Dewey Lambdin was a popular American author who wrote historical novels set in the Age of Sail. He was best known for his Alan Lewrie series, which followed the adventures of a British naval officer during the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He also wrote a standalone novel called What Lies Buried: A Novel of Old Cape Fear, which explored the history and mystery of colonial North Carolina. Lambdin was a prolific writer who published 25 books in his career, and was working on his 26th book at the time of his death. But how did he die, and what was his legacy?
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A Sudden and Unexpected Death
According to his obituary, Dewey Lambdin passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the age of 76. He was born on January 26, 1945, to the late Dewey and Edda Lambdin. He graduated from the Military Academy at Castle Heights in 1962, and from Montana State University in 1969 with a degree in film and television production. He worked as a producer and director for local television stations and in advertising before turning to writing fiction in 1988.
The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he died peacefully at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by a host of family and friends, who mourned his loss and celebrated his life. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in LaFollette, Tennessee, on August 3, 20211.
A Passion for Nautical History and Fiction
Dewey Lambdin had a lifelong interest in nautical history and fiction, which he inherited from his father, who was a U.S. Navy officer. He was inspired by the works of C.S. Forester, Patrick O’Brian, and other authors who wrote about the naval warfare of the 18th and 19th centuries. He created his own fictional hero, Alan Lewrie, who was a rebellious and roguish character who rose from a midshipman to a captain in the Royal Navy. Lambdin’s novels were praised for their historical accuracy, vivid descriptions, and witty humor. He also incorporated elements of romance, espionage, and mystery into his stories.
Lambdin published his first novel, The King’s Coat, in 1989, and continued to write one book per year until his death. His last published book was Much Ado About Lewrie, which came out in 2019. He was working on his 26th book, titled The King’s Privateers, which was scheduled to be released in 2022. His fans eagerly awaited his new books, and enjoyed following Lewrie’s exploits and escapades. Lambdin also wrote a short story, Lewrie and the Hogsheads, which was published in 2012. In addition, he wrote a standalone novel, What Lies Buried, which was a historical thriller set in 1769 in Cape Fear, North Carolina. It featured a different protagonist, a Scottish physician named James MacLachlan, who got involved in a murder mystery and a conspiracy.
Lambdin was a dedicated writer who preferred to use a typewriter instead of a computer. He did extensive research for his novels, and consulted various sources and experts. He also visited some of the locations that he wrote about, such as England, France, and the Caribbean. He was a member of the Naval Institute, the Navy League, and the U.S.S. Bennington Organization. He was also a fan of the Tennessee Titans football team.
A Lasting Legacy and a Loyal Fanbase
Dewey Lambdin left behind a lasting legacy and a loyal fanbase who admired his work and his personality. He was regarded as one of the best nautical novelists of his generation, and was compared to other masters of the genre. His books were translated into several languages, and sold millions of copies worldwide. He received positive reviews and awards for his writing, and was nominated for the American Library Association’s W.Y. Boyd Award for Excellence in Military Fiction in 2000 and 2001. He also won the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature in 2015.
Lambdin’s fans appreciated his style, his humor, and his characters. They also enjoyed interacting with him through his website, his newsletter, and his social media accounts. He was known to be friendly, generous, and responsive to his readers. He often shared his insights, opinions, and anecdotes about his writing process and his personal life. He also participated in various events, such as book signings, interviews, and conventions. He was a guest of honor at the 2010 Historical Novel Society Conference in Chicago.
Lambdin’s death was a shock and a sadness to his fans, who expressed their condolences and tributes online. Many of them said that they would miss his books, his voice, and his presence. They also hoped that his unfinished book would be published posthumously, and that his series would be adapted into a movie or a television show. They thanked him for his contribution to the genre, and for the joy and entertainment that he brought to them. They also vowed to keep his memory and his legacy alive by reading and rereading his books.
