When I was around twelve I called Lloyd Alexander. I called him just to tell him what an impact his books had on me (I initially hung up the phone because I was so scared of speaking to him). I was living in South Africa at the time. He was just so gracious and humbled by this little boy calling from the other side of the globe. He spoke such kind words and encouraged me to write and use my own experiences in my stories. We ended up corresponding occasionally through mail. He typed all of his letters on that exact type writer and I still keep those letters. There are have been many writers but few have such authenticity and kindness and insight into people both young and old, that I feel so lucky to know his work and to have shared just a few words with him. A year does not go by where I do not think of this wonderful human being.
I wrote him a fan letter in about 1968 and he wrote back and we corresponded for a couple of years. He sent me and my best friend a copy of The High King before it made it to the bookshelves. What a darling man, and such a lovely voice. The end of this video is so perfect.
One of the best but most underrated and overlooked fantasy writers of all time! Following Taran and his adventures, seeing how he slowly abandoned more childish views and adopted mature ones, without losing his courage and sense of honor, set my standards for judging all other series. There is no reason to have anything what I term “unclean” in children’s books. They get enough of that without having irresponsible adults exposing them too early. Whenever I finished one of Alexander’s books, I felt fired up to be better than what I knew I was. Seeing Alexander as just a peaceful, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth guy explains a lot.
This was amazing to watch! He really seemed like such a nice, humble and imaginative soul. The Prydain series are a yearly read for me. Great to hear the writer talking about his process and some parts of his life. He also seemed to have a great sense of humour.
@@hadracks Yes, I think receiving those dolls of the main Prydain characters from a fan probably gave him an indication of how much his works meant - and continue to mean - to others.
The Chronicles of Prydain sparked my love of fantasy at age 11, and I’m still an avid fantasy reader 40+ years later. Lloyd Alexander is one of the all time greats.
An incredibly good interview with a genius explaining how he became a genius- imagination, desire, and hard work perfecting your work over many years. As a side note, I am impressed that he had an interest in existentialism and good enough French to translate Sartre.
I remember when i got to Taran Wanderer I was about 14. That book had a dramatic impact on my outlook and young mindset and helped me to grow. It helped me to become who I am today - whoever that is 😊
Love how he describes his creative process, as an aspiring writer myself. Never had the chance to read the Chronicles of Prydain, but I'm hoping to at some point in the future 😁
@@Derl30 Ironically, I bought them not long after writing this comment! 😂 I read "The Book of Three" and started on "The Black Cauldron" but then ended up getting distracted by another book. Will definitely get them read now, though 😊
Hearing him talk, and what his house was like... He reminds me a lot of Jay Garrick, who was the Golden Age Flash. I guess there's something from that generation...
When I was around twelve I called Lloyd Alexander. I called him just to tell him what an impact his books had on me (I initially hung up the phone because I was so scared of speaking to him). I was living in South Africa at the time. He was just so gracious and humbled by this little boy calling from the other side of the globe. He spoke such kind words and encouraged me to write and use my own experiences in my stories. We ended up corresponding occasionally through mail. He typed all of his letters on that exact type writer and I still keep those letters. There are have been many writers but few have such authenticity and kindness and insight into people both young and old, that I feel so lucky to know his work and to have shared just a few words with him. A year does not go by where I do not think of this wonderful human being.
I wrote him a fan letter in about 1968 and he wrote back and we corresponded for a couple of years. He sent me and my best friend a copy of The High King before it made it to the bookshelves. What a darling man, and such a lovely voice. The end of this video is so perfect.
One of the best but most underrated and overlooked fantasy writers of all time! Following Taran and his adventures, seeing how he slowly abandoned more childish views and adopted mature ones, without losing his courage and sense of honor, set my standards for judging all other series. There is no reason to have anything what I term “unclean” in children’s books. They get enough of that without having irresponsible adults exposing them too early. Whenever I finished one of Alexander’s books, I felt fired up to be better than what I knew I was. Seeing Alexander as just a peaceful, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth guy explains a lot.
We still love you, you are not forgotten
This was amazing to watch! He really seemed like such a nice, humble and imaginative soul. The Prydain series are a yearly read for me.
Great to hear the writer talking about his process and some parts of his life. He also seemed to have a great sense of humour.
Now I know how to properly pronounce their names... LOL. Wonderful time capsule - an amazing man and author. I absolutely adore the Prydain books.
As a young man growing up reading these, Mr. Alexander died never seeming to realize the impact his works made on some of us.
I think he had a pretty good idea but seems a very humble man.
@@hadracks Yes, I think receiving those dolls of the main Prydain characters from a fan probably gave him an indication of how much his works meant - and continue to mean - to others.
The Chronicles of Prydain sparked my love of fantasy at age 11, and I’m still an avid fantasy reader 40+ years later. Lloyd Alexander is one of the all time greats.
Even when he shows his medals, he never says “I was awarded this for ….” It’s just “here’s a Newberry medal”. So humble and sweet.
It kills me to know I'll never have the opportunity to tell this man how much his books meant to me. 💜 The Arkadians is committed almost to memory.
This author was a part of my adolescence. Words can't describe my gratitude.
What a lovely little find. And what a humble man. His writings influenced countless other fantasists.
I wish I lived in his timeline and Collected the very first editions of his 5 books. And read them all after school everyday.
A humble guy. The High King books were my first series that really hit hard. Think I'll go back and see if my son digs them too.
I absolutely love his sense of humor
He was such a humble and charming man.
An incredibly good interview with a genius explaining how he became a genius- imagination, desire, and hard work perfecting your work over many years. As a side note, I am impressed that he had an interest in existentialism and good enough French to translate Sartre.
I enjoyed his books immensely when a boy. I wrote my own fantasy tale THE ROAD TO DRAGON PALACE and was influenced by him
eye lon wee, Thank you Sir, I needed that.
I remember when i got to Taran Wanderer I was about 14. That book had a dramatic impact on my outlook and young mindset and helped me to grow. It helped me to become who I am today - whoever that is 😊
Love how he describes his creative process, as an aspiring writer myself. Never had the chance to read the Chronicles of Prydain, but I'm hoping to at some point in the future 😁
You've got to give it a try. The Black Cauldron, Taran Wanderer, and The High King are especially fantastic, but they are all good.
@@Derl30 Ironically, I bought them not long after writing this comment! 😂 I read "The Book of Three" and started on "The Black Cauldron" but then ended up getting distracted by another book. Will definitely get them read now, though 😊
@@thomasbailey3385 Cool! Glad to hear it. They are deceivingly simple books filled with wit, humanism, and deep feeling.
Such a journey! You’ll be back to them again and again.
Disney's The Black Cauldron brought us here.
Hearing him talk, and what his house was like... He reminds me a lot of Jay Garrick, who was the Golden Age Flash. I guess there's something from that generation...
He seems like a nice guy.
I wonder if he sees some of himself in Fflam?