Childhood and Education Journey of Neil Gaiman in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Neil Gaiman. From birth to education, explore key events.

Neil Gaiman is a prolific English author known for his diverse body of work spanning short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays. He gained significant recognition for his comic series *The Sandman* (1989-1996) and has penned several critically acclaimed novels including *Good Omens* (1990, co-authored), *Stardust* (1999), *American Gods* (2001), *Coraline* (2002), *Anansi Boys* (2005), *The Graveyard Book* (2008) and *The Ocean at the End of the Lane* (2013). Gaiman is also involved in television, notably co-creating the TV adaptations of *Good Omens* and *The Sandman*, further solidifying his impact on popular culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1914: Emigration to England

Before 1914, Neil Gaiman's great-grandfather emigrated from Antwerp to England.

1956: Carnegie Medal Awarded to The Chronicles of Narnia

In 1956, C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia won the Carnegie Medal, introducing Neil Gaiman to literary awards.

The Chronicles of Narnia Complete 7-Book Collection: All 7 Books Plus Bonus Book: Boxen

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November 1960: Neil Gaiman's Birth

In November 1960, Neil Richard Gaiman was born. He is an English author known for short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays.

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1965: Moved to East Grinstead

In 1965, Neil Gaiman moved to East Grinstead and lived there until 1980.

1970: Attended Ardingly College

In 1970, Neil Gaiman attended Ardingly College in East Grinstead.

1974: Attended Whitgift School

In 1974, Neil Gaiman began attending Whitgift School in Croydon after attending Ardingly College from 1970-1974.

1977: Finished at Whitgift School

In 1977, Neil Gaiman finished his education at Whitgift School in Croydon.

1980: Left East Grinstead

In 1980, Neil Gaiman left East Grinstead, where he had lived since 1965.

1984: Returned to East Grinstead

In 1984, Neil Gaiman returned to East Grinstead.

1985: Marriage to Mary McGrath

In 1985, Neil Gaiman married Mary McGrath, whom he had met while she was studying Scientology in East Grinstead.

1987: Left East Grinstead again

In 1987, Neil Gaiman left East Grinstead again.

1992: Gaiman moves to Wisconsin

In 1992, Neil Gaiman moved near Menomonie, Wisconsin, to be closer to the family of his then-wife, Mary McGrath.

October 2008: Gaiman reads Blueberry Girl poem

On 5 October 2008, Neil Gaiman, who is godfather to Tori Amos's daughter Tash, read his poem "Blueberry Girl" aloud at the Sundance Kabuki Theater in San Francisco during his book reading tour for The Graveyard Book.

The Graveyard Book

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2008: Gaiman Joins Twitter

In 2008, Neil Gaiman joined the social media platform Twitter, expanding his online presence and engagement with fans.

2008: Gaiman meets Amanda Palmer

In 2008, Neil Gaiman met Amanda Palmer.

March 2009: Publication of Blueberry Girl

In March 2009, Neil Gaiman's poem "Blueberry Girl", originally written for Tori Amos's daughter Tash, was published as a book with illustrations by Charles Vess.

Blueberry Girl

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2009: Gaiman and Palmer enter relationship

In 2009, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer entered a relationship.

2011: Gaiman and Palmer get married

In 2011, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer got married.

2015: Death of Terry Pratchett

In 2015, Neil Gaiman's close friend and fellow author Terry Pratchett passed away.

March 2020: Gaiman, Palmer, and son move to New Zealand

In March 2020, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer, and their son moved to New Zealand. Weeks later their marriage collapsed.

2021: Gaiman and Palmer reconcile

In 2021, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer reconciled after previously separating in 2020.

November 2022: Gaiman and Palmer confirm divorce

In November 2022, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer released a joint statement confirming that they would divorce.

2022: Support for Ukraine during Russian invasion

In 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Neil Gaiman showed his support for Ukraine by announcing on Twitter that he would not renew contracts with Russian publishers. Gaiman also encouraged donations to Ukrainian refugees.

2023: Signed open letter calling for Alexei Navalny's release

In 2023, Neil Gaiman, along with over 100 other public figures, signed an open letter addressed to Russian president Vladimir Putin, calling for the release of Russian prisoner Alexei Navalny.

January 2025: Divorce negotiations become "ugly"

As of January 2025, in the fifth year of proceedings, divorce negotiations between Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer had become "ugly", with Palmer moving in with her parents due to financial difficulties.