature was ignited by subjects like English, history, and religion. After completing secondary school, she pursued a brief stint at Croydon College of Art before embarking on a variety of jobs, including clerical work, waitressing, and library assistance.

In 1968, Lee's first published work, a short story titled "Eustace," appeared. Throughout the 1970s, she continued writing while holding down various positions. Her breakthrough came in 1975 when DAW Books in the United States published her epic fantasy novel "The Birthgrave." This marked the beginning of her professional writing career, freeing her from the need for "mind-numbing" employment.

Critical Reception and Literary Legacy

Lee's later works faced resistance from major publishers, and even those who had previously supported her withdrew their interest. Despite these setbacks, smaller presses released a handful of her late books. However, this did not deter Lee, who continued to produce both novels and short stories that remained largely unpublished.

Lee's writing style is characterized by its rich poetic prose and striking imagery. Critics have described it as exotic, erotic, exuberant, elegant, and both darkly beautiful and viciously perverse. Through her evocative language and use of poetic devices, she created evocative and mythical tales.

Lauded for her ability to strike a balance between her unconventional writing style and the complexities of otherworldly environments, Lee was also known for leaving readers with lingering questions that might have been addressed through greater attention to detail.

Themes and Influences

Lee's work encompassed nonconformist interpretations of fairy tales, vampire stories, and myths. She explored themes of feminism and sexuality, occasionally writing lesbian fiction under the pseudonym Esther Garber. Around 1975-1980, she ventured into Gothic horror, with her first Gothic novel, "Sabella or the Bloodstone," focusing on themes of isolation and fear.

One of her most celebrated short stories, "Elle Est Trois," examines the intertwining of self-destruction and creativity, exploring themes of psychosis, sexuality, and female subjugation. A "resonant mythical force" pervades this story, as it does the hunts and quests in works like "The Storm Lord," "Anackire," and "The White Serpent."

Lee drew inspiration from various sources, including other writers, music, books, and everyday life. The "Flat Earth Series" was inspired by a game she played with her mother, Hilda, who also provided stories that served as the basis for her daughter's work. John Kaiine, her husband, also contributed ideas.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1987, Lee met artist and author John Kaiine, and they married in 1992. Lee's writing habits changed over the years, shifting away from her earlier practice of writing in the early hours of the morning. She typically ended her workday by 6 pm and declined to write at night.

In her free time, she enjoyed watching documentaries about history and nature. Lee and John shared a love for the science fiction television series "Doctor Who." They resided in the south of England.

Tanith Lee passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2015, after a long illness. She remains a significant figure in speculative fiction, known for her distinctive storytelling and poetic sensibilities.