Menu

The Life of Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander, prominent DH author

Fantasy fiction author Lloyd Alexander, 83, of suburban Philadelphia, died May 17, 2007 at his home in the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Upper Darby, he was a graduate of Upper Darby High School, attended West Chester State Teacher's College, Lafayette College and the University of Paris (Sorbonne).

Mr. Alexander was a prominent author of fantasy fiction for children and young adults and wrote more than 40 books.

He once said, "Shakespeare, Dickens, Mark Twain and so many others were my dearest friends and greatest teachers. I loved all the world's mythologies: King Arthur was one of my heroes."

Mr. Alexander counted among his accolades, the prestigious Newbery Medal, National Book Award, School Library Journal's Best Book of the Year and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award.

Mr. Alexander received the Newbery for "The High King." One of his works, "The Black Cauldron," was made into a Disney film.

Considered one of the world's master storytellers, his volumes have been translated into 11 different languages. Among his literary memberships were P.E.N., the Author's Guild and the Philadelphia Children's Reading Round Table.

During WWII, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in France, where he was befriended by Gertrude Stein. It was also in Paris that he met and married his wife, Janine Denni, who died just two weeks ago.

Mr. Alexander was a member of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Drexel Hill and a member of the Upper Darby High School Hall of Fame. He considered himself an amateur "violinist of distinction." That distinction being the "worst in the world," yet he never let that stand in the way of his performance of Mozart.

Upon his death, Mr. Alexander's work space/office is to be moved to, and preserved by, Brigham Young University.

"I never did find out all I wanted to know about writing," said Lloyd Alexander, "and realize I never will. All that writers can do is to keep trying to say what is deepest in their hearts. If writers learn more from their books than do readers, perhaps I may have begun to learn."

His wife of 62 yrs Janine, died May 2nd, 2007. Mr. Alexander was also predeceased by his daughter, Madeline Khalil.

Survivors include his son-in-law, Zohair Khalil, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service was private.

Inurnment was in Monticello Mausoleum at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.

Funeral arrangements were by Toppitzer Funeral Home, Drexel Hill. .

Filter Lloyd Alexander's Timeline by the following Memory Categories

2007.05.22
Photo Album

2007.11.05

Mr. Alexander's High King novel was very inspirational. It is an excellent piece of literature.

2007.11.12

Your books brought to me the joy of reading. I have tried to teach my children from your works.

2007.11.25

I loved your people like they were real - I consider myself blessed to have met them. Thank you.

2007.12.05

I am deeply saddened at the loss of the man who brought joy into my childhood and my life.

2007.12.26

Lioyd Alexander's books truly have helped me in my life in many levels. May his memory live on.

2008.02.07

I will miss Lloyd for the rest of my life on this earthly plane. He was my friend for 27 years, a great mentor and a truly beautiful, wonderful man. His work is an abiding treasure for the world.If any man reflected an urgent compassion for truth, understanding and humanity it was Lloyd. God bless you and Janine. x
Posted by Stewart S

2008.03.26

You will always live on vividly in the amazing books you have left behind. I wish I could have met you in person, but reading and rereading your books is almost as good. You have truly inspired me to become a writer of my own. There are not enough words to express how much you and your works have affected my life. Thank you, and God bless.
Posted by Maya S

2008.06.03

I have been reading Lloyd Alexander's books for thirty years. His Chronicles of Prydain have a permanent place in my library. In his stories, I saw vivid portrayals of compassion, courage, perseverance, hope, and love... they made me want to be a better person. His works live on, but I will miss the pleasure of finding new Lloyd Alexander books on the library shelves.
Posted by Chris N

2009.01.19

I vividly remember reading the entire Chronicles of Prydain series as a 5th grader in elementary school and diligently writing a report on each of the books. Lloyd Alexander through those books instilled in me a lifetime joy of reading and sense of adventure and imagination. I still remember actually crying as I finished the last pages of "The High King" because I was so saddened that the adventure was over. Now as a 40 year old man I am introducing my 5th grade son to this amazing series and look forward to sharing this great adventure with him. Even in this present day of Blu-Ray Hi-Def movies and Video Games, it's the story that matters. Lloyd Alexander will be missed as a master storyteller. Thank you for the memories. Your memory will live on.
Posted by Christopher T

2010.04.14

Lloyd- You truly were one of the unsung heroes who changed the world for the better. If only we all could be a little more like you.
Posted by Jared