Lloyd Alexander
Encyclopedia
Lloyd Chudley Alexander (January 30, 1924 – May 17, 2007) was a widely influential American
author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy
novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature
is the fantasy
series The Chronicles of Prydain
. The concluding book of the series, The High King
, was awarded the Newbery Medal
in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won multiple National Book Award
s. He was also one of the creators of children's literary magazine Cricket
.
, in 1924 and grew up in the suburb of Drexel Hill. His father was a stockbroker, and their family was greatly affected by the Great Depression
. According to Alexander, his parents didn't read books and only bought them from the Salvation Army
"to fill up empty shelves."
Alexander graduated at age sixteen in 1940 from Upper Darby High School
, where he was inducted into the school's Wall of Fame in 1995. He had decided at age fifteen that he wanted to be a writer, but his parents were so upset that they placed him at Haverford College
just down the road from home (although he left after completing only a single term). Looking for adventure, he served during World War II
in the US Army, where he rose to be a staff sergeant
in intelligence
and counterintelligence after he trained in Wales
, which would become the setting of many of his books. Alexander then attended the University of Paris
, where he met Janine Denni. They were married in 1946.
Alexander died on May 17, 2007, two weeks after the death of his wife of sixty-one years. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery Co
in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
. His daughter, Madeleine Khalil, died in 1990.
, with The Chronicles of Prydain
being his most famous work. The five-volume series of children's fantasy
novels detail the adventures of a young man named Taran
, who is awarded the honor of Assistant Pig-Keeper but dreams of being a grand hero, and his companions Princess Eilonwy
, Fflewddur Fflam
the wandering bard and king, a feral yet gentle creature called Gurgi
, and a dwarf named Doli. The book focuses on Taran's progression from youth to maturity, with the series being loosely inspired by Welsh mythology
and the Mabinogion
. The first two books in this series formed the basis of the Disney
animated film The Black Cauldron
.
Alexander's other major fiction series are the Westmark
trilogy, about a printer's apprentice involved in political intrigue in a faux-European kingdom, and the Vesper Holly
series, about a wealthy and brilliant Philadelphia orphan
who has adventures in various fictional 19th century countries. His picture book The Fortune Tellers (1993), illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
, created something of a controversy because some felt that the story was of European origin and thus contextually inappropriate for the book's African setting. But Alexander early on established his interest in the intersection of African and European history (as well as his political leanings) with his 1958 profile of August Bondi (August Bondi: Border Hawk), the Jewish radical abolitionist who rode with John Brown in Kansas attacking pro-slavery militants.
Alexander's last novel, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio, was published in August 2007. "I have finished my life work," Alexander said about the book before he died.
The Dictionary of Literary Biography said Alexander's books had "the special depth and insight provided by characters who not only act, but think, feel and struggle with the same kinds of problems that confuse and trouble people in the twentieth century."
In describing the influences on his writing, Alexander once said, "Shakespeare, Dickens, Mark Twain and so many others were my dearest friends and greatest teachers. I loved all the world's mythologies: King Arthur was one of my heroes."
, was a 1966 Newbery Honor book. The fourth book in the series, Taran Wanderer
, was a School Library Journal
Best Book of the Year. The fifth and final book in the series, The High King
won the 1969 Newbery Medal
and was a finalist for both the National Book Award
and the American Book Award. Many of Alexander's other books were praised as well. The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian won a 1971 National Book Award
. He also won a 1982 National Book Award (at that time temporarily known as the American Book Award) for Westmark
.
Among his other awards were the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for the 1992 illustrated book The Fortune-Tellers (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman). In 1972 he was included in the prestigious reference series, Book of Junior Authors and Illustrators.
In 2003 Alexander was recognized for Life Achievement from the World Fantasy Awards.
On January 28, 2010 an exhibit opened at the Harold B. Lee Library
on the campus of Brigham Young University
, displaying several items from Alexander's home office, which he referred to as "the Box." Items include manuscripts, editions of all his books, his violin, typewriter, and desk.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
is the fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
series The Chronicles of Prydain
The Chronicles of Prydain
The Chronicles of Prydain is a five-volume series of children's fantasy novels by author Lloyd Alexander...
. The concluding book of the series, The High King
The High King
The High King is the last book in the Chronicles of Prydain fantasy series of books by Lloyd Alexander. It was awarded the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1969.-Plot overview:...
, was awarded the Newbery Medal
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won multiple National Book Award
National Book Award
The National Book Awards are a set of American literary awards. Started in 1950, the Awards are presented annually to American authors for literature published in the current year. In 1989 the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization which now oversees and manages the National Book...
s. He was also one of the creators of children's literary magazine Cricket
Cricket (magazine)
Cricket is an illustrated literary magazine for children published in the United States, founded in September 1973 by Marianne Carus, whose intent was to create "The New Yorker for children." Marianne Carus still serves as the magazine's editor-in-chief.Each issue of Cricket is 64 pages...
