The Once and Future King

A beautiful paperback edition of The Once and Future King, T.H. White’s masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend. Set in Britain during the Middle Ages, this timeless narrative weaves together fantasy, history, and wit to explore the human experience through the life and struggles of King Arthur from boyhood to his final days.

The Once and Future King opens with "The Sword in the Stone," which follows the young Arthur, affectionately known as Wart, as he is tutored by the wizard Merlyn. Under Merlyn's guidance, Wart is transformed by various magical adventures that impart important life lessons. As he eventually pulls the sword from the stone, Wart's destiny as King Arthur is revealed.

In "The Queen of Air and Darkness" (originally titled "The Witch in the Wood"), Arthur's reign begins to unfold amidst the dark machinations of Queen Morgause. This volume delves deeply into the complexities of power, family, and the seeds of future conflict.

"The Ill-Made Knight" shifts focus to the noble Sir Lancelot, Arthur’s greatest knight. It narrates the tale of his deep but tragic love for Queen Guinevere, illustrating the tensions and conflicts of idealism versus human frailty.

"The Candle in the Wind" takes the reader through the twilight of Arthur's reign. As the once-bright ideals of Camelot start to waver in the face of betrayal and war, Arthur struggles to uphold justice and his vision of a united kingdom.

Finally, "The Book of Merlyn" provides a reflective coda, where an elderly Arthur is again visited by Merlyn. Through renewed philosophical discussions and magical encounters, the book revisits themes of power, learning, and the human condition, positioning Arthur as both a historical figure and a timeless symbol.

This collection is the tale of King Arthur and his shining Camelot; of Merlyn and his prophetic wisdom; of talking beasts and knights in gleaming armour; of wizardry, chivalry, and epic battles. It is the book of all things lost, wonderful, and poignant. White's masterpiece of fantasy continues to be regarded as the benchmark against which all other Arthurian retellings are measured.

This edition contains all five volumes that make up the story as White always intended: The Sword in the Stone, The Queen of Air and Darkness, The Ill-Made Knight, The Candle in the Wind, and The Book of Merlyn.

The Once and Future King is more than a legendary tale; it is an exploration of the dichotomy of human nature and the eternal quest for knowledge, justice, and understanding.