• Biography

Early Life

Alan Garner was born in Congleton, Cheshire, England on October 17, 1934. He was the son of a coal miner and a seamstress. He attended school in Congleton and then went on to study English at Oxford University. After graduating, he worked as a teacher for a few years before becoming a full-time writer.

Writing Career

Garner's first novel, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, was published in 1960 and was an instant success. It was followed by The Moon of Gomrath in 1963 and Elidor in 1965. These three books, known as the "Weirdstone Trilogy," established Garner as a major figure in the fantasy genre.

Garner's other works include The Owl Service (1967), Red Shift (1973), The Stone Book Quartet (1976-79), Strandloper (1996), and Thursbitch (2003). He has also written several non-fiction books, including The Voice That Thunders (1997) and The Stone Book Quartet (1976-79).

Garner has won numerous awards for his work, including the Carnegie Medal (twice), the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Whitbread Award, and the Phoenix Award. He was also made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1975.

Legacy

Garner's work has been praised for its lyrical prose and its exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the power of myth. His books have been translated into many languages and have been adapted for television and stage.

Garner's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary fantasy authors, including J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Philip Pullman. He is also credited with helping to revive interest in British folklore and mythology.

Garner continues to write and lecture on literature and folklore. He lives in Cheshire with his wife, Griselda, and their two children. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a member of the Society of Authors.

Date modified: Apr 6, 2023
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