The Once And Future King

by TH White
The Once And Future King cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy
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Technical
  • ID: 4587
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Publisher: DigiCat
  • Published: 2022-08-16
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Once and Future King,' T. H. White reimagines the Arthurian legend with a rich narrative that intertwines fantasy, history, and social commentary. The novel follows King Arthur's journey from an innocent boy to a wise ruler, delving into themes of governance, morality, and the complexities of leadership. White's eloquent prose and deep character development bring legendary figures like Merlyn and Guinevere to life, making them relatable and deeply human. Drawing from his extensive research and personal struggles, White crafts a story that resonates with the sociopolitical anxieties of the mid-20th century. The book transcends its mythical origins to offer a poignant reflection on the timeless questions of power and human nature, making it a must-read for those fascinated by leadership and its moral dilemmas.

Reviews
shannonfallon.com · Unknown · 2025-11-15
brilliant 5.00

The Once and Future King is a profound and literary retelling of the Arthurian legend, blending humor, tragedy, and deep philosophical insights. It's not a children's book, but a complex, slow-paced narrative that offers a unique perspective on the frailty of human endeavors and the pursuit of goodness.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White is a masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend that transcends typical fantasy literature. It's a deep, philosophical exploration of the human condition, wrapped in a tragic yet hopeful narrative. The book is not for children, despite the Disney adaptation of its first part. It's a slow-paced, demanding read that requires familiarity with the Arthurian story to fully appreciate. White's perspective is darker and more nuanced, reflecting on the ultimate frailty of human endeavors and the importance of striving for goodness. The characters, especially Arthur and Merlyn, are beautifully developed, and the story is filled with warmth, irony, and tragic beauty. It's a book that inspires and leaves a lasting impact, making it a pinnacle of Arthurian fantasy and genuine literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    I think I ought to have some eddication, said the Wart, I can’t think of anything to do.

    Those who lived by the sword were forced to die by it.

    Mordred and Agravaine thought Arthur hypocritical — as all decent men must be, if you assume that decency can’t exist.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
critical 2.50

The reviewer found the book humorous and critical, questioning the practicality and logic of the tidying methods suggested. They appreciated the book's ideas but found some of the advice absurd and impractical.

The reviewer, Diane Yannick, wrote a humorous and critical review of Marie Kondo's book, highlighting the absurdity and impracticality of some of the tidying methods suggested. They questioned the logic behind certain advice, such as hugging clothes to determine if they bring joy and the idea of clothes holding hands or being cheek to cheek. The reviewer also found some of the advice, like storing kitchen scraps in the freezer, to be dangerous and impractical. Despite the criticism, they acknowledged that the book's ideas have made Marie Kondo rich in both purse and spirit. Another reviewer, Andy, found the book to be a fine follow-up to Kondo's previous work and appreciated the detailed advice on dealing with miscellaneous items. They found the method helpful in keeping their clothes tidy and were looking forward to implementing it throughout their house.

Quick quotes

    Dear Marie Kondo, It is with great trepidation that I write this review of your newest book.

    I didn't realize that if you couldn't get joy from touching your clothes that you could hug them for further clarification.

    I am bothered about one of your substitution anecdotes. You claim that you can always find a substitution for a discarded item that you later need.

triumphofthenow.com · Unknown · 2022-07-01
brilliant 4.50

The Once and Future King is a captivating retelling of the Arthurian legend that blends humor, tragedy, and deep philosophical insights. The book's exploration of human nature and power dynamics is both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a timeless classic.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White is a masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend that stands out for its unique blend of humor, tragedy, and deep philosophical insights. The book's exploration of human nature and power dynamics is both thought-provoking and entertaining. White's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex themes easy to understand and relatable. The characters are well-developed and their journeys are compelling, making it easy to become invested in their stories. The book's exploration of themes such as power, responsibility, and the human condition is both timely and universal, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. The Once and Future King is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, history, or simply a well-crafted story.

Quick quotes

    The Once and Future King is a masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend that stands out for its unique blend of humor, tragedy, and deep philosophical insights.

    The book's exploration of themes such as power, responsibility, and the human condition is both timely and universal.

    The Once and Future King is a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, history, or simply a well-crafted story.

lplks.org · Unknown · 2019-11-19
brilliant 4.50

The Once and Future King is a brilliant Arthurian novel that astounds with its depth and complexity. The review highlights the book's unique portrayal of Arthur's education and the intricate relationships among its characters, including the mature depiction of Lancelot and Guinevere's love.

The Once and Future King by T. H. White is a magnificent Arthurian novel that captivates with its rich storytelling and profound character development. The review begins with an exploration of the first book, The Sword in the Stone, which focuses on Arthur's early life and education, though it lacks the expected elements of sword and stone. The narrative is filled with magical transformations and unexpected appearances of characters like Robin Hood, adding layers to the story. The second book, The Queen of Air and Darkness, delves into the political struggles and the establishment of Arthur's kingdom, including the Round Table. It also introduces darker themes such as animal cruelty and incest. The third book, The Ill-Made Knight, centers on Lancelot's journey, portraying his complex relationship with Guinevere and the moral dilemmas he faces. The review praises White's nuanced depiction of their love and the intricate web of relationships that drive the narrative. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its brilliance and depth, making it a standout in Arthurian literature.

Quick quotes

    astounded by the brilliance of this mid-20th century arthurian novel

    This book is very similar to the 1963 Disney movie of the same name, though with a few key differences

    White's depiction of Lancelot and Guinevere's love is surprisingly mature and nuanced.

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