Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - The Once and Future King

The Once and Future King
The Once and Future King
Author: T. H. White
The whole world knows and loves this book. It is the magical epic of King Arthur and his shining Camelot; of Merlin and Owl and Guinevere; of beasts who talk and men who fly, of wizardry and war. It is the book of all things lost and wonderful and sad. It is the fantasy masterpiece by which all others are judged.
ISBN-13: 9780425056141
ISBN-10: 0425056147
Publication Date: 8/15/1982
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 4

3.8 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Berkley
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Once and Future King on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is actually four books in one. It traces the journey of the young King Arthur to the end of his life. The Disney movie, The Sword In the Stone was taken from the first of the books.One of the most readable of the Arthurian books, it can be read by all ages.
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
A somewhat humorous retelling of Mallory's version of the Arthur/Camelot/Guinevere/Lancelot story. Well worth reading! Part I appears to have been the basis for Walt Disney's The Sword in the Stone. But beware having children read this book. Contains incest, adultery, etc.
kayprime avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is one of several books I remember reading as a teenager that showed me the magic and imagination that can be found in books.

Many people seem to believe that White is too long- winded but they're not taking into account the entire world the author has to bring to life complete with it's inhabitants. He gives it depth and makes it tangible with his attention to detail of a time long ago.

The story begins with a young Arthur and the approach that White takes reflects the whimsy and enchantment that the world possesses to a child. As Arthur comes into his role as king, the approach becomes less mystical and the tone more adult. By the third book, it's almost hard to believe that this is the same story the reader began with, yet White does it seamlessly and maintains the fluidity.

He expresses his views on politics, religion, and human nature through this masterfully crafted tale and, although it's a bit preachy at times, it doesn't detract from the story making this one of the greatest interpretations of Arthurian legend.
mayqueene avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on
Helpful Score: 3
The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature
Quartet of novels by T.H. White, published in a single volume in 1958. The quartet comprises The Sword in the Stone (1938), The Queen of Air and Darkness--first published as The Witch in the Wood (1939)--The Ill-Made Knight (1940), and The Candle in the Wind (published in the composite volume, 1958). The series is a retelling of the Arthurian legend, from Arthur's birth to the end of his reign, and is based largely on Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur. After White's death, a conclusion to The Once and Future King was found among his papers; it was published in 1977 as The Book of Merlyn
vavoice avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
One of the definitive Arthurian novels. T.H. White's version is by far the most popular account of Arthur and his Knights. This is a great starter for young readers, as well as a wonderful tale for all ages.
Read All 28 Book Reviews of "The Once and Future King"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

kadiraa9 avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 25 more book reviews
Excellent book; portrays the well-known characters of Arthurian legend as real people with complex personalities, and the ideals of the Round Table as a constantly-evolving philosophy. I fell asleep trying to read Malory in high school, but there's so much dimension to White's version of Arthur's life and times that it almost feels like a totally different story.
Note: While reading this book, I ran across a lot more unfamiliar words than usual. This website was a really helpful resource for understanding the obscure hunting, culinary, etc. terms that White uses: http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/thwhite.htm#anim
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 3352 more book reviews
How can I describe such a famous (justifiably so) classic - except to say, you should read it.
Lelopit avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 273 more book reviews
Old but still in excellent shape-copy of this fantastic story.Collectors-heads up!
mizPJ avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 172 more book reviews
read this book years ago; great telling of the Arthurian legend(s)
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 40 more book reviews
A classic Arthurian tale!
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 220 more book reviews
The world's greatest fantasy classic! Camelot and romance, King Arthur and Guinevere, wizardry and war, it's got it all. A++++++
ccblack avatar reviewed The Once and Future King on + 43 more book reviews
First published in 1939, this is the epic story of King Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere and Knights. For Camelot lovers, this is the book that tells it all.
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 7 more book reviews
From the back cover: The great retelling of the Arthurian epic. Souce of the play "Camelot".
reviewed The Once and Future King on + 8 more book reviews
A must read. We've all been exposed to the Arthurian legends to some extent. This book is by far the best I've ever read. I have read this book 5 times in the last 25 years.


Genres: