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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.
KrishnaP19
Posted February 22, 2010
Most fantasy books have taken a back seat these days. Small-time books are overshadowed with the ever so popular fantasy books of Harry Potter and Twilight. However, I came across a book on my family's bookshelf that revealed to me that small-time fantasy books can provide just as many hours of entertainment as any other popular book. T. H. White's "The Once and Future King" is a book I recommend for a great read if you want a simple yet fantasy based tale.
"The Once and Future King" is a fantasy book based on the young King Arthur and his magical world in Camelot. What I liked most about this book is its use of perspective. The book is surrounded with characters of all types and personalities. The book contains four parts and each part is presented from the view of a different character. All four parts of the book depict King Arthur's rise to power all the way to his death. However, the different characters that present the story are both friends and enemies of King Arthur. For instance, the third part is read through Lancelot's life, who is King Arthur's most trusted knight and protector of Camelot. On the other hand, the fourth part of the book is presented through King Orkney's four sons Gawaine, Gaheris, Gareth, and Agravaine who all wish to see King Arthur lose his throne because of Arthur's past history.
This four-part perspective book is flooded with characters that all have their unique personality. I found this most enjoyable as I made my own opinions about characters. I found it almost like a movie with characters I highly respect and others that generally irritated me.
While characters are a central part of the story, the fantasy elements to the story add a little bit of comic relief to the book. From magical animals to wizardry to even war, this book is filled with both a dramatic plot and side humor all surrounded by its unique characters.
I recommend this book not for those who wish to learn about King Arthur and his Round Table, but for those who want a simple and easy read for the sake of plot and entertainment. This story to me does not have the extreme insightful and enlightening themes that most of us enjoy in books. To me, it is just a straightforward story where you learn to love and hate the characters. "The Once and Future King" is just pure entertainment for an escape from reality. It is the epitome of a small-time fantasy book.
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 27, 2008
This book is now one of my favorites of all time. Yes, at first, it was very confusing and kind of hard to keep reading. Once you read the first or second book, it gets much easier to finish and to fall in love with. It also had alot of twists and things that you werent expecting, which is one thing that I love in books. The only thing that I had a problem with was that there were some points where it would spend way too much time describing one thing, and it also skipped over about six years of Arthur's life.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.eileenisapackrat
Posted February 13, 2010
Some people have absolutely LOVED this book and raved about it. I bought it for a book club meeting, but it just wasn't for me. I just could not get into it. I think it is well written, but just not for me. If you don't like fantasy stories you might not like it, if you do like fantasy you might love it.
2 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I first read this in hardcover, ohhhh..... I'm not telling you how long ago - long enough that I had to get a new copy because the cover fell off! I loved "Arthur" stories as a kid, and the historical novels and variations that came out in the 70's and 80's as I grew up. When I stumbled across this one, I was both enthralled and vastly amused. I actually didn't realize that Disney stole the plot and twisted a chapter or two into their cartoon.... silly me! The Book Is Always Better! It's a great read that has a really "chatty", conversational tone, that assumes that you not only know a lot about King Arthur, but a little about history as well, or else you miss a lot of the jokes. But even if you do, the wizard who lives backwards and knows the future because it's his past, and the boy who turns into a fish and becomes king of all Briton will steal your heart. Enjoy!
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.empeegee
Posted October 17, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I loved this book. Is it the easiest book to read? Maybe not, but the complexity of the plot and the richness of the characters, is not easily told. The first book in the tetralogy is light while each of the following books become darker and more intense.
This story stays with you long after you turn the final page. There's a lot to learn about life and humanity here. I always found the usual King Arthur stories too romantic, too artificial, but T. H. White wrote this story of King Arthur for adults and those who want to think.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Avidreader1LC
Posted November 8, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I saw the movie that was based on this book and was able to imagine the cartoon characters along with the book. I higly recommend it to literature and history students and teachers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 25, 2009
I Also Recommend:
I picked up this book because I love the King Arthur legends. Once and Future King was thoroughly disappointing. White's tone is didactic, and his constant mentions of communism are not only annoying, they're out of place. He also has a tendency of disparaging other King Arthur authors (especially Malory). The only character who is at all sympathetic following "The Sword and the Stone" is Lancelot. The majority of the characters are unlikeable or badly developed. Arthur and Mordred are completely flat. The story itself is constantly slowed by random lectures White slips in as a character's musings. Part 1, "The Sword and the Stone," is somewhat interesting, but the rest spirals down.
