Alan Garner is an English novelist from Congleton, Cheshire, and he is closely associated with Alderley Edge, where he spends his early childhood. Born in 1934, he studies classics at Oxford after attending Manchester Grammar School, where a library is named after him.

Writing

Garner writes fiction rooted in local legends, landscape and place, particularly the Cheshire area. His early books are fantasy works marketed for children, although he does not accept being described simply as a children's writer. He later writes for adult readers as well, including Strandloper and Thursbitch.

Among his best-known books are The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, The Moon of Gomrath and The Owl Service, all drawn from local legend and setting. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Owl Service are acknowledged classics of children's literature. The Stone Book is noted for its poetic style and receives the Phoenix Award in 1996.

Language and themes

Garner gives close attention to language and works to capture the rhythm of Cheshire speech in modern English. His writing also explores folklore, mythology, literature, education and ideas about myth and time. These concerns are discussed in The Voice That Thunders, a collection of essays and public talks that also includes autobiographical material, including an account of his life with bipolar disorder.

Recognition

His work receives the Guardian Award, the Carnegie Medal and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. He also wins first prize at the Chicago International Film Festival for his educational film Images. In the 2001 New Year Honours, he is awarded the OBE for services to literature.

Critical attention

Neil Philip's A Fine Anger offers a detailed study of Garner's writing, including his use of language and folklore. Garner is also an accomplished public speaker.