Fantasy author David Gemmell, known for his adventure tales revolving around heroism and leadership, died on July 28, his publisher said. He was 57.
Gemmell had quadruple heart bypass surgery two weeks before, and died in the hospital according to his publisher, Transworld Publishers.
Born in West London in 1948, Gemmell was expelled from school for gambling in 1965 and worked as a laborer, driver’s assistant and nightclub bouncer before becoming a journalist.
He became a full-time writer after being fired for using his colleagues as characters, according to the publisher’s website.
”The managing director regarded it as a poisonous attack on his integrity.” the site quoted Gemmell as saying.
Gemmell wrote 30 novels, starting in 1984 with Legend, a tale of a fortress under siege. Other novels include Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow.
He is survived by his wife, Stella, and two children. — Sapa-AP