Picture an Australian storyteller who spun a magical world of bards and epic quests—meet Alison Croggon! Born in South Africa in 1962, this award-winning poet, novelist, and critic has enchanted readers with her lush fantasy series, The Books of Pellinor. From her childhood love of Tolkien to her vibrant poetry, Croggon’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination.
Now living in Melbourne, Croggon wears many hats: fantasy author, poet, playwright, and arts editor for The Saturday Paper. Her ability to weave intricate narratives across genres has made her a beloved figure in young adult literature and beyond. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Alison Croggon
Alison Croggon’s life began in the Transvaal, South Africa, before her family hopscotched to England and finally settled in Australia when she was seven. Growing up in Ballarat and later Melbourne, she found solace in books. At ten, a sleepless night led her to her father’s copy of The Lord of the Rings, sparking a lifelong love for fantasy. By her teens, she was already penning poetry, a passion that would shape her lyrical prose. After a stint as a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, Croggon left at 25 to focus on writing, fueled by the birth of her son, Joshua, and a fierce determination to create.
Alison Croggon’s Unforgettable Stories
Croggon’s fantasy masterpiece, The Books of Pellinor, is a four-book saga (plus a prequel) that follows Maerad, a young slave with a powerful gift, as she navigates the mythical land of Edil-Amarandh. Titles like The Naming, The Riddle, The Crow, and The Singing blend epic adventure with rich, poetic storytelling. Critics praise their Tolkien-esque depth and strong female lead, with The Naming earning a spot as an Amazon Top Ten Teen Read. Her prose, described as “humbly exquisite” by Kirkus Reviews, paints vivid landscapes and complex emotions.
Beyond Pellinor, Croggon’s versatility shines in Black Spring, a gothic reimagining of Wuthering Heights, shortlisted for the 2014 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. The River and the Book, a standalone fantasy, won the Wilderness Society’s Environmental Writing for Children prize. Her poetry collections, like This is the Stone, which snagged the Anne Elder and Mary Gilmore Prizes, showcase her raw, passionate voice. Croggon also crafts opera libretti, with works like The Riders earning accolades for their emotional depth.
Why Alison Croggon Matters
Alison Croggon’s impact lies in her ability to craft worlds that resonate with readers of all ages. The Books of Pellinor has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide, inspiring fans to create music and tattoos from her words. Her focus on strong, nuanced characters—especially women—challenges fantasy tropes, while her poetic style elevates the genre. As a critic and editor, she shapes Australia’s literary landscape, championing new voices through her work with Masthead and Witness. Croggon’s blend of accessibility and artistry makes her a standout in young adult fantasy.
- Born: 1962, Transvaal, South Africa
- Key Works: The Books of Pellinor, Black Spring, The River and the Book
- Awards: Anne Elder Award, Mary Gilmore Prize, Geraldine Pascall Critic of the Year (2009)
- Fun Fact: She loves Swiss chocolate and owns a three-legged cat!
Snag The Naming and dive into Alison Croggon’s spellbinding world of fantasy and poetry!