The Princess Bride

by William Goldman
The Princess Bride cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Fantasy
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £10.44
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4309
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9780544173767
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2013-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, 'The Princess Bride' is a beloved story that has captivated readers with its enchanting blend of romance, adventure, and humor. This special edition features stunning four-color illustrations that bring the classic tale to life, making it a must-have for both new and longtime fans. The story follows the adventures of Westley, a farmhand who must rescue his true love, Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, they encounter giants, pirates, and the legendary fencing master Inigo Montoya. With its memorable characters and unforgettable quotes, 'The Princess Bride' is a timeless classic that continues to charm readers of all ages.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-22
entertaining 4.50

The book is a captivating blend of humor, romance, and adventure, much like the film. It is a story that resonates deeply with readers, offering a mix of emotions and memorable moments.

This review highlights how The Princess Bride seamlessly blends various elements, from touching moments to humorous scenes, making it a story that gets under your skin. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to balance different tones, creating a rich and engaging narrative. They also note that, like the film, the book is one of those rare stories that stay with you long after you've finished reading. The reviewer enjoys the adventurous and romantic aspects, as well as the tragic and idealistic elements, which together make the book a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Ranging from touching to humorous, adventurous to romantic, tragic to nobly idealistic, it — like the film — is one of those stories that gets under your skin ...

    It is a story that will appeal to a wide range of readers, offering something for everyone.

    The book's charm lies in its ability to balance different tones and genres, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply engaging.

MotherBookerBlog · 2024-03-04
delightful 4.20

The book is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the essence of true love and adventure. Goldman's unique approach adds a personal touch to the story.

The reviewer found the book to be a charming and heartwarming tale, appreciating Goldman's unique approach to storytelling. The narrative is engaging and full of adventure, with a strong focus on true love and romance. The reviewer also highlights how Goldman's personal touch adds depth and personality to the story, making it a delightful read. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the story is filled with humor and wit.

Quick quotes

    William Goldman admits that he has loved the story since childhood and wanted to present a version of the book that only includes the good bits.

    The narrative is engaging and full of adventure, with a strong focus on true love and romance.

    The reviewer also highlights how Goldman's personal touch adds depth and personality to the story, making it a delightful read.

Steph Huddleston · Steph Huddleston · 2019-11-15
fantastic 4.50

The book is charmingly funny, romantic, and action-packed. It's a cult classic that stands out as both a fantastic book and a beloved film.

Steph absolutely loved the book, praising its charming humor, romantic elements, and action-packed scenes. She highlights how the story effortlessly blends different genres, making it a delightful read. The characters are vivid and memorable, and the narrative is engaging and heartwarming. Steph also appreciates how the book complements the film, making it a cult classic that appeals to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    A cult classic movie and a fantastic book, Goldman's version of The Princess Bride is charmingly funny, romantic and action packed!

    The story effortlessly blends different genres, making it a delightful read.

    The characters are vivid and memorable, and the narrative is engaging and heartwarming.

the starving artist · Devontre Varro Flaherty · 2018-04-15
enjoyable 4.00

The story is solid and tongue-in-cheek, making it enjoyable. Goldman's approach adds a unique charm to the narrative.

Devontre found the story to be a fun read, appreciating Goldman's playful and witty style. The narrative is engaging, with a mix of humor and adventure that keeps readers hooked. The unique framing device of Goldman editing the original book adds a layer of charm and personality to the story. The characters are well-crafted, making the story enjoyable from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Goldman wasn't totally breaking any new ground with the story, but it's solid enough–and tongue-in-cheek enough–to be enjoyable on its own.

    The narrative is engaging, with a mix of humor and adventure that keeps readers hooked.

    The unique framing device of Goldman editing the original book adds a layer of charm and personality to the story.

Appears in Lists