Eric Linklater facts for kids

Eric Robert Russell Linklater (8 March 1899 – 7 November 1974) was a famous Welsh-born Scottish writer. He wrote many books, including novels, short stories, and travel books. He also wrote about military history.

Eric Linklater is especially known for his children's fantasy novel, The Wind on the Moon. This book won the 1944 Carnegie Medal. This award is given to the best children's book by a British author each year.

Early Life and Roots

Eric Linklater was born in Penarth, Wales, in 1899. His father was a master mariner from Orkney, Scotland. His mother's father was a sea captain from Sweden. This means Eric had family roots in both Scotland and Scandinavia.

He went to Aberdeen Grammar School and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He loved the Orkney islands, where his family came from. He felt a strong connection to these islands throughout his life.

A Writer's Journey

Eric Linklater served in the Black Watch army regiment from 1917 to 1918. He was injured during this time. He later wrote about his experiences in his memoir, Fanfare for a Tin Hat.

After university, he worked as an assistant editor for The Times of India in Mumbai. He traveled a lot before returning to Aberdeen. His writing career really took off in 1929. He became very successful early on.

He wrote a lot of books! He published 23 novels, many short stories, poems, and plays. He also wrote autobiographies and essays. One of his popular novels was Juan in America. It was a fun adventure story based on his travels.

Children's Books

Eric Linklater wrote three special books for young readers:

• The Wind on the Moon (1944)
• The Pirates in the Deep Green Sea (1949)
• Karina With Love (1958)

The Wind on the Moon is about two sisters who have amazing adventures. They even turn into kangaroos! They work with a puma and a falcon to rescue their father. This book won the Carnegie Medal because of its great storytelling. It also explored important ideas like freedom.

War and Writing

During World War II, Linklater joined the army again. He helped raise a unit of engineers in Orkney to protect the naval base. Later, he worked for the War Office. He wrote official histories about the war.

His experiences led him to write Private Angelo (1946). This novel is about an Italian soldier during the war. It looks at ideas of loyalty and community. He also visited the Korean War to write about it.

Achievements and Family

Memorial to Eric Linklater in Kirkwall Cathedral, Orkney

Eric Linklater was a respected figure. He was the Rector of the University of Aberdeen from 1945 to 1948. He also received an honorary degree from the university. In 1954, he was appointed a Commander of the CBE.

In 1933, Eric Linklater married Marjorie MacIntyre. She was an actress and worked to support the arts and environment. They had four children. Many of his children and grandchildren also became writers or actors. This shows how creativity ran in their family!

Eric Linklater passed away in Aberdeen in 1974 at the age of 75.

Main Works

Here are some of Eric Linklater's most well-known books:

Children's Fiction

• The Wind on the Moon (1944) – This book won the Carnegie Medal.
• The Pirates in the Deep Green Sea (1949)

Other Fiction

• Poet's Pub (1929)
• Juan in America (1931)
• Magnus Merriman (1934)
• Private Angelo (1946) – A funny story about war.
• Laxdale Hall (1951)

Non-fiction

• The Man on My Back (1941) – His autobiography.
• The Northern Garrisons (1941) – About British troops in remote places.
• The Campaign in Italy (1951) – About the war in Italy.
• A Year of Space (1953) – A travel book.
• Orkney and Shetland (1965) – About the history and geography of the islands.
• Fanfare for a Tin Hat (1970) – Another autobiography.