Lloyd Alexander, author of the award-winning Chronicles of Prydain series as well as numerous other novels died last Thursday at age 83. Posted by Loren (Member # 9539) on :
I saw the news this morning. It's sad, but he sure left a great legacy of fun books. He's the reason I got into fantasy, both reading and writing. And as a grad student of literature, I've read a lot of great works, but The High King has been my favorite book since I was about 10.
Posted by airmanfour (Member # 6111) on :
I loved those books. A lot.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Huh. I thought he was dead before I was born.
I personally loved Taran Wanderer.
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
He was an amazing writer. I can't remember which of my friends (or maybe it was someone one Hatrack) wrote him a fan letter which he very kindly replied to.
His books definitely made up part of who I am today.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Yeah...he changed the way I viewed writing, and in some ways the world.
I cried reading The High King...and I was in my mid/late teens.
mph...Taran Wanderer is one of my all time favorite books too.
Posted by Silent E (Member # 8840) on :
I was so hooked on his books between 4th and 6th grades. I wrote a piano piece, named it after Taran, and sent him a tape of it. He sent me a very gracious response. What a great guy. What a great writer.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
That's very sad indeed. I loved his books as a kid, and I still love them. I juct checked one I hadn't read out of the library yesterday.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
My son really enjoys the Prydain Chronicles. This is sad.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
I've been reading the Prydain books recently and have been happy to find they still hold up well. Taran Wanderer is one of my faves too.
Posted by esl (Member # 3143) on :
I wrote about Taran Wanderer for my high school honors English application. I got in.
I also thought he'd died before I was born.
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
Such a great series of books. I want to re-read them...
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
He had a new book come out every several years or so. I remember as a High School kid back in the 90s being delighted to read his latest stuff.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
I had no idea he was still alive! RIP, Lloyd. I'll have to re-read some of him in his honor.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I liked Time Cat.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
He was pretty much what got me into fantasy when I was younger. I haven't re-read the Prydain Chronicles in a while. Now might be a good time.
Posted by TheGrimace (Member # 9178) on :
ditto on what most of you have been saying here...
RIP Lloyd
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I read The Black Cauldron in 5th grade, and it was OK but I wonder if perhaps it just rubbed me the wrong way at that age. Perhaps I should give Mr. Alexander another try.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Well start with The Book of Three. The Black Cauldron was the second book in the series.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
For those who only know Alexander from the Pyrdain Chronicles, I highly recommend:
The Westmark Trilogy The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
I'd suggest The Iron Ring and The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen.
Posted by Nathan2006 (Member # 9387) on :
The book of three... That was the first fantasy I read that wasn't written by Tolkien or Lewis... I didn't finish it, because I thought it was weird. But, I think I'll give it another try. I've read a lot more fantasy now, and I'll probably read it and think that it's brilliant. It's happened before.
Posted by msquared (Member # 4484) on :
I second the views above. I loved the High King Series, Taran Wanderer and The High King in particular.
Taran Wanderer is a wonderful book and the High King is the only book I have cried at while reading. The last two chapters are so moving.
I would love to see them make a real movie series out of these books.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)