I did had read Fatasy in my twenties, specifically Tolkien' writtens (Tom Bombadill and Beowulf was my preferred characters, and lol off course Mr. Bliss too
).
Some years ago I went to read Robert E. Howard, for his saga of Conan the Barbarian (didn't read all of it); also it was published the comic's Marvell collection that monthly sold a volume in newsstands, bought it all but having read only half at the moment, and it's some years I don't read it.
So now it's only SF for me, like posted in other threads.
@Uncle Robin: imho you could try Ruby Rucker
, it was in the Urania's edition of past month (loved his characters of Miss Max and companion): Gee Winklers was that kind of a character if you look for someone who's very
"Gee Whiz".
Peter Hamilton was in this month's publishing (Judas Unchained) and as the italian version is spit in two parts, the second is next month.
Really didn't found a-page that would felt annoying or boring.
I don't know what you mean about the life of the authors, in SF, as I'd never invetigated
... I recall the synopsis of Howard's bewildered me, really.