Kevin Crossley-Holland Quotes

Powerful Kevin Crossley-Holland for Daily Growth

About Kevin Crossley-Holland

Kevin Crossley-Holland (born September 17, 1941) is an eminent British author, poet, translator, and broadcaster, renowned for his substantial contributions to children's literature, mythology retellings, and Old Norse poetry adaptations. Born in Oxford, England, Crossley-Holland was educated at Marlborough College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he read English Literature. His interest in Old Norse mythology began early, inspired by his mother's tales of the sagas and Beowulf. This fascination would later culminate in his groundbreaking adaptations of the Eddas and other Old Norse epics. His literary career commenced in 1963 with the publication of 'A Flock of Sheep,' a collection of poems. However, it was his children's book, 'The Seeing Stone' (1965), that catapulted him to fame. This work introduced the Arthurian legend to a new generation, establishing Crossley-Holland as a master storyteller for young readers. In 1978, he published 'Ragnarok: The End of the Gods,' his first retelling of Old Norse mythology. This was followed by 'The Norse Myths' in 1990, a three-volume work that remains a seminal text for those studying Norse mythology. His other notable works include 'The Fire Hermit' (1985), 'Beowulf: A New Translation for Ours Times' (1998), and 'Tales from the Norse' (2003). Throughout his career, Crossley-Holland has been celebrated for his vivid storytelling, captivating prose, and ability to make ancient tales relevant to contemporary audiences. His works have garnered numerous accolades, including the Carnegie Medal in 1967 for 'The Seeing Stone.' In addition to writing, Crossley-Holland has worked as a broadcaster, presenting programs on BBC Radio 4 and BBC TV. He is also a highly respected lecturer and visiting professor at several universities. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Crossley-Holland remains humble about his craft, always emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Stories are vessels for dreams."

Kevin Crossley-Holland's quote "Stories are vessels for dreams" suggests that narratives serve as containers or carriers of dreams, aspirations, and imaginations. Essentially, stories allow us to explore and manifest our deepest desires, hopes, and fears in a safe, imaginative space. Through the power of storytelling, we can tap into our unconscious minds, journey through different worlds, and experience life beyond our immediate reality. This quote underscores the transformative potential of literature and the human imagination.

"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by."

This quote emphasizes that not everyone needs to be a hero in the conventional sense, as there are essential roles in society beyond those that involve direct action or bravery. Some individuals provide support and encouragement from the sidelines, contributing significantly to the success and progress of others. In other words, while we strive for greatness, it's equally important to recognize and appreciate the efforts of those who help us achieve our goals.

"Words make their own worlds."

The quote "Words make their own worlds" implies that language, particularly through storytelling or poetry, has the power to create unique realities or universes in our minds. It suggests that words have a profound impact on shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and understanding of the world. This quote emphasizes the importance of language as a tool for expression, imagination, and communication, encouraging us to use it creatively to craft and navigate different worlds.

"In the end, it's only with stories that you can truly understand anything."

This quote emphasizes the power of storytelling in helping us comprehend and navigate the complexities of life. By engaging with stories, we gain insights into human experiences, emotions, and the world around us, fostering empathy, understanding, and wisdom. Stories serve as a bridge between different cultures, epochs, and individuals, offering a universal language that transcends borders and barriers. Through narratives, we can learn about ourselves, others, and the intricacies of our shared existence, ultimately enriching our lives and fostering compassionate communities.

"To learn a story is to know a world."

This quote suggests that stories aren't just narratives; they are windows into different worlds. By learning a story, we gain an understanding of a unique culture, history, or perspective that might be foreign to us. Stories can transport us beyond the confines of our immediate experiences, expanding our knowledge and empathy for the world. They foster human connection by helping us relate to each other's stories and share in one another's lives. Essentially, understanding a story equips us with an intimate acquaintance with that particular 'world', enriching our collective wisdom and fostering cultural awareness and tolerance.

Think of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.' It is equally intoxicating for children and adults. All this 'crossover' talk is something publishers are using as a selling device - a kind of post hoc rationalisation of what was happening already.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Think, Crossover, Using, Wonderland

When I was a boy, I took over the shed at the bottom of the garden and displayed fossils and potsherds and coins in it and proudly called it my 'museum'. I charged people to come in, and my most prized possession was a Saracen shield dating from the Crusades.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Shield, Shed, Prized, Garden

There are Arthurian legends in 14 or 15 medieval European languages. They are the product of no one time or place. On the contrary, in sum they represent a tremendous mine of human understanding, rather as the Bible does.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Bible, Product, Mine, On The Contrary

For each detail I include, I throw dozens away. So I guess the first trick is to pick the right details, the most revealing details. Then I think one must simply write quick, clean, bright prose. For me, this means rewriting and rewriting: almost never adding, almost always cutting.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Quick, I Think, Dozens, Rewriting

Before Arthur, I'd dismissed altogether writing fiction. You only have so many semi-sharp arrows in your quiver, I'd told myself, and I was not going to be able to write a novel.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Fiction, Before, Arthur, Dismissed

I see the role of the writer as creating a room with big windows and leaving the reader to imagine. It's a meeting on the page.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Big, Role, Imagine, Meeting

Like any decent researcher, I throw away 90% of my research.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Away, Like, Throw, Researcher

Maybe if I ever come to write about my teens and adulthood - and I can't imagine I will - but if I do, then maybe I will want to say a bit more about the ways in which my parents' relationship with one another impacted on me in later years.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Maybe, Another, About, Adulthood

Most writers, by the time they're 60, must have revisited their childhood a dozen times.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Most, By The Time, Times, Dozen

I am seriously interested in the psychology of childhood. And I've given a lot of my life to trying to see questions of personal development, as well as the great issues of the day, from a child's point of view.

- Kevin Crossley-Holland

Questions, My Life, Issues, Point Of View

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