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The Once and Future King
639 pages, 2001
fiction
1382 booksT. 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 preparing for a future he couldn’t possibly imagine. A future in 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
In The Once and Future King, T.H. White emphasizes the importance of education. He shows us how King Arthur's tutor, Merlyn, uses unconventional methods to teach Arthur about the world. This encourages us to explore different ways of learning and understand the world from various perspectives.
White doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of human nature. He presents his characters with all their flaws and virtues, showing us that nobody is purely good or evil. This encourages us to look into our own nature and accept our imperfections.
The book gives us a deep insight into the consequences of power. It shows how King Arthur's rule is affected by his decisions and actions. This can inspire us to research more about the impact of our actions and decisions, especially when we are in a position of power.
T.H. White brings back the concept of chivalry, showing us its importance in society. He shows how King Arthur tries to use chivalry to bring peace and justice. This can motivate us to bring back the values of chivalry in our lives and treat others with respect and kindness.
The Once and Future King explores the struggle between fate and free will. White shows us how his characters try to fight their destiny but ultimately fail. This can make us think about our own lives and whether we are in control of our destiny or not.
Quotes 4
The Once and Future King became the bedrock of my existence. It shaped me as a writer and as a human being.
Neil Gaiman - Author, ScreenwriterThe Once and Future King is a book that has truly left an indelible mark on my life and work.
J.K. Rowling - Author, PhilanthropistThe Once and Future King is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate.
Stephen King - Author, ScreenwriterThe Once and Future King is a book that has profoundly influenced my worldview and writing.
Margaret Atwood - Author, Activist
