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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This book has two parts,and I found them both very entertaining.One you will recognize as The Sword In The Stone.
I read this book in high school and wanted to read it again after I finished H is for Hawk, which refers to it often. It was much funnier than I remembered, and more poignant. I enjoyed it even more as an adult.
One of the classic Arthurian books!
As often happens I cannot use the offered identifiers for this wonderful Arthurian legend book and while I read it many times when I was much younger, I thought I’d like to revisit these beautifully drawn attractive characters.
One of the best books of all time.
One of the clasics from childhood and still a good read 40 years later
Still my favorite Arthurian novel!!!
A benchmark of Arthurian Legend, this Folio hardcover sits on my bookshelf next to Sir Thomas Mallory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur”. Embellishing on Mallory (and Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 12th Century epic), White’s version is a bit lighter at onset, reworking Arthur’s Legend from the Sword in the Stone through to his end as King. White was a contemporary of Tolkein, and his masterpiece holds its own next to the Hobbit and contemporary Harry Potter volumes, et.al. in the extraordinary annals of British fiction.
Second read now as good as the first read many years ago. This was the root of Disney’s Sword in the Stone and Broadway’s Camelot, which was also made into a movie. There is so much more here to fill your mind and heart. Written in four parts, the first tells of Arthur’s tutelage by Merlin and is mostly lighthearted. The other three tell of King Arthur’s reign and are much darker. All four add up to a unique and enthralling literary experience.
One of the best historical fantasy like books I ever read.
Something different.
Genre works to dumb things down.
I am a great fan of trailblazer work – without roots in that which has been done before.
Obviously brilliantly executed.
It deserves its designation of “a classical novel.”
It ceases to be literature and enters into the realm of mythology.
I’ve read this book several times over the years. I wanted it for my permanent library.
There were slow moments and some strange events, but overall a good read.
Way to much modern slang for this period. I never got past the 2nd chapter. Disappointed. I generally enjoy this type of historical novel.
Pulls together all the traditional Arthurian threads and weaves them into a work reflective of its time, but also sufficiently enduring that it resonates today.
A delightful book full of whimsical charm and sometimes aching poignancy. All the characters of Arthurian legend in vulnerable flesh.
One of the best books ever, especially in the Arthurian legend genre. The first part is the story of Wart, the Walt Disney movie “The Sword in the Stone” is a retelling. The musical Camelot uses a later part. Great Stuff……well written.
Love fewmets!
One of the classic imaginings of the Arthur Saga, THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING is the basis for what King Arthur meant (and means) to the Anglo-Saxon people. DO NOT miss this one if you consider yourself an Anglophile, a sword and sorcery fan or an expert on King Arthur.