T. H. White’s masterful retelling of the saga of King Arthur is a fantasy classic as legendary as Excalibur and Camelot, and a poignant story of adventure, romance, and magic that has enchanted readers for generations. Once upon a time, a young boy called “Wart” was tutored by a magician named Merlyn in preparation for a future he couldn’t possibly imagine. A future in which he would ally … which he would ally himself with the greatest knights, love a legendary queen and unite a country dedicated to chivalrous values. A future that would see him crowned and known for all time as Arthur, King of the Britons.
During Arthur’s reign, the kingdom of Camelot was founded to cast enlightenment on the Dark Ages, while the knights of the Round Table embarked on many a noble quest. But Merlyn foresaw the treachery that awaited his liege: the forbidden love between Queen Guenever and Lancelot, the wicked plots of Arthur’s half-sister Morgause and the hatred she fostered in Mordred that would bring an end to the king’s dreams for Britain—and to the king himself.
“[The Once and Future King] mingles wisdom, wonderful, laugh-out-loud humor and deep sorrow—while telling one of the great tales of the Western world.”—Guy Gavriel Kay
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Every now and then I challenge myself with a classic. This one was definitely that – a challenge. Allow me to explain.
First, this is the story of King Arthur. All the characters are present: Gweniviere, Lancelot, Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, the sword in the stone, Mordred, and all the ones I’d ever heard of in retellings-of the story. However, many were not as good, bad, beautiful, handsome, or courageous and pure of heart as I’d been led to imagine. These characters were messy and deep with honor and dishonor battling within them. But there was a quiet strength and desire to do good about them. So, this book challenged my preconceived images of these characters.
Second, this book is long. It is divided into four parts. The first two parts were more familiar (maybe) and were a little easier to read. They told of Arthur’s early education under Merlin, pulling the sword from the stone, and establishing the Round Table – the glory days. Part three tackles the love triangle between Arthur, a Gwen, and Lancelot; the quest for the Holy Grail; and the rise of Mordred. Part four got a little tedious describing the fall of Arthur’s reign, the destructive force of lies and secrets, and the power of evil. This section challenged me with some very deep theological and philosophical musings amid the battles among friends and family.
Finally, this book is written using a Middle English wordings and geographic dialect. I had to look up many words (not all definitions could be found) to really understand some things, but was generally able to follow the story. The author also frequently talked directly to the reader which took some getting used to. The writing style definitely challenged my vocabulary and ability to follow transitions from author speaking to characters.
One last thing, the ending was left somewhat open to interpretation and imagination. I choose to believe the happiest of the possible outcomes. I’m glad I read this book, but i think I’ll go read something a little easier next!
Classic version that so many other authors have re-written and re-invented.
I read this book in junior high. Arthurian legends were my thing back then.
a wonderful sweeping classic of the arthurian legends
I read this decades ago. A wonderful retelling of Authur and Cmelot starting with a very young Arthur. Wonderful
Mediocre
The best fantasy ever written (in my opinion). Not only is the legend of Arthur and Lancelot and Gwen told with a light-hearted and easily read tone, but it is done in such a way as to remind of us of why the idea of Arthur and his Round Table is important. This isn’t really one book, it is 4. Four great books.
I adore this book. Read it fir the first time many years ago, but am reading it again – thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a classic.
The best Arthurian cycle available IMHO
One of my favorite books on King Arthur and the knights!
An all-time classic, the basis for both The Sword in the Stone (pt.1) and Camelot (pt. 3).
This legend can have no happy ending, but the middle portion of this book is really funny–young Arthur growing up. I loved the way it was written. This is a classic about King Arthur.
I’ve always loved the story of King Arthur!
This is such a classic!
A true classic.
I read this in high school and a few times afterwards and the stories of King Arthur and Merlin will always fascinate me
Who doesn’t love this story?
One of the best books I have ever read . Have shared with the readers in my family and they felt the same. Loved all the characters. The story was a page turner if you love ,King Arthur stories
The best novel of Arthurian legend that there is…I’ve read it many times
I read this book in high school – 50+ years ago! It is still my all-time favorite book. How often can you remember a book you read a month ago, let alone 50 years? The book captivates and entrances. It is one you have a hard time putting down. The romance between Arthur and Guinevere, the betrayal of the King, the fantasy of Merlin…. who needs Harry Potter when you have The Once and Future King.