.
Personal life
Alexander was born in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, in 1924 and grew up in the suburb of Drexel Hill. His father was a stockbroker, and their family was greatly affected by the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
. According to Alexander, his parents didn't read books and only bought them from the Salvation Army
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
"to fill up empty shelves."
Alexander graduated at age sixteen in 1940 from Upper Darby High School
Upper Darby High School
Upper Darby High School is a four-year public high school located in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, United States, as part of the Upper Darby School District. UDHS is also the oldest high school in Delaware County, PA, having been established in 1895...
, where he was inducted into the school's Wall of Fame in 1995. He had decided at age fifteen that he wanted to be a writer, but his parents were so upset that they placed him at Haverford College
Haverford College
Haverford College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States, a suburb of Philadelphia...
just down the road from home (although he left after completing only a single term). Looking for adventure, he served during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
in the US Army, where he rose to be a staff sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in several countries.The origin of the name is that they were part of the staff of a British army regiment and paid at that level rather than as a member of a battalion or company.-Australia:...
in intelligence
Intelligence (information gathering)
Intelligence assessment is the development of forecasts of behaviour or recommended courses of action to the leadership of an organization, based on a wide range of available information sources both overt and covert. Assessments are developed in response to requirements declared by the leadership...
and counterintelligence after he trained in Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
, which would become the setting of many of his books. Alexander then attended the University of Paris
University of Paris
The University of Paris was a university located in Paris, France and one of the earliest to be established in Europe. It was founded in the mid 12th century, and officially recognized as a university probably between 1160 and 1250...
, where he met Janine Denni. They were married in 1946.
Alexander died on May 17, 2007, two weeks after the death of his wife of sixty-one years. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery Co
Arlington Cemetery Co
Arlington Cemetery Co was founded in 1895. It is located on State Road in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and occupies roughly .Arlington Cemetery consists of the Mount Vernon Office, Toppitzer Funeral Home, Williamsburg Chapel, The Museum of Mourning Art, The Garden Mausoleum, The Monticello Mausoleum,...
in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. His daughter, Madeleine Khalil, died in 1990.
Career
Alexander's most well-known novels are within the genre of children's literatureChildren's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
, with The Chronicles of Prydain
The Chronicles of Prydain
The Chronicles of Prydain is a five-volume series of children's fantasy novels by author Lloyd Alexander...
being his most famous work. The five-volume series of children's fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
novels detail the adventures of a young man named Taran
Taran (character)
Taran is a fictional character in The Chronicles of Prydain series, as well as in the film and game named after the second novel, The Black Cauldron.-Profile:...
, who is awarded the honor of Assistant Pig-Keeper but dreams of being a grand hero, and his companions Princess Eilonwy
Princess Eilonwy
Princess Eilonwy is a fictional character in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain and wife of High King Taran in the Chronicles of Prydain and also appears in Disney's 1985 animated film The Black Cauldron...
, Fflewddur Fflam
Fflewddur Fflam
Fflewddur Fflam, son of Godo, is a cantrev lord in the fictional country of Prydain in Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. He is referred to as a King, but it is made clear that he is a very minor king of a tiny kingdom at best, much less important than the High King who rules Prydain. His...
the wandering bard and king, a feral yet gentle creature called Gurgi
Gurgi
Gurgi is a fictional character in The Chronicles of Prydain, the series of fantasy novels by Lloyd Alexander. Gurgi is the hero Taran's faithful companion, appearing in all five books.- Profile :...
, and a dwarf named Doli. The book focuses on Taran's progression from youth to maturity, with the series being loosely inspired by Welsh mythology
Welsh mythology
Welsh mythology, the remnants of the mythology of the pre-Christian Britons, has come down to us in much altered form in medieval Welsh manuscripts such as the Red Book of Hergest, the White Book of Rhydderch, the Book of Aneirin and the Book of Taliesin....
and the Mabinogion
Mabinogion
The Mabinogion is the title given to a collection of eleven prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and early medieval historical traditions...
. The first two books in this series formed the basis of the Disney
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
animated film The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron (film)
The Black Cauldron is a 1985 American animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and originally released to theatres on July 24, 1985...
.
