Lloyd Alexander

[lagilman]

There will never be another new Lloyd Alexander book.

*has sorrow and loss*

*goes to hug bookshelf*


This was the writer I discovered before all others, when I was still chained to the 'children's room' in the library but looking for something with more. He brought me to fantasy as a genre, and twirled me around until I was dizzy with delight and possibility. My signed copy (after wearing out several others) of TARAN WANDERER is still one of my most beloved book-posessions.

I had the great good fortune, as I did with Hal Clement, to tell him how much his books meant to me. I hope he heard that a lot. I suspect he did.

We are all poorer for his loss, and richer for having his backlist with us still.

Comments

[ebenstone.livejournal.com]

I just started reading the Book of Three this last weekend.

[bgliterary.livejournal.com]

Oh, I hadn't heard! Lloyd is a hero of mine, and was one of the first authors I met in person while working at Dutton (and consequently one of the first authors I ever made a complete fool of myself in front of). A lovely man, a brilliant writer...what a loss. I think it's time to read the Prydain books with my son.

[nick-kaufmann.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize he had passed away. Sad news. My experience was just like yours. I read the Prydain books in my youth, and they energized me in a way other books for youngsters never did. I idolized Gurgi!

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that. I loved his books, too. I'm very grateful that he lived to write so much.

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

What?? Wait... What??????!!! Noooooo!

[ianrandalstrock.livejournal.com]

Sadly, it's confirmed: I just spoke with his publisher.

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

Wikipedia has it up already. That surprises me, honestly.

[lauriemann.livejournal.com]

Perhaps one of his relatives knows about Wikipedia. Whoever did the first update noted that Lloyd's wife had died just two weeks ago.

[rhonawestbrook.livejournal.com]

:::*has sorrow and loss*:::

I'm totally stealing that line because it made me laugh out loud and I loved it!

[bgliterary.livejournal.com]

Wait, Janine died two weeks ago??? The two of them were utterly devoted to each other, and I'm sure he simply couldn't imagine living on without her.

[lauriemann.livejournal.com]

Yes - and her death has been reported in the local paper:

http://www.legacy.com/philly/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=87776644

I run a Web site called Dead People Server, and wondered if Lloyd's death was a rumor or if there was a way to substantiate it - rumors show up on Wikipedia all the time, so I'm reluctant to use recent information from it without substantiation. But, when I could substantiate Janine's death...well, then Lloyd's death made sense, unfortunately.

[lagilman]

Lloyd had, reportedly, been in hospice care, although I don't know for how long. I do know that his health had not been good recently.

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

Huh. Well, if THAT'S true, then his death doesn't surprise me.

[bgliterary.livejournal.com]

One small consolation: there will indeed be one more new Alexander book this fall.

[rhonawestbrook.livejournal.com]

Oh...and I'm also sorry to hear about this writer, but I don't know much about him. Now I'm going to check his books out though!

[wolfsilveroak.livejournal.com]

On a good note, according to Penguin's website, his last book was completed and is due out in August.

[thecityofdis.livejournal.com]

Oh no, Lloyd Alexander has died? That's awful. I wasn't overly familiar with him as a kid or young adult, but he had a number of wonderful books that I absolutely delighted in reading and rereading a dozen times. He was a clearly gifted man. Time Cat was one of my all-time favorites.

He'll be missed.

[deire.livejournal.com]

Oh no! :goes to hug own bookshelf:

[phatgirly.livejournal.com]

I hadn't heard. I adore his books.

Thank you for letting us know.