Gaiman Nominated for 2002 Mythopoeic Award

“The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature is given to the fantasy novel, multi-volume, or single-author story collection for adults published during the previous year that best exemplifies “the spirit of the Inklings.””

The Inklings were a group of writers who got together to drink and talk and read each other’s work. Among their numbers were C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield.

The Inklings were the first ones to hear Tolkien read ‘The Hobbit’ through, the first to hear the story that would grow and expand to become ‘The Lord of the Rings’ epic.

The Inklings were the first to watch C.S. Lewis stumble his way into children’s literature, assembling the pastiche of Narnia into a coherent (if somewhat preachy) mythology and narrative.

It’s arguable that the Inklings fell apart with the introduction (or invasion) of Charles Williams. The newcomer unwittingly drove a wedge between Tolkien and Lewis, driving a stake into the heart of the group. Lewis trotted off after Williams, a new style and worldview to imitate and ape (as he world most notably in the last book of the ‘Space Trilogy’), leaving Tolkien abandoned and lonely.

Just a bit of history. There will not be a quiz.

But it’s awful nice that Neil’s been nominated. ‘American Gods’ is now available in paperback.