Alexander's other major fiction series are the Westmark
Westmark (novel)
Westmark is a fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander that received an American Book Award. It is the first book of the Westmark trilogy, followed by The Kestrel and The Beggar Queen. Showing influences from the French existentialist writers whose works Alexander translated early in his career, the...
trilogy, about a printer's apprentice involved in political intrigue in a faux-European kingdom, and the Vesper Holly
Vesper Holly
Vesper Holly is the protagonist in a series of novels by Lloyd Alexander. She is a young high-society orphan from Philadelphia, the daughter of an eccentric wealthy archaeologist who disappeared while on an expedition to the Balkan state of Illyria. Vesper is looked after by her guardians, Uncle...
series, about a wealthy and brilliant Philadelphia orphan
Orphan
An orphan is a child permanently bereaved of or abandoned by his or her parents. In common usage, only a child who has lost both parents is called an orphan...
who has adventures in various fictional 19th century countries. His picture book The Fortune Tellers (1993), illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Trina Schart Hyman
Trina Schart Hyman was an American illustrator of children's books. She illustrated over 150 books, including fairy tales and Arthurian legends, and was the recipient of three Caldecott Honors and one Caldecott Medal....
, created something of a controversy because some felt that the story was of European origin and thus contextually inappropriate for the book's African setting. But Alexander early on established his interest in the intersection of African and European history (as well as his political leanings) with his 1958 profile of August Bondi (August Bondi: Border Hawk), the Jewish radical abolitionist who rode with John Brown in Kansas attacking pro-slavery militants.
Alexander's last novel, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio, was published in August 2007. "I have finished my life work," Alexander said about the book before he died.
The Dictionary of Literary Biography said Alexander's books had "the special depth and insight provided by characters who not only act, but think, feel and struggle with the same kinds of problems that confuse and trouble people in the twentieth century."
In describing the influences on his writing, Alexander once said, "Shakespeare, Dickens, Mark Twain and so many others were my dearest friends and greatest teachers. I loved all the world's mythologies: King Arthur was one of my heroes."
Honors
Alexander began to receive significant critical acclaim with the release of his Chronicles of Prydain series. The second book, The Black CauldronThe Black Cauldron (novel)
The Black Cauldron is a 1965 fantasy novel, the second book in Lloyd Alexander's five-part novel series The Chronicles of Prydain . The story centers on the adventures of Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the magical land of Prydain, as he joins in a quest to capture the eponymous vessel, a...
, was a 1966 Newbery Honor book. The fourth book in the series, Taran Wanderer
Taran Wanderer
Taran Wanderer is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. It tells of Taran's search for his lineage through which he encounters many different people who each help to shape Taran as he learns about who he truly is. It is the only book in the series in which...
, was a School Library Journal
School Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
Best Book of the Year. The fifth and final book in the series, The High King
The High King
The High King is the last book in the Chronicles of Prydain fantasy series of books by Lloyd Alexander. It was awarded the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1969.-Plot overview:...
won the 1969 Newbery Medal
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
and was a finalist for both the National Book Award
National Book Award
The National Book Awards are a set of American literary awards. Started in 1950, the Awards are presented annually to American authors for literature published in the current year. In 1989 the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization which now oversees and manages the National Book...
and the American Book Award. Many of Alexander's other books were praised as well. The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian won a 1971 National Book Award
National Book Award
The National Book Awards are a set of American literary awards. Started in 1950, the Awards are presented annually to American authors for literature published in the current year. In 1989 the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization which now oversees and manages the National Book...
. He also won a 1982 National Book Award (at that time temporarily known as the American Book Award) for Westmark
Westmark (novel)
Westmark is a fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander that received an American Book Award. It is the first book of the Westmark trilogy, followed by The Kestrel and The Beggar Queen. Showing influences from the French existentialist writers whose works Alexander translated early in his career, the...
.
Among his other awards were the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for the 1992 illustrated book The Fortune-Tellers (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman). In 1972 he was included in the prestigious reference series, Book of Junior Authors and Illustrators.
In 2003 Alexander was recognized for Life Achievement from the World Fantasy Awards.
On January 28, 2010 an exhibit opened at the Harold B. Lee Library
Harold B. Lee Library
The Harold B. Lee Library , located in Provo, Utah, is the main academic library of Brigham Young University, the largest religious and second-largest private university in the United States. The library has approximately of shelving for the more than 6 million items in its various collections, as...
on the campus of Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private university located in Provo, Utah. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , and is the United States' largest religious university and third-largest private university.Approximately 98% of the university's 34,000 students...
, displaying several items from Alexander's home office, which he referred to as "the Box." Items include manuscripts, editions of all his books, his violin, typewriter, and desk.
The Chronicles of Prydain
- The Book of ThreeThe Book of Three (novel)The Book of Three is the first of Lloyd Alexander's five-part novel series The Chronicles of Prydain . Inspired by Welsh mythology, it follows the adventures of Taran, a boy in the care of the enchanter Dallben, as he enters manhood while fighting the forces of the evil Arawn Death-Lord...
(1964) - The Black CauldronThe Black Cauldron (novel)The Black Cauldron is a 1965 fantasy novel, the second book in Lloyd Alexander's five-part novel series The Chronicles of Prydain . The story centers on the adventures of Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the magical land of Prydain, as he joins in a quest to capture the eponymous vessel, a...
