Alan Garner

Date of Birth: October 17, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Alan Garner is a distinguished English novelist, celebrated for his works of fantasy fiction and children’s literature. Born on October 17, 1934, in Congleton, Cheshire, England, Garner spent much of his early life in Alderley Edge, a region steeped in myth and history. His early exposure to local folklore would later become a significant influence on his writing. Garner attended Manchester Grammar School and later studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, though he left before completing his degree. His debut novel, “The Weirdstone of Brisingamen,” published in 1960, established him as a significant voice in fantasy literature. The book, along with its sequel “The Moon of Gomrath,” is set in Alderley Edge and intertwines local legends with Garner’s imaginative storytelling. Over the years, Garner’s work has grown more complex and adult-oriented. His notable novels include “Elidor” (1965), “The Owl Service” (1967), which won the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, and “Red Shift” (1973). His later works, such as “Thursbitch” (2003) and “Boneland” (2012), continue to explore themes of time, memory, and myth. Garner’s contributions to literature have been recognized with several awards and honors, including the British Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement and an OBE for services to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Garner

1. Alan Garner’s house, Toad Hall, is a medieval building in Cheshire, which he restored himself over many years.

2. He has a deep interest in archaeology and mythology, which extensively influences his writing.

3. Garner’s novel “The Owl Service” was adapted into a television series in 1969.

4. He has received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Salford and the University of Warwick.

5. Garner’s work often features strong connections to the landscape and history of Cheshire, where he has lived most of his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Garner

1. “I have always known that my true language is story.”

2. “I often think writing is like driving sheep down a road. If there are too many in one pen, they scatter. So you have to keep them in small groups and move them along.”

3. “The power of myth is in the story, not in the truth.”

4. “The artist deals with what cannot be said in words.”

5. “Fiction is a way of exploring the universe, to understand humanity’s place in it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alan Garner’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but as a successful author with a long career, it is estimated to be in the range of several million pounds.