A British humorist and artist, best known for his surreal and fantastical novels, often blending science fiction, fantasy, and comedy, with a unique and quirky illustration style.
Robert Rankin is a British author known for his comedic fantasy novels that blend science fiction, fantasy, the occult, urban legends, and outrageous characters. With a writing style he dubs "Far-Fetched Fiction," Rankin has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with his unique blend of humor and imagination.
Born on July 27, 1949, in Parsons Green, London, Rankin began writing in the late 1970s. His early work didn't immediately catapult him to fame, but he persisted, and by the time his 18th book, Snuff Fiction, hit the bestseller lists in 1999, his previous works had already sold around one million copies.
Rankin's most famous works are set in Brentford, a suburb of London where he grew up. The Brentford Trilogy, consisting of The Antipope, The Brentford Triangle, and East of Ealing, introduced readers to the quirky world of Brentford, where alien conspiracies, ancient evil, and fantastical events are commonplace.
Rankin's writing often incorporates elements of steampunk, a genre he helped popularize. His contributions to the genre earned him the title of Fellow of The Victorian Steampunk Society in 2009.
Rankin's work has been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to literature. In 2012, he published his first 23 novels on Kindle, making his out-of-print works available to a wider audience.
Rankin currently lives in Brighton with his wife, Dr. Rachel Hayward-Rankin. His love for the vegetable sprout has inspired his fan club, The Order of the Golden Sprout, which maintains a website and organizes events, many of which take place in Brentford.
In addition to his writing, Rankin has also held the position of Writer in Residence at Brentford's Watermans Arts Centre in the 1980s and has performed on stage with bands.
Rankin's unique blend of humor, imagination, and creativity has inspired a generation of writers and readers alike. His influence on the fantasy and science fiction genres is undeniable, and his contributions to steampunk have helped shape the genre into what it is today.
With a career spanning over four decades, Robert Rankin continues to captivate readers with his unique brand of Far-Fetched Fiction. His contributions to literature, steampunk, and popular culture have cemented his place as one of the most beloved and respected authors of our time.
78 Years Old
Fantastical author of humorous, satirical, and often absurd fiction, particularly the beloved Discworld series, which cleverly explores complex social issues and human nature.
74 Years Old
Author of comedic science fiction series, including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", known for humor, satire, and clever storytelling.
98 Years Old
Witty and satirical novelist, best known for his humorous and absurd portrayals of British and Spanish cultures, particularly in his novels "Porterhouse Blue" and "Blott on the Landscape".
Born in 1881
Wrote humorous, lighthearted stories and plays, often featuring aristocrats and gentlemen, that are still widely popular today for their wit and clever wordplay.
Born in 1903
A renowned English writer, known for his witty satires and novels of manners, particularly "Brideshead Revisited", which explores the British aristocracy's decline.
Born in 1918
A brilliant comedian, writer, and actor who created absurd, anarchic humor, influencing generations of comedians and writers. Best known for his surreal radio show "The Goon Show".
86 Years Old
A comedic genius behind iconic works like Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, known for his witty humor and towering presence on screen.
83 Years Old
A renowned comedian, musician, and writer, best known for being a member of the iconic Monty Python comedy group, creating hilarious sketches and songs that have become cult classics.
