James Cowan published over 25 books on subjects ranging from Aboriginal metaphysics to Persian poetry, and his work has been translated into seventeen languages. In 1998 Cowan was awarded the Australian Literary Society’s Gold Medal for his novel, A Mapmaker’s Dream and in the same year he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Grand Valley State University, Michigan, for his life’s work.

Cowan travelled extensively and often, and spent three productive years writing and travelling in Argentina. He died in October 2018.