The Once and Future King

By: T. H. White

Narrated by: Neville Jason

Length: 33 hrs

Publisher's summary

The complete "box set" of T. H. White's epic fantasy novel of the Arthurian legend. The novel is made up of five parts: "The Sword in the Stone", "The Witch in the Wood", "The Ill-Made Knight", "The Candle in the Wind", and "The Book of Merlyn".

Merlyn instructs the Wart (Arthur) and his brother, Sir Kay, in the ways of the world. One of them will need it: the king has died, leaving no heir, and a rightful one must be found by pulling a sword from an anvil resting on a stone. In the second and third parts of the novel, Arthur has become king and the kingdom is threatened from the north. In the final two books, the ageing king faces his greatest challenge, when his own son threatens to overthrow him. In "The Book of Merlyn", Arthur's tutor Merlyn reappears and teaches him that, even in the face of apparent ruin, there is hope.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©1939, 1940, 1958 T. H. White (P)2008 Naxos Audiobooks

Critic reviews

AudioFile Earphones Award, 2009

"For those who have never read these five books, prepare to be surprised by their adultness, their laugh-out-loud humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary on modern life; for those who know them well, prepare to be delighted with Neville Jason's transcendent reading. The lovely timbre of his narrative voice, his rhythmic, easy pacing and host of individual characterizations transport listeners into White's weird and wonderful otherworld as quickly as Alice slipped through the looking glass. This long production is so entrancing that one wishes it would never end." (AudioFile)

I love this book

When I purchased this, the first thing I did was bookmark the start of each book.

Chapter 1 The Sword in the Stone
Chapter 25 The Witch in the Wood
Chapter 39 The Ill-Made Knight
Chapter 84 The Candle in the Wind
Chapter 98 The Book of Merlin

I have a paperback copy of this, that does not include The Book of Merlin. It is my favorite story, and the paperback is missing pages, from being frequently read (and also from being thrown into my backpack or purse).
I've really enjoyed the audiobook.

So much to take away from an amazing tale

A spectacular story and well read (once sped up to 1.25). So much of this can apply to any time frame. Such great thoughts, and feelings pour through as you enjoy the ages of shivery. Highly recommend this book.

A High Quality Classic, with a few flaws

The Once And Future King covers the story of King Arthur, from his childhood, to his coronation, to the formation of The Round Table, to the desolation abd destruction of Arthur's later reign. T.H. White's classic take on the Matters of Brittain is both deeply touching, and generally charming. The only section inwhich this tale faulters is during the final section: The Book of Merlin; it feels dry in places and retreads ground covered in the beginning, with an included dissertation on the faults of both fascism and marxism. However, White's philosophical discourse does give way to a genuinely compelling ending to the work, for which the political discourse can be forgiven.


In regards to performance, this audiobook is performed well and is a delight to listen to.

I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who either loves legends or wants to experience a piece of classic English Literature.

Phenomenal!

A phenomenal telling of a beautiful legend! The more familiar you are with the biblical story of King David and his "mighty men", the deeper and better this book gets! the narrator makes everyone come to life.

Uneven

The sections with Merlyn are pretty unbearable. Just super cheesy. The rest of the book is amazing!

re-read as an adult

re-read as an adult. it is such a good story, and the people are such good characters I hated for it to end. may read again. have recommended to friends and family.

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*insert obligatory 15 word long review here despite the fact that I only want to rate the book*

Classic

It’s wild that no one ‘talks’ like authors used to(?) write. The story ages spookily well and includes incredible metaphors for so many modern day things, it’s crazy. I’d give examples to confirm the quality, but I abhor spoilers. I did think some of the animal parts were a bit meandering, but on the whole: A+

Worth the considerable time needed

I read the Once and Future King many decades ago and loved it along with Mallory's rendition. I don't remember it being so funny, so that was a pleasant surprise. I expected it to be very good and it met that hands down. I, unlike many, didn't mind the last book. However, I did find it more preachy. I can only suggest that T.H. White was looking back on his life and times when he wrote it and juxtaposing it onto his previous work. I appreciate it more for a look at the man than for a climax of his tale. In some ways it might serve as a way to reflect back on the four books and view them within the context of the themes of book five. This would probably be more helpful for younger readers (listeners)as the themes are not very veiled by T.H.White and more often than not are hammered into us time after time.

Beauty, Charm, Comedy, and Philosophy all in one

Astonishingly good book. I loved every minute of it, and it has substance that makes you continue to think about human nature. I will also say that the reader is the best I have EVER heard on an audiobook. He had distinct voices for each character that fit them so well, and his tone is easy to listