A Wizard of Earthsea

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin is a captivating journey through the mystical archipelago of Earthsea. As the first book in the revered Earthsea series, it introduces readers to Ged, a young boy destined to become the most powerful sorcerer of his age. Known in his youth as Sparrowhawk, Ged's insatiable thirst for knowledge and his reckless pursuit of power lead him to tamper with ancient and formidable forces. Unwittingly, he unleashes a malevolent shadow upon the world, a darkness that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. This is the tale of Ged’s harrowing quest to conquer the shadow, mastering the potent words of power, taming an enigmatic dragon, and even traversing the realm of the dead to restore balance and harmony to Earthsea.

This beautiful hardback edition of A Wizard of Earthsea features stunning illustrations by the acclaimed artist Charles Vess. These vivid and enchanting illustrations bring the world of Earthsea to life, enhancing the timeless narrative with their imaginative depictions.

Renowned author Neil Gaiman praises the series, saying, "This trilogy made me look at the world in a new way, imbued everything with a magic that was so much deeper than the magic I’d encountered before then. This was a magic of words, a magic of true speaking." Similarly, David Mitchell urges readers to, "Drink this magic up. Drown in it. Dream it."

Le Guin’s masterful storytelling draws readers into a richly woven tapestry of myth and legend, where the pursuit of self-discovery, the struggle between light and darkness, and the intricate balance of nature and civilisation are explored with profound depth. Margaret Atwood describes the Earthsea trilogy as "a memorable exploration of the relationship between life and death. Ged, its hero, must face his shadow self before it devours him. Only then will he become whole. In the process, he must contend with the wisdom of dragons: ambiguous and not our wisdom, but wisdom nonetheless."

Complete your Earthsea collection with The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, and Tehanu, and continue the journey through Le Guin’s extraordinary world. This edition is a must-have for both longstanding fans and new readers discovering the magic of Earthsea for the first time.