Once and Future King would be a fantastic subject for literary criticism, particularly along political lines. It is not a book to read for pure enjoyment.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 3, 2006
I tried to read this novel, it was horrible. I have a 12 year old grand daughter that is to old for this.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 29, 2005
i love the story of king arthur but this book was just.....bad.... im suprised that so many people seem to enjoy it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 22, 2002
this novel was horrible. i can't believe my teacher made me read this!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 12, 2013
Great classic that belongs with Alice in Wonderland, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain. A must read for everyone.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 19, 2012
i wish they had this book on the nook! i bought a nook so i can read
books on it and i realized most of the books i need are not on the nook!
other then that this book is OK.
0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 17, 2012
T.H Whites is very famous for comedy and long books to entertain
readers. The book he wrote was “ Once and Future King” , which I thought
was a fun fantasy like book. If you are very interested in movies like
“ Lord of the Rings” or books like “ The Hobbit” , then this book is
pretty much for the audience. The audience would learn a good lesson
from this book. The book mainly uses laughter, magic and medieval
things. “ Once and Future King” is a good title for this book. It means
that Arthur had a destiny. “Once and Future King” font and print wasn't
a good book to look at. It was small and wouldn't stay open. The real
main character were Merlin and Arthur. But I couldn't never relate to
them only in his life lesson. The one main idea that caught my attention
was his responsibility. He learn how to grow up from Merlin. The writing
style was interesting to. It was longer and story like to reader. The
main point that stood out to me was learning also the point that he had
to learn from at the battle. This book is really good for an audience
who loves to play games like the Fantasy series. Arthur is growing up
and doesn't know he is already a king until he pulls the sword from the
stone. Merlin lives backward too. The best part to me was when the owl
built a relationship with Arthur throughout the book. The only way the
book touch me was how it teaches life lesson.
1ReaderCH
Posted August 17, 2012
Normally, I’m not a big reader of medieval stories, but T.H. White’s
The Once and Future King really took an interest to me in what it was
like during Arthur’s childhood. The Once and Future King is a fantasy
that contains magic, adventure, and a little bit of humor. I think that
the title of the book could have been inspired by Arthur being one of
the greatest kings to rule and kings after him wanted to adopt his ways.
The cover of the book also caught my attention since the sword on the
cover stands out from the rest of the picture. This makes sense to me
because at the end of The Sword in the Stone Arthur pulls the sword out
of the stone. I have to say that my favorite character was Arthur. I
like how he had an imaginative spirit and how he wanted to learn from
Merlyn. He was different than his older brother, Kay, who was proud and
easily lost his temper. There was a quote that stood out to me when
Arthur was talking to the badger in his last lesson. The quote that he
said was, “Which did you like best, the ants or the wild geese?” I
think that this book had interesting content. In some parts it showed me
that waging war against each other is foolish. I also liked it when
Merlyn would talk about something that wouldn’t happen until hundreds of
years have passed. This is slightly funny but also mysterious since he
seems to grow younger as time goes by. I think that if someone were to
read the book, that potential reader would have and interesting time.
dmacDM
Posted August 17, 2012
Sword in the stone : Book Review T. H Whites is a very suspenseful book
rider and he puts out a lot of intersecting books for people to read.
