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The Once and Future King

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The Once and Future King

By: T. H. White
Narrated by: Neville Jason
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The complete "box set" of T. H. White's epic fantasy novel of the Arthurian legend. The novel is made up of five parts: "The Sword in the Stone", "The Witch in the Wood", "The Ill-Made Knight", "The Candle in the Wind", and "The Book of Merlyn".

Merlyn instructs the Wart (Arthur) and his brother, Sir Kay, in the ways of the world. One of them will need it: the king has died, leaving no heir, and a rightful one must be found by pulling a sword from an anvil resting on a stone. In the second and third parts of the novel, Arthur has become king and the kingdom is threatened from the north. In the final two books, the ageing king faces his greatest challenge, when his own son threatens to overthrow him. In "The Book of Merlyn", Arthur's tutor Merlyn reappears and teaches him that, even in the face of apparent ruin, there is hope.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1939, 1940, 1958 T. H. White (P)2008 Naxos Audiobooks Epic European Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy World Literature Classics Royalty Funny Arthurian
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Critic reviews

AudioFile Earphones Award, 2009

"For those who have never read these five books, prepare to be surprised by their adultness, their laugh-out-loud humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary on modern life; for those who know them well, prepare to be delighted with Neville Jason's transcendent reading. The lovely timbre of his narrative voice, his rhythmic, easy pacing and host of individual characterizations transport listeners into White's weird and wonderful otherworld as quickly as Alice slipped through the looking glass. This long production is so entrancing that one wishes it would never end." (AudioFile)

All stars
Most relevant
Though I liked all the books, the first was my favourite. Captivated from the first words and the narration is excellent; as good as Stephen Fry in the Potter books. Neville Jason manages all the parts beautifully and with enthusiasm. Well worth the money.

Magical

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Having read this book some 40 years ago I was pleased to see it in the Plus Catalogue. Listening now is as I reach my white haired days gives the books meaning more depth and poignancy. The last part of the book which grapples with the ethics of governance and attitude to war is as thought provoking now as it must have been 75years back when it was first written. A book that could be listened to by families. Marvellous.

Timeless Classic

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I'd been put off reading/listening to this book because of the subject. isn't about King Arthur, well yes it is, but it is so much more. Don't hesitate, get this book.

One of the Greatest Books of the Twentieth Century

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I staggered through Mortr d’Arthur with its endless descriptions of fighting more from a sense of duty to myself than any hint of enjoyment, but this is different in so many ways: it is beautifully written; there is characterisation , a discernible plot during which the diversions are pleasing and relevant to White,s general philosophical purpose. To be frank, the politics can get a bit OTT and by now has become dated, but as an historical document it works well enough.
White helps himself to the works of the classics, the Bible, some way-out theologians whom he understands and represents clearly and accurately; his scientific reading is broad and put to good effect; and his borrowings from English literary tradition are well to the fore, particularly those that anthropomorphise animals.

I needed to go back and re-read a good deal but it was worth the two weeks or so that it took to get a real handle on what Whitecwas tryting to do with the legend. Thus has to be among the greatest literary productions of the last century.

The best by far, of the Arthurian stuff!

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Didn't find this particularly engaging. I lost interest though I appreciate other people may find it much more to their taste,

Nothing special

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