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Lloyd Chudley Alexander

ロイド・チャドリー・アレクサンダー

Roiddo Chadorī Arekusandā

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1924-01-30 （Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.）
Died
2007-05-17 （Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, U.S.） age 83
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Philadelphia / Drexel Hill (primary residence) → Paris (university studies and translation work) → Kellytown (temporary residence)

Career

Occupations
Novelist, Children's author, Translator
Active Years
1955-2007
Affiliations
Temple University (author-in-residence, 1970–1974), Editorial board of the children's magazine Cricket, World Book Encyclopedia (library committee)
Memberships
World Book Encyclopedia (served on library committee), Friends of the International Board on Books for Young People (board member)
Influenced By
Welsh mythology (Mabinogion), Paul Éluard (poet; worked as his English translator), Contemporary writers he encountered in Paris (influence through contact)
Nominations
Hans Christian Andersen Award (U.S. nominee) 1996, Hans Christian Andersen Award (U.S. nominee) 2008

Education

West Chester State Teachers College
Period: 1学期（中途退学）
Country: United States
Attended only one term and left because the curriculum did not suit him
University of Paris
French literature
Period: 戦後（留学・翻訳活動）
Country: France
Studied French literature and translated works by Paul Éluard into English
Lafayette College (army program)
French language, politics and geography studies
Period: 軍務中（第二次世界大戦期）
Country: United States
Attended through an army-provided training program while in service

Awards

Newbery Medal
1969
Work: The High King
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALA)
Result: Winner
Newbery Honor
1966
Work: The Black Cauldron
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALA)
Result: Honor
National Book Award
1971
Work: The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian
Category: Children's Books (Hardcover fiction category at the time)
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: Winner
National Book Award
1982
Work: Westmark
Category: Children's Books (hardcover fiction subcategory)
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: Winner
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award
1992
Work: The Fortune-Tellers
Category: Picture Book
Organization: The Horn Book / Boston Globe
Result: Winner
National Jewish Book Award
1959
Work: Border Hawk: August Bondi
Organization: National Jewish Book Council
Result: Winner
Pennbook Lifetime Achievement Award
1991
Organization: Free Library of Philadelphia / Pennsylvania Center for the Book
Result: Winner
Parents' Choice Lifetime Achievement Award
2001
Organization: Parents' Choice Foundation
Result: Winner
World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement
2003
Organization: World Fantasy Convention
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Book of Three

1964 Fantasy (children's high fantasy)

Follows Taran, an assistant pig-keeper, as he becomes involved in adventures and begins his journey toward maturity; the first volume of a series inspired by Welsh mythology.

Coming of ageHeroismWelsh mythology

The Black Cauldron

1965 Fantasy (children's)

Second book of the Prydain series continuing Taran's adventures; later adapted by Disney into an animated film.

Good vs. evilSacrificeFate and choice
Adaptations
  • [Animated film] The Black Cauldron / Ted Berman, Richard Rich (1985)

The Castle of Llyr

1966 Fantasy

Third volume in the Prydain series where Taran and his companions face challenges involving a castle and enchantment.

Freedom and responsibilityMagic and power

Taran Wanderer

1967 Fantasy

A tale of Taran's quest for identity; the fourth book in the series and recognized as a School Library Journal Best Book.

Self-discoveryIdentity

The High King

1968 High fantasy (children's)

The concluding volume of the Prydain saga in which Taran matures and faces ultimate choices; winner of the 1969 Newbery Medal.

Maturity and responsibilityWhat it means to be a leader

The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian

1970 Children's literature / Fantasy

Features the eccentric protagonist Sebastian; winner of the 1971 National Book Award.

AdventureIndividuality and acceptance
Adaptations
  • [TV (Japan)] The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian (TV adaptation in Japan)

Westmark

1981 Historical-flavored fantasy / Young adult

First volume of a trilogy set in a fictional European kingdom revolving around rebellion and politics; winner of the 1982 National Book Award.

Politics and powerEthics and war

Bibliography

  • And Let the Credit Go (1955)
  • My Five Tigers (1956)
  • Time Cat (1963)
  • The Book of Three (1964)
  • The Black Cauldron (1965)
  • The Castle of Llyr (1966)
  • Taran Wanderer (1967)
  • The High King (1968)
  • The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian (1970)
  • Westmark (1981)
  • The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (2007)

Adaptations

  • Disney film The Black Cauldron (1985)
  • Japanese adaptations of The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man and The Wizard in the Tree
  • Japanese TV series adaptation of The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian

Translations by Author

  • English translations of Jean-Paul Sartre (e.g. The Diary of Antoine Roquentin / Nausea)
  • Selected Writings by Paul Éluard (English translation)

Translations of Works

  • Works translated into more than 20 languages (notable translations: Japanese, French, German)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Myth-inspired clear and measured proseBlend of humor and lyricism in narrative pacingConcise yet profound style suited for children and young adults
Recurring Motifs
References to Welsh myth and legendJourneys and coming-of-ageConflict of good and evil, self-sacrifice

Health

  • cancer
    晩年（具体的期間不明、2007年没）
    Was the cause of death; he continued writing into late life but died of the illness in 2007.

Legacy

Lloyd Alexander is highly regarded for his children's and young-adult fantasy, especially The Chronicles of Prydain, which draws on Welsh myth. He won the Newbery Medal and multiple National Book Awards, received several lifetime achievement awards, and is honored with a permanent exhibit at the Harold B. Lee Library (Brigham Young University).

Museums

  • Harold B. Lee Library (Lloyd Alexander exhibit) Provo, Utah — Brigham Young University campus Opened in 2010

Academic Societies

  • Recognized in children's literature scholarship
  • Associated with World Fantasy organizations (award recognition)

Archives

  • L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University (holds Lloyd Alexander papers)

In Popular Culture

  • Disney adaptation The Black Cauldron (1985)
  • Documentary film titled Lloyd Alexander released in 2012

Quotes

  • "In my fantasy world, good is ultimately stronger than evil."
    Source: Interview/essay (source unspecified)

Trivia

  • Skipped multiple grades as a child and was an early advanced student.
  • Served in the U.S. Army during WWII, rising to staff sergeant in intelligence/counter-intelligence.
  • In Paris he translated Paul Éluard and was acknowledged by Éluard as his English translator.
  • Married Janine Denni in 1946 and had one adopted child.