One of his intersecting books I had to read was “ Once and Future King”
which was a very mysterious book. If you like those kind of books you
would enjoy these book. The Once and Future King titles suts the book
well, because the book is talking about his farther Arthur was suppose
to be king but grew up knowing it. When Arthur farther died he was mad
and he pulled sword from the stone and became king. It seems to me
that these was Arthurs calling, what he was mad for. The font in the
Sword in the Stone is very small and should be in a bigger font. The
main characters in the book to me were Merlin and Arthur and his dad. I
thought that they were pretty good characters. The main idea in these
book that stud out to me is when Arthur had to learn how to grow up
quick with help his friend Merlin. Arthur was Really young he took over
as king. The main points in these book that stud out to me was when
Arthur did what nobody thought he could do. Also I like point where he
had to learn from his life lessons. These book is really good for
people who like the Lord of the Rings or in books like that. I like the
book because it puts in Arthur life shows all thing he going threw and
he doesn't know he about to become a king. Arthur had to fell some big
pants step in to be a king. These book has taught me taught me that
you never know when greatest is gonna come to you. My favrite part is
when Arthur finds out the he does deserve the glory and honor from Merlin.
Anonymous
Posted August 16, 2012
Robert Alston English 10C Mrs. Hornbuckle 16 August 2012 Once and
Future King Book Review T.H White is a fantastic critically acclaimed
novelist. His book The Once and Future King is a fantasy, mystical story
about a young boy, Arthur, learning life lessons and how he becomes
king. This book is appropriate for kids twelve and up. It is intended to
entertain the audience and does a very good job doing so. The title is
good and makes sense because he is born into royalty and gets taken out
but in the end gets back into it. The cover is interesting and makes the
reader get interested in the book. It has a big knight with a sword and
the background to that is green with blue lettering. The font is a nice
sixe and paper is white, making it easy to read. The book has many
interesting characters: Sir Ector, Kay, Sir Grummimore Grummison, King
Pellimore and Wart. My personal favorite is Merlyn. Merlyn is a white
magic magician that tutors King Arthur. Some of the themes are
responsibility, not judging people, his destiny and never underestimate
the underdog. The Once and Future King has many highlights such as when
Arthur turns into the many different animals, his fight with Kay, or
when he becomes king. This story is overall entertaining and
well-written novel. If the reader does not like medieval, fantasy themes
then this book is not for them. Merlyn is a great character and really
lightens the mood of the story. I suggest this book to anyone who likes
to be entertained by a great fiction story.
Anonymous
Posted August 16, 2012
The author is T.H White he has not won any awards. This is a fiction
book which makes it a mthytic and fantasy book that somewhat goes along
with the story of King Arthur. This book is intended for kids in junior
high and high school. This book is to entertain the audience but u must
have a good imagination. I think the cover of the book is very suitable
for it because it has a castle and a knight in armor in it. The title of
the book is simple but complicated because of the theme that it has to
match it. The font in the book is readable and the book is very flexible
and could last long. The main characters in the book are a magician
named Merlyn and a teenager by the name of Arthur but is called the Wart
in the beginning. They are very likeable characters and readers can
relate to them very easily. The theme in the book is overcoming
difficulties and struggles. Some other themes are how the main character
is taught about how other things around him that happen. Also the main
charter learns and hears famous quotes from animals and humans that he
has meet along the way. But my favorite quote is when Merlyn says “yes
King Arthur” and the king begins to cry. This boo is really good and
very interesting. My opinion on it is that the book keeps the reader
into it and their mind into the book. T.H White did a fantastic job in
writing this book. I personally think that T.H White is a very good
writer.
rhm2015
Posted August 16, 2012
“The Sword in the Stone”, written by T.H. White, is a mystical and
adventurous fantasy classic. I believe the audience intended for this
book specifically should be at least thirteen years old. This novel is
a good one to read if you are seeking pleasure and entertainment. In my
opinion, the title was inspired to follow the life of a young boy and
how he came to be the next King. Although the font is a little smaller
and the book itself seems to be difficult to keep open, the story was
very interesting as well as intriguing. This enjoyable novel consists
of two essential characters. Their names are Arthur, more commonly
known as Wart, and Merlyn, the magician. The main idea of the story is
how a young boy who seems to be underrated fulfills his magnificent
destiny. I appreciated the writing style performed by T.H. White in
this book specifically because he made every part of the story clear and
understandable. At no point while I was reading did I get lost or have
trouble figuring out what was happening. Key ideas that need to be
recognized in order to understand what are happening is that Merlyn is
Wart’s tutor and he magically transforms Wart into different animals
because Merlyn wants to educate him on how the world works. Each
natural habitat has meaning and Wart goes on several journeys to find
out what they are. Also, in the story, is mentioned an idea that grabbed
my attention. This quote was the concept of “might versus right.” This
refers to the questionable call of someone who has the power or
authority (might) to do something even though it isn’t right or the
correct decision. I believe you must always do what is right or what is
best for the majority. I recommend this book to any readers who
enjoy mystical fantasies in the medieval period. A similar series to
The Once and Future King is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each magical
transformation Merlyn sent Wart on had its own purpose and meaning.
Whether it was how the animal lived its life, interacted with others, or
something different, Wart needed to grasp each concept and learn from
it. I enjoyed reading “The Sword in the Stone” because it showed how a
boy with a future that didn’t seem too bright, actually became someone
very important. This novel inspires me to never give up on what G-d has
given me now because I believe life has a purpose that will lead to
great amounts of success.
AshlynM
Posted August 16, 2012
If you like fiction stories about magic, The Once and Future King will
be an enjoyable book for you. T.H. White has an easy to read and
flowing style that will keep you entertained throughout the novel. The
story has a kid theme but has an adult manner to it. The title and
cover picture of the book hints about events that will happen. The
title of The Once and Future King gives off the meaning that there was a
king in the past and the future which goes with the seeing times
backwards theme. The picture of the knight with the sword shows a
powerful ruler who is in charge. The reader will have an easy time
relating to one or more of the characters. The Wart, who later becomes
King Arthur, is the adopted son of Sir Ector. The Wart is a caring and
loving young boy who puts his feelings above others. One day when the
Wart and his brother, Kay, killed a griffin, they both got to choose a
gift. Kay asks for the griffin’s head to show it off while the Wart
puts his feelings aside and only asks for a mad man to be healed. The
selfish greed that Kay possesses will come again when he falsely claims
himself to an important event. Another important character is Merlyn, a
magician who tutors the boys throughout their childhood. Merlyn was
born backwards so he knows things that will happen in the future. He
knows what the Wart is going to become, so he spends most of his time
with the Wart. Many of the books’ themes are displayed through Merlyn
as he raises the Wart as a quality, just, and fair overall person for a
future position that the Wart will soon have. An important quote that
Merlyn told the Wart is “might is right”. He learned the meaning of
this quote when he was turned into different animals and learned about
the different kinds of governments. This book deals with a magical
world. If you like magic mystery, I would recommend this book to you.
This book is also similar to The Lord of the Rings. My favorite part of
the book was when the Wart and Merlyn get to see two knights joust. It
was very comical because they kept falling over due to the heaviness of
their armor. If you want to know how Kay and the Wart get along, how
Merlyn teaches the Wart lessons, and what the Wart does during
adventures, read the book.
Shef0830
Posted August 16, 2012
Mary Sheffield C block Mrs.Hornbuckle 17 August 2012
Book Review Once and Future King Th .White wrote the world’s
greatest fantasy. The once and future king is a fiction story. I
recommended this book for kids and teens twelve and above. This book is
to show people any thing is possible if you just believe .I believe that
the once and future king fits its cover. Because Aurthor is just a
teenager when he figures out that he is the king of England, and doesn’t
know exactly how he is going to rule. He thinks that he is too young for
the job. Once he is to grow older he realizes, and understand what it is
like to be a king. This pacific brand of book is very hard to read. For
other peoples sake I would not recognize the small book of The Sward and
The Stone. I think I could relate to Aurthor because his life changes
dramatically after a split second. For example he is learning to make
new life choices. The sentence structure in the version of the Sword and
The Stone is hard to understand. The theme of this book is not too
judging other people bye how they look. For example no one believed
Aurthor was the one who pulled the sward from the stone when he actually
was. This book to me is fun and entertaining to children and
teens. This whole story is about a young boy preparing himself for his
future. His tutor Merlyn faces him with different types of obstacles
using his magical powers. This book like I said before is not only fun
and interesting to read, but it teaches life lessons. This book is
highly recommended for all of you fantasy and fiction lovers out there.
Overview
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.