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Howl's Moving Castle Author Dies
posted on by Andrew Osmond
The British fantasy author Diana Wynne Jones, whose book Howl's Moving Castle was adapted by Hayao Miyazaki, has died at the age of 76.
Born in London in 1934, Jones became one of the most acclaimed British fantasy authors. She wrote dozens of books over four decades, many marketed to children, but with a devoted adult following. Her work was widely praised for its sharp wit and intelligence, and in 2007 she won the 'World Fantasy Award' for her 'outstanding service to the fantasy field.'
Her novel Howl's Moving Castle was published in 1986, and adapted as a Studio Ghibli film in 2004. The film's original director was Mamoru Hosoda, but Hayao Miyazaki replaced him on the project. (Jones made some comments on the film in a Q&A in 2005, quoted here.) Jones continued to write about the Howl characters, who returned in her novels Castle in the Air, published in 1990 and House of Many Ways in 2008.
Jones' other books include The Homeward Bounders, Archer's Goon, Fire and Hemlock and Charmed Life. The latter book was one of a series of stories featuring the enchanter Chrestomanci.
Her death was announced on twitter by fellow fantasy author Neil Gaiman, who wrote: 'Rest in Peace, Diana Wynne Jones. You shone like a star. The funniest, wisest, writer & the finest friend. I miss you.'
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