(1965) - Winner of the 1966 Newbery Honor - The Castle of LlyrThe Castle of LlyrThe Castle of Llyr is the third volume in the children's fantasy series Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, first published in 1966.Taran continues his adventures and encounters new friends and old enemies.- Plot :...
(1966) - Taran WandererTaran WandererTaran Wanderer is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. It tells of Taran's search for his lineage through which he encounters many different people who each help to shape Taran as he learns about who he truly is. It is the only book in the series in which...
(1967) - The High KingThe High KingThe High King is the last book in the Chronicles of Prydain fantasy series of books by Lloyd Alexander. It was awarded the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1969.-Plot overview:...
(1968) - Winner of the 1969 Newbery MedalNewbery MedalThe John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ... - The Foundling and Other Tales from PrydainThe Foundling and Other Tales from PrydainThe Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain is a collection of six short stories by Lloyd Alexander. Although first published in 1973, after the five novels that comprise The Chronicles of Prydain, these short stories take place before the events of the books that preceded them...
(1970)
The Westmark Trilogy
- WestmarkWestmark (novel)Westmark is a fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander that received an American Book Award. It is the first book of the Westmark trilogy, followed by The Kestrel and The Beggar Queen. Showing influences from the French existentialist writers whose works Alexander translated early in his career, the...
(1981) - The KestrelThe KestrelThe Kestrel is the second book of Lloyd Alexander's Westmark trilogy, following Westmark, and preceding The Beggar Queen. The trilogy is set in the fictional nation of Westmark, which resembles 18th-century Europe.-Plot summary:...
(1982) - The Beggar QueenThe Beggar QueenThe Beggar Queen is the last book of the Westmark trilogy by Lloyd Alexander, published by E. P. Dutton in 1984.-Plot introduction:Mickle, once a common street urchin, is now the queen of Westmark. The kingdom is thriving, yet at the same time, it is strangely restless. Ghosts of the past lurk...
(1984)
The Vesper Holly series
- The Illyrian Adventure (1986)
- The El Dorado Adventure (1987)
- The Drackenberg Adventure (1988)
- The Jedera Adventure (1989)
- The Philadelphia Adventure (1990)
- The Xanadu Adventure (2005)
Other
- And Let the Credit Go (1955) (first published book)
- My Five Tigers (1956)
- August Bondi: Border Hawk (1958)
- Janine (my wife, that is) is French (1960)
- Aaron Lopez: The Flagship Hope (1960)
- Fifty Years in the Doghouse (1963)
- Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason And GarethTime Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason and GarethTime Cat is a novel by Lloyd Alexander.While writing it, Alexander became interested in Welsh Mythology, which inspired the The Chronicles of Prydain, his most popular work...
(1963) - The Truthful Harp (1967)
- The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian (1970)
- The King's Fountain (1971)
- The Four Donkeys (1972)
- The Cat Who Wished to Be a ManThe Cat Who Wished to Be a ManThe Cat Who Wished to Be a Man is a children's comic fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander.- Plot :Lionel, a housecat given the power of speech by the magician Stephanus, begs his master to turn him into a man. After many objections concerning the depravity of humans, Stephanus relents; and the...
(1973) - The Wizard in the Tree (1974)
- The Town Cats and Other Tales (1977)
- The First Two Lives of Lukas-KashaThe First Two Lives of Lukas-KashaThe First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha is a standalone novel written by Lloyd Alexander in 1978. It follows the adventures of a young man named Lukas-Kasha who finds himself in another world after paying a street magician to perform a magic trick....
(1978) - The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen (1991)
- The Fortune-Tellers (1992)
- The Arkadians (1995)
- The House Gobbaleen (1995)
- The Iron RingThe Iron Ring (novel)The Iron Ring is a novel by children's fantasy novelist Lloyd Alexander, written in 1997.It is set in a fictional land with no name, though its culture strongly suggests Indian influences; the caste system forms the prominent conflict in the novel, and names are strongly Hindi...
(1997) - Gypsy RizkaGypsy RizkaGypsy Rizka is a light-hearted novel by Lloyd Alexander about a girl who survives purely on her own wit.-Plot summary:Rizka is a gypsy who lives just outside of a town in a vardo and waits for the return of her gypsy father after the death of her mother. Fortunately, she has Big Franko looking out...
(1999) - How the Cat Swallowed Thunder (2000)
- The Gawgon and the Boy (2001) (UK title The Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy)
- The Rope Trick (2002)
- Dream-of-Jade: The Emperor's Cat (2005)
- The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (2007)
Translations
- "The Diary of Antoine Roquentin" (John Lehmann, 1949). This was the first English translation of the celebrated existentialist novel "La Nausée" by Jean-Paul Sartre (Gallimard 1938).