The Once and Future King

[Sparks the Knave]

I was just wondering if has anyone read The Once and Future King by T.H.White? and if so, is it worth a read.

I'm waiting on an order of books to come, and so am currently not reading anything. After looking through the cobwebs of my family book cases, I stumbled across this little white paperback, in old yet otherwise fine condition. I have heard say of it through-out the years, but am often careful of these such books as they can often by a let down.

any thought would be much welcome

[j. d. worthington]

There are different discussions of this on the forums, including one where the main topic is Stewart's Arthurian stories. Briefly, yes, it is a delightful book. It is both funny and at times quite wise, and often beautifully written. The only problem is that, when he revised The Sword in the Stone for this, he cut out some of the best parts (such as the battle between Merlin and Mim), but it is still definitely a must-read not only because it's a classic, but because it is sheer fun.

You'll find the posts mentioned on the thread on Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy.

[Teresa Edgerton]

There was a brief discussion of The Once and Future King in the Book Club, about a-year-and-a-half ago:

http://www.chronicles-network.com/fo...ture-king.html

[Sparks the Knave]

well I shall indeed read it then enough good thoughts to interest me in that thread. thank you very much

[elvet]

I would also recommend it.

[GOLLUM]

At the risk of repeating the echo I can also highly recommend Once and Future King. A significant work in the annals of the Genre.

[Brown Rat]

Yes, I definitely recommend it. Thoroughly charming book, and it tugged at my emotions.

[Teresa Edgerton]

Originally Posted by Brown Rat

Thoroughly charming book, and it tugged at my emotions.

Oh mine too! There are scenes that I used to reread often and cry over every time. Although I used to be a very soft touch and choke up over TV commercials, so perhaps that's not so significant as it sounds. But my too-easily-invoked tears quite aside, there are parts of the book I found extremely moving. The first section, of course, is whimsical and very funny.

But in the matter of emotions, there is a certain sequence of events involving the Orkney children that a few people I know just can't get through, it's so profoundly upsetting to them.

[carrie221]

I have read the book but I didn't enjoy it at the time but that may have been because I had to read it for school when I was in high school. My english/lit teacher that year could take the fun out of anything including reading.

Maybe I should take another look at it. If people on here are recommending it.