Robert Holdstock

Robert Holdstock (2 August 1948 – 29 November 2009) was an English novelist and author best known for his works of Celtic, Nordic, Gothic and Pictish fantasy literature, predominantly in the fantasy subgenre of mythic fiction.

Robert Holdstock in 2004

Quotes

Mythago Wood (1984)

All page numbers are from the mass market paperback edition published by Avon Books, ISBN 0-380-76276-5

Won the 1985 World Fantasy Award and the 1984 BSFA Award

• Skills used unselfishly make for cooperation.
  • Part 2, “The Wild Hunters,” Chapter 10 (p. 148)

• God grew out of the memories of powerful men.
  • Part 3, “The Heartwoods”, Chapter 4, “Necromancer” (p. 226)

• Nothing has happened until it happens.
  • Chapter 4, “Necromancer” (p. 234)

• When so much is lost in the dark of time there must be a myth to glorify that lost knowledge.
  • Chapter 5, “The Valley” (p. 265)

Lavondyss (1988)

All page numbers are from the mass market paperback edition published by Avon Books, ISBN 0-380-71184-2

Won the 1988 BSFA Award

Italics and ellipsis as in the book

• “I really didn’t mean to steal it.”
  Mr. Williams shook his head. He scratched at his chin nervously. “Why not? That’s what they’re there for. Tunes belong to everybody. So do stories.”
  • Part One, “Old Forbidden Place”, Chapter 5, “Shadow of the Wood” (p. 114)

• All things are known, but most things are forgotten. It takes a special magic to remember them.
  • Part One, Chapter 6, “The Bone Forest” (p. 137)

• “Have I told you about Christ?”
  “Ghost-born-man-walking-on-water-telling-stories-dead-on-tree. Yes. You’ve told me about him. Show me more feathers.”
  • Part Two, “In the Unknown Region”, Chapter 1, “The Mortuary House” (p. 231)

• Lavondyss for you—for all of us—is what we are able to remember of ancient times…”
  • Part Two, Chapter 5, “Ghost of the Tree” (p. 371)

• “Where have you been?” he asked.
  “Walking in the woods,” she said.
  • Part Two, Chapter 5, “Ghost of the Tree” (p. 377)