Lloyd Alexander
According to Lloyd Alexander, writers can be their own editors, but it is not a good idea--like self appendectomy. Initially he didn't realize that his manuscripts would needed editing, but he soon recognized that editing his own work was impossible. He had the good fortune of having the same editor and mentor for many years. It was his editor who convinced him that there was much missing in the Prydain Chronicles which resulted in the creation of another volume -- Taran Wanderer.
"Writing is hard work, because a good writer is always trying to verbalize emotions and feelings." Alexander believes that schools contribute to the difficulty of becoming a writer because the inherent criticism can lead to writers block. For Alexander, the goal was to rise above it all and just write. In that, he has ably succeeded with a Newbery for the High King and numerous other awards for many of his books. However, success came only after seven years of having his work turned down by publishers.
After a decade of writing for adults, Alexander turned to children's books. It was, Alexander says, "the most creative and liberating experience of my life. In books for young people, I was able to express my own deepest feelings far more than I ever could when writing for adults." Alexander states that he has not yet discovered all he wants to know about writing and realizes that he never will. "All that writers can do is keep trying to say what is deepest in their hearts."
His body of work includes the Prydain Chronicles (The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King) all based on Welsh mythology. These books have been in print for more than 30 years and still appeal to kids 10 and up. Alexander's picture books such as The House Gobbaleen (1995, Dutton, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99) and The Fortune-tellers (1992, Dutton, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99 and $5.99) have a witty and mystical touch. Among his more recent books are The Arkadians (1995, Dutton, Ages 12 up, $16.99), a young adult story that centers on a make believe world closely related to Greek mythology, and The Iron Ring which was inspired by Indian mythology.
More information on Lloyd Alexander can be found at http://www.carr.org/authco/alex.htm.
Reviews
The Arkadians
Lloyd Alexander
A make-believe world closely related to Greek mythology is the setting for this exciting young adult novel featuring the adventures of Lucien, a young, former bean-counter, Joy-in-the-Dance, a beautiful but feisty mystic, Fronto, a poet turned donkey and many other colorful but strangely believable characters. Many tales loosely based on Greek mythology are skillfully woven into the action and romance of the main story, while some of the myths, such as the story of the labyrinth and the Minotaur form important parts of the novel's plot. The author's unusual but appealing characters and lively, graceful style of writing should make the novel enjoyable even for those readers who do not catch the sometimes rather subtle allusions to mythology. 1995, Dutton, Ages 12 up, $15.99 and $4.99. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
ISBN: 0-525-45415-2
ISBN: 0-14-038073-6
The Black Cauldron
Lloyd Alexander
Five enchanting books comprise the "Chronicles of Prydain" by Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In The Black Cauldron, book 2 of the series, Taran takes further steps toward manhood. He must help destroy the vessel from which the fearsome Cauldron Born warriors spring to march with the evil lord Awren. The companions join with him again on this new adventure. Wondrous magic and a very arrogant young nobleman punctuate this gripping tale. The princess Eilonwy has been growing like a weed. Other books in the Chronicles include The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, The High King, and The Book of Three. 1965, Henry Holt and Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 10 up, $16.96 and $4.99. Reviewer: Sonya Goldman
ISBN: 0-8050-0992-2
ISBN: 0-440-40649-8
The Book of Three
Lloyd Alexander
Five enchanting books comprise the "Chronicles of Prydain" by Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In The Book of Three, Taran is impatient for manhood. As assistant pig keeper of the oracular pig Hen Wen, his life is very tame. Taran's dreams of glory and adventure soon turn to bitter reality, however, when the Horned King marches to conquer Prydain. Taran must face the evil enchantress Achren, undead warriors, man hunting birds of prey, and the Horned King himself. Companions join his adventure along the way-the talkative princess Eilonwy, the ever-hungry forest creature Gugi, the bard Fflewdur Fflam whose harp strings break when he stretches the truth, and a grumpy dwarf named Dori of the Fair Folk. Nonstop action and vivid characters work magic on the reader in this first book of the Prydain series. Other books in the Chronicles include The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. 1964, Henry Holt/Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 10 up, $16.96 and $4.50. Reviewer: Sonya Goldman
ISBN: 0-8050-0874-8
ISBN: 0-440-40702-8
The Castle of Llyr
Lloyd Alexander
Five enchanting books comprise the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In book 3 of the Chronicles, The Castle of Llyr, Princess Eilonwy is sent to stay with the king and queen of Dinas Rhydnant to learn how to be a lady. The sinister chief steward, Magg, kidnaps Eilonwy and delivers her to Achren. Taran and the other companions follow them to a castle by the sea. There they must do battle with Achren and her minions to keep Eilonwy from becoming an evil enchantress. Although she drives him crazy with her babbling, Taran begins to think tenderly of Eilonwy. Other books in the Chronicles include The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, Taran Wanderer, and The High King. 1966, Henry Holt and Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 10 up, $16.96 and $3.50. Reviewer: Sonya Goldman
ISBN: 0-8050-1115-3
ISBN: 0-440-41125-4
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha
Lloyd Alexander
Lukas was whiling away the afternoon by watching a rather seedy-looking magician perform in the town square, only to find himself suddenly drowning. Emerging from the sea, he finds himself in a far distant land in a distant time, as the King of Abadan, caught between factions intent on his murder. Readers will enjoy the strong characters in this twisting and turning adventure tale from one of fantasy's most celebrated writers. 1978, Puffin Books, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-14-130057-4
The Fortune-Tellers
Lloyd Alexander
Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Sophisticated readers who still love picture books will thrill to the word humor of Alexander and visual humor of Hyman in The Fortune-Tellers. Twists of fate bring a dreaming young carpenter his dreams and desires through situations so unbelievable, characters so silly and ironies so unthinkable that kids will have to read the story again and again. 1992, Dutton, Ages 6 to 10, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-525-44849-7
ISBN: 0-14-056233-8
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain
Lloyd Alexander
Those readers familiar with the author's Newbery winning "Chronicles of Prydain" series will relish these eight entertaining tales. Newcomers to Alexander's fantasy world will likely wish to discover the novels for the first time. In these stories, which are based on Welsh folklore, audiences will meet Dalben the enchanter, Hen Wen the white pig, Arawn, Lord of Death, and many other unforgettable characters. Related in engaging and compelling fashion, the tales are sometimes cautionary, often humorous, and always entertaining. 1999 (orig. 1965), Henry Holt and Company, Ages 10 to 14, $17.95. Reviewer: Christopher Moning
ISBN: 0-8050-6130-4
Gypsy Rizka
Lloyd Alexander
Because she was half-gypsy on her father's side, dressed peculiarly, and was different from the other townsfolk, they wanted to get rid of Rizka. She wouldn't leave, however, because she was waiting for her father to return. In the meantime, she continued to outwit the pompous citizens of the town with her matchmaking, cures, and the "chicken-guy." When the gypsies return they bring the news that Rizka's father is dead. She must then make a decision whether to travel with the gypsies or stay with the people she knows in Greater Dunitsa. What comprises a family, and appearances vs. reality are two themes explored in this delightful romp. The feisty heroine has a keen mind, a kind heart and an interesting perspective of fair play. The story is full of humor and thought-provoking phrasing. 1999, Dutton, Ages 9 to 12, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-525-46121-3
The High King
Lloyd Alexander
Five enchanting books comprise the "Chronicles of Prydain" by Lloyd Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. The High King, the final book of the Chronicles is weighty and serious-even oppressive at times. There is a sense of despair in this story. The humor and romance that wove charm into the earlier books are starkly absent from this tale where the end of the world is threatened. Taran rises fully to manhood and all its burdens. Fortunately, the dark curtain in this book lifts at the end to reveal a beautiful and fanciful conclusion. Other books in the Chronicles include The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, and Taran Wanderer. 1969 (orig. 1968), Henry Holt and Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 10 up, $16.95 and $4.99. Reviewer: Sonya Goldman
ISBN: 0-8050-1114-5
ISBN: 0-440-43574-9
The House Gobbaleen
Lloyd Alexander
Illustrated by Diane Goode
Tooley has invited the greedy Hooks into his home, for surely nothing could be worse than Tooley's life and luck as it is now. With Hooks as his houseguest, Tooley quickly learns the true meaning of Hook's words "Once in, never out" as things change for the worse. Thanks to Tooley's inventive cat and the "House Gobbaleen", Tooley learns how to "make" his own luck. The original tale and expressive illustrations are sure to make this book a hit. 1995, Dutton, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-525-45289-3
ISBN: 0-14-056504-3
The Iron Ring
Lloyd Alexander
Tamar, King of Sundari, loses a game of dice to the king of Mahapura. The stakes were high; Tamar now wears an iron ring indicating that his life belongs to the victor. The young king travels to Mahapura to honor his pledge according to the warrior's code, or dharma. Along the journey, he encounters many strange creatures and new friends. Hashkat, king of the monkeys, is rescued and aids Tamar in many ways. Tigers, snakes, eagles and milkmaids join the entourage. Through his travels and encounters, Tamar loses much but gains priceless understanding. Inspired by Indian mythology, Alexander has crafted a compelling tale in which integrity is a most valuable commodity. 1997, Dutton, Ages 12 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-525-45597-3
The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen
Lloyd Alexander
This story is in the tradition of grand quests. It is as intricate as the carvings on a piece of ivory. Prince Jen sets out to search for the legendary court of T'ien-Kuo to learn to govern his own kingdom. His 6 gifts soon disappear and he is left in rags discovering how quick people are to judge you by your garments. Gradually, he learns the value of the gifts he carried and in the process amazes himself with his own courage. The beautiful flute girl and his faithful servant are helpmates. A memorable cast of characters with plenty of action and humorous moments to satisfy the most demanding readers. 1991, Dutton, Ages 11 to 13, $15.00. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-525-44826-8
The Town Cats and Other Tales
Lloyd Alexander
Illustrations by Laszlo Kubinyi
In this collection of eight stories, cats have all the skills of humans, including articulation. They can play chess, entertain noblemen, outwit kings, and cleverly save their human friends from disaster. In "The Cat and the Golden Egg," a silver-grey named Quickset makes a fool out of a greedy shopkeeper. "The Cat Who Said No" is the only creature who dares to refuse a spoiled and bored king. Each delightful story proves cats to be wiser than human beings. Alexander has created a charming society with the ambiance of the Renaissance world. All of the stories offer fairy tale justice, proverbial wisdom, and sharp wit. "The Cat and the Fiddler" depicts a starving musician who keeps his promises even when better offers come his way. Teachers will enjoy reading these entertaining stories aloud in the classroom. Kubinyi's black and white drawings show intricate and intriguing details. This is a fine piece of literature. 1998 (orig. 1977), Puffin, Ages 10 to 14, $4.99. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf
ISBN: 0-14-130122-8
Added 1999
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you’re interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.