Ancient authors: Patricia McKillip
In 1975, Patricia A. McKillip won the inaugural World Fantasy Award with The Forgotten Beasts of Eld. Recent printings of the book classify it as a Young Adult novel, but the truth is McKillip’s brand of fantasy could (and still does) entrance readers of any age. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld follows Sybel, a 16-year-old girl who lives alone on a mountain, surrounded by a band of mythical creatures left to her by her father. She becomes embroiled in the political intrigues of Eldwold when a mysterious stranger leaves a royal infant in her charge.McKilip was born in 1948, at the same time that the defining work of modern fantasy was being written: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. It’s almost certain that McKillip must have been aware of this work while growing up. However, her body of work shows a mythical imagination all her own. There are obvious sourcesfor example, “The Riddle-Master Trilogy,” her first major series, borrows themes and imagery from Celtic mythology. This series imagines a world in which rulers are mystically connected to their kingdoms through a magic known as “land-rule.” Riddles and disguises (most often through shapeshifting magic) give the series its name. The trilogy is currently available in an omnibus edition.McKillip’s “Cygnet Duology” has also been compiled into one collection (Cygnet), as has her “Kyreol Duology” (Moonflash). It’s a pleasure to have these early works back in print again, especially since McKillip is still crafting fine novels today. In 2008, she released her latest work, The Bell at Sealey Head. Nominated for both the 2009 Locus Award and the 2009 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature, this work holds up well with McKillip’s earlier treasures.The title refers to a phantom bell that haunts the town of Sealey Head, whose mystery has been long forgotten by the townspeople but is thrust to the forefront when scholar Ridley Dow attempts to unravel its secrets. Meanwhile, an ancient manor house contains secret doors to another world, which chambermaid Emma explores while her mistress Lady Eglantine lies on her deathbed. These mysteries converge in a stunning climax which shows that McKillip retains her knack for beautiful imagery.McKillip graduated from San Jose State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts English Degree, and received a Master of Arts degree from that same institution in 1973. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with the artist Kinuko Y. Craft, who frequently provides the covers for her books. Craft has also covered the books of authors Juliet Marillier and Tanith Lee, along with fully illustrating a number of childrens’ books. Today, McKillip lives in Oregon with her husband, the poet David Lunde, and shows no signs of putting an end to her long and magical career.