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Lloyd Alexander

ロイド・アレクサンダー

Roido A-rekusandā

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1924-01-30 （Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.）
Died
2007-05-17 （Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, U.S.） age 83
Nationality
American
Languages
English, French (studied and translated)
Residence History
Philadelphia (childhood) → Drexel Hill (longtime residence) → Paris (studies/assignment)

Career

Occupations
novelist, children's author, translator, copywriter, editor
Active Years
1955-2007
Affiliations
Temple University (author-in-residence), Harold B. Lee Library (Lloyd Alexander exhibit)
Influenced By
Welsh mythology (Mabinogion and related sources), J. R. R. Tolkien (often compared/in dialogue with), Paul Éluard (he translated Éluard into English)
Influenced
Numerous children's and young-adult authors influenced by his mythic fantasy, Contemporary fantasy writers and the children's fantasy tradition
Nominations
Hans Christian Andersen Award (U.S. nominee), Hans Christian Andersen Award (U.S. nominee; years: 1996, 2008)

Education

West Chester State Teachers College (attended one term)
Period: 在籍1学期（中途退学）
Country: United States
Left after one term, found curriculum insufficient
Lafayette College (army-sponsored studies)
French/language and area studies (military program)
Period: 第二次世界大戦中（軍の研修）
Country: United States
Studied French and related subjects through army program
University of Paris (studied French literature)
French literature
Period: 戦後（1945年前後）
Country: France
Worked as English translator for Paul Éluard and studied French literature

Awards

Newbery Medal
1969
Work: The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 5)
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/runner-up
National Book Award (Children's Books)
1971
Work: The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian
Category: Children's Books
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: winner
National Book Award
1982
Work: Westmark
Category: Children's/Young People's Literature
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: winner
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Picture Book)
1992
Work: The Fortune-Tellers
Category: Picture Book
Organization: The Horn Book / The Boston Globe
Result: winner
World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement
2003
Organization: World Fantasy Convention
Result: lifetime achievement
Pennbook Lifetime Achievement Award
1991
Organization: Free Library of Philadelphia / Pennsylvania Center for the Book
Result: lifetime achievement
Parents' Choice Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award
2001
Organization: Parents' Choice Foundation
Result: lifetime achievement

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Book of Three

1964 Fantasy / Children's literature

Set in the fictional land of Prydain, the novel begins the adventures of Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper, launching a coming-of-age high fantasy inspired by Welsh mythology.

coming-of-ageheroism and responsibilityconflict between good and evil

The Black Cauldron

1965 Fantasy / Children's literature

The second book in the Prydain series, focusing on quests to prevent a dark power from dominating Prydain; later adapted in part by Disney into an animated film.

sacrificefriendshipfate and choice
Adaptations
  • [animated film] The Black Cauldron (film) / Ted Berman / Richard Rich (共演) (1985)

The High King

1968 High fantasy / Children's literature

The concluding volume of the Prydain Chronicles; it follows Taran's maturation and final choices about leadership and sacrifice. Awarded the 1969 Newbery Medal.

maturation and responsibilityself-sacrificeheritage and the continuity of stories

The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian

1970 Children's fiction

A whimsical children's novel with fantastical elements; winner of the 1971 National Book Award.

adventurehumorself-discovery
Adaptations
  • [television (adapted in Japan)] TV adaptation of The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian

Westmark

1981 Historical-flavored fantasy / Young adult

Set in a fictional European-style kingdom, it follows a young man caught up in political unrest and revolution; won a National Book Award in 1982.

politics and powerindividual consciencerevolution and ethics

Bibliography

  • And Let the Credit Go (1955)
  • 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 Beggar Queen (1984)
  • The Illyrian Adventure (1986)
  • The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (2007)

Adaptations

  • Disney animated film The Black Cauldron (1985)
  • Japanese TV adaptations (e.g., The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian)

Translations by Author

  • English translations of Jean-Paul Sartre (including Nausea excerpts)
  • English translations of Paul Éluard

Translations of Works

  • The Prydain series and other works have been translated into over 20 languages

Style & Themes

Literary Style
mythopoeic, 'micromythology' approach blending myth with personal experienceelegant, witty and well-paced prosecharacter-driven storytelling with psychological depth
Recurring Motifs
coming-of-agethe struggle between good and evilfate versus choicefriendship and sacrifice

Health

  • cancer
    2007（死去直前）
    Died of cancer after a short illness in 2007; affected final months of life and work

Legacy

Lloyd Alexander is a leading figure in late-20th-century children's fantasy. The Prydain Chronicles, inspired by Welsh myth, are regarded as an important contribution to mythopoeic children's literature. He won multiple major awards and his works continue to be translated and adapted.

Museums

  • Harold B. Lee Library Lloyd Alexander Exhibit Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah Opened in 2010

Academic Societies

  • organizations related to children's literature (associated activities)

Archives

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

In Popular Culture

  • Disney's film The Black Cauldron (1985)
  • Multiple adaptations in Japan including TV productions
  • 50th-anniversary editions and reprints (e.g., The Book of Three anniversary editions)

Quotes

  • Good is ultimately stronger than evil. Courage, justice, love, and mercy actually function.
    Source: Interviews/criticism on the Prydain series (paraphrase)
  • My own concerns and questions often come out in my fiction.
    Source: Author interview/statement

Trivia

  • Served in U.S. Army intelligence and counter-intelligence during World War II, rising to staff sergeant.
  • Met Paul Éluard in Paris and worked as an English translator of Éluard's poetry.
  • Harold B. Lee Library houses a permanent Lloyd Alexander exhibit including his desk and manuscripts.
  • His stepdaughter Madeleine predeceased him in 1995.
  • The Black Cauldron was adapted by Disney (1985) but was a box-office failure at release.