SOURCE: "Blockbuster Author Michener Dies," in The Los Angeles Times, October 17, 1997, p. 1.

[In the following obituary, Simon discusses Michener's amazing success and popularity with his readers, despite the criticism of reviewers.]

James A. Michener, the extravagant storyteller who delivered whole states, whole nations—indeed, whole epochs—to an adoring international audience by wrapping historical fact in sweeping fiction, died Thursday. He was 90 and died at his home in Austin, Texas.

The author of such blockbusters as Hawaii, Texas, Centennial and Iberia—which sold in incredible volume, despite their imposing length—Michener died of renal failure.

He had been in frail health in recent years, undergoing a quadruple bypass and hip surgery. Though he continued to work, his need for kidney dialysis three times a week forced him to stay close to his modest home in Austin.

His condition had deteriorated to the point where he ordered his doctors...