Alexander Key was a fabulous author of children’s fantasy books. Sadly, much of his work is out of print at this point. To give you the impetus to get out there and hunt down some of his books, here is a list of thirteen facts about him.
13 Facts About Alexander Hill Key:
1. Alexander Key was the author of such books as Escape to Witch Mountain, Return from Witch Mountain, and The Forgotten Door.
2. He was born September 21, 1904.
3. He died on July 25, 1979.
4. You can read some of his out of print books online here.
5. His book Escape to Witch Mountain has been (sort of) adapted three times into film. There’s the original adaptation (good), the TV version (bleh), and a shiny new film coming soon (not so much an adaptation as a modern story on the same theme. I’m dead curious.)
6. He’s my favorite writer. Why do you think I chose him for this list? ๐
7. Mr. Key attended the Chicago Art Institute from 1921-23.
8. His books often dealt with youngsters who had some form of ESP.
9. His book, The Strange White Doves is a non-fiction book which discusses his belief that some animals may have a variety of ESP. It’s quite an interesting read.
10. His father died not long after someone burned his sawmill/cotton gin. His mother was killed in an accident not long afterward.
11. He was born in Maryland but raised in Florida.
12. Many of his papers are housed at the McCain Library and Archives at the University of Southern Mississippi.
13. A quote: ” The world we’ve created is a pretty sad one, and our only hope of making it better is through the young. Their minds are still open. Anyway, I long ago reached the point where I feel the young are the only ones worth writing for.” – Contemporary Authors
I LOVED Escape to Witch Mountain. Thanks for this list.
He was truly one of the greats. Too bad his books aren’t still in circulation. Great list. Happy T13!
That was an excellent TT!
Up with 13 Thorne-Quirks
Happy TT!
I read the “Forgotten Door” and loved it when I was in grade school. I should reread that. I’m adding it to my to-read list. Thanks.
I loved the movies and am a little worried about the new movie.
As a child, I loved the Witch Mountain book and movie. Now I can’t wait to take the kids to see the new movie.
Happy TT!
Thanks for the link to the books. I am going to have to read more than just Escape to Witch Mountain. Fun list!
An interesting idea for a list. I enjoyed learning about Mr Key.
I have a total love for children’s books as I had so many as a child. I am now a collector of children’s books.
I can’t wait for the movie, I remember the first movie, but not the tv show for some reason.
P.S. The renovation is done and I’ve posted pictures on the library’s blog: http://sonotogo.blogspot.com. It came out really well, I think. ๐
Journeywoman, so did I. The book and the first film.
Adelle, I will wage a one woman quest to educate folks about him.
Thanks, Thorne!
Brenda, enjoy! I like that one, too.
Angel, I am just going to suspend my disbelief.
kandyblossom, I hope that it’s fun as I’m actually going to be dragging myself to the cinema to see it.
Kristen, one of my other favorites is The Magic Meadow.
Karen, well…I’m collecting his books. ๐
What a fascinating topic and collection of facts! Now I really regret that I never read any of his books as a kid.
Here’s my own TT
— Bookishgal (at Today.com) and Kashicat at WordPress
I think I saw the TV version several years ago. I can see why you are less than enthusiastic about it!
Ann, perhaps it’s best that you don’t remember the tv movie. Your library looks fab!
Phyl, it’s never too late. ๐
Nicholas, in my house we call it the purple nightmare.
I’m so glad there are those of you out there who like his books. Just thought you might like to know that Escape to Witch Mountain, the original story, has been reprinted. Any bookstore can get it for you.
Thanks, Charlotte.
I have The Wrath and the Wind by Alexander Key that I inherited from my grandmother. I cannot get through the first 20 pages. Does it get better? Is it worth the read? Surely doesn’t seem like a child’s book! is it too dated? Thanks…
It isn’t a child’s book, no. I have it, but I haven’t read it yet. My general impression is that it is quite dated…but as I haven’t read it I can’t say for sure. Good Luck.
Kathleen, The Wrath and the Wind is definitely an adult book. The style is quite different from what we are used to today and yes, as a result, is boring. However, for a read simply about a specific area, his love was the Florida panhandle, and Apalachicola in particular and I am thinking this story takes place there. So from that perspective, it might be worth it to a historian.
I will say that there is always potential for any obscure writer (and in some ways he fits that category) to have his works gain in value, so if you have any interest in simply keeping something for potential monetary value, it might be worth it. Especially if it is autographed, though you did not mention it.
This was his most successful adult book, though he did write maybe (?) 2 more.
As for children’s books, both Escape to Witch Mountain and The Forgotten Door have been reprinted recently and are well written and interesting — especially Witch Mountain. I think he was finally coming into his best period just before he died. Isn’t that too often the case?
I purchased an old trunk today and inside I found a letter saying the trunk belonged to Alexander H. Key the famous author. Makes me so curious I am going to look for his ooks and read them…. Maybe I will fill the trunk with his books for my children!
island light was awsome anyone thats taking time to read this yall should read island light im from where the book takes place its all accurate fact based fiction
Island Light has been reissued as a reprint by Susan Wolfe of Forgotten Coast Books. It is for sale at the Apalachicola Municipal Library, 76 6th St., Apalachicola, FL 32320. Price: $15.95 paperback and $22.95 hard cover.
I read The Golden Enemy by Alexander Key about 35? years ago while in grade school. Not long after, it was pulled from circulation; all books to be disposed of. I looked for this book a few years ago in a public library for my children to read. I was approached by a librarian and told I had accessed a book on a “watch list”. I was asked not to search for it again. Any idea why? It was a great book and one of the reasons I enjoy science fiction now.
Alexander Key was my #1 favourite author as a child. I read Sprockets, Rivets and Bolts books over and over again and as an adult I was thrilled to read them to my children many times. I still have my copies since the 1960’s.
When I was in elementary school, I wrote Mr.Key a letter and he actually sent me a handwritten reply… signed and everything. I was thrilled. I saved it for years. That was in 1969 I think. I would give anything to find that letter, but I have not seen it for decades.