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Sylvia Louise Engdahl

シルビア・エングダール

Sylvia Engdahl

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1933-11-24 （Los Angeles, California, U.S.）
Nationality
American
Languages
English
Residence History
Oregon, U.S. (residence)

Career

Occupations
Writer, Novelist
Active Years
1970-2021

Awards

Newbery Honor
1971
Work: Enchantress from the Stars
Organization: American Library Association
Result: 受賞（Honor Book）
Phoenix Award
1990
Work: Enchantress from the Stars
Organization: Children's Literature Association
Result: 受賞
Christopher Award
1973
Work: This Star Shall Abide
Organization: The Christopher Awards
Result: 受賞
Independent Publisher (IPPY) Bronze Medal
2008
Work: Stewards of the Flame
Organization: Independent Publisher
Result: ブロンズメダル受賞
Geffen Award (finalist)
2008
Work: Enchantress from the Stars
Category: Best Translated YA Book
Organization: Geffen Awards
Result: ファイナリスト

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Enchantress from the Stars

1970 Science fiction, Children's literature

A YA science-fiction novel about a young protagonist encountering alien civilizations, exploring ethical choices and the consequences of interference between cultures.

Coming of ageCivilization and ethicsCross-cultural contact

Journey Between Worlds

1970 Science fiction

A science-fiction novel about journeys between worlds, focusing on youthful adventure and encounters with the unknown.

AdventureEncountering the unknown

The Far Side of Evil

1971 Science fiction

A science-fiction work that examines the boundaries of good and evil and moral dilemmas.

MoralityGood vs. evil

This Star Shall Abide

1972 Young adult science fiction

Set in a future society, this novel explores young people's decisions and the nature of community.

CommunityResponsibility

Beyond the Tomorrow Mountains

1973 Young adult science fiction

Part of a trilogy that portrays adventures among the stars and the growth of its characters.

AdventureMaturation

The Doors of the Universe

1981 Young adult science fiction

A YA novel about interstellar societies and the trials faced by young protagonists.

CivilizationTrials

Stewards of the Flame

2007 Adult science fiction / Visionary fiction

An adult visionary science-fiction novel, first in The Hidden Flame duology, dealing with a changing world and the responsibilities of its protagonists.

TransformationDuty

Promise of the Flame

2009 Adult science fiction

Second book of The Hidden Flame duology, continuing the story and the characters' conflicts.

ConflictRenewal

Defender of the Flame

2013 Adult science fiction

First book of The Rising Flame trilogy, introducing and expanding the series' world.

ResistanceLegacy

Herald of the Flame

2014 Adult science fiction

Second book of The Rising Flame trilogy, deepening the plot and developing the series' themes.

DiscoveryResponsibility

Envoy of the Flame

2021 Adult science fiction

The concluding volume of The Rising Flame trilogy, bringing the series' narrative to resolution.

ConclusionReconciliation

Bibliography

  • Enchantress from the Stars (1970)
  • Journey Between Worlds (1970)
  • The Far Side of Evil (1971)
  • This Star Shall Abide (1972)
  • Beyond the Tomorrow Mountains (1973)
  • The Doors of the Universe (1981)
  • Children of the Star (2000, omnibus)
  • Stewards of the Flame (2007)
  • Promise of the Flame (2009)
  • Defender of the Flame (2013)
  • Herald of the Flame (2014)
  • Envoy of the Flame (2021)
  • Planet-girded Suns (revised edition, 2012)
  • Universe Ahead (ed., 1975)
  • Anywhere, Anywhen (ed., 1976)
  • Subnuclear Zoo (co-author, 1977)
  • Tool for Tomorrow (co-author, 1979)
  • Our World Is Earth (picture book, 1979)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Clear, explanatory proseAccessible to young readersPresents ethical and philosophical issues in a measured tone
Recurring Motifs
Alien civilizationsEthics of civilizationGrowth and self-discovery

Legacy

Sylvia Engdahl is known for her young-adult science-fiction works and influenced YA SF of the 1970s. Enchantress from the Stars received a Newbery Honor and was later rediscovered with a Phoenix Award. In recent years she has also published adult visionary fiction.

Academic Societies

  • Children's Literature Association (related)

Archives

  • Library of Congress catalog records

Trivia

  • Official website: www.sylviaengdahl.com
  • Enchantress from the Stars received a 1971 Newbery Honor
  • Enchantress from the Stars won the 1990 Phoenix Award