Magic and the Magician in Contemporary Culture

I have to complete an essay on Magic & The Magician in modern culture and I am NOT choosing Harry Potter!
Instead I am looking at the Figure of Merlin The Magician in contemporary children's literature; specifically Cadellin Silverbrow in The Weirdstone of Brisingamen & The Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner and Merryman Lyons in The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper (recently made into a ghastly movie named "The Seeker": absolute tragic mutilation of excellent fantasy literature). I am calling for assistance on the background to these novels by two great British authors. I'd like to hear from anyone else who has enjoyed them.
Cheers!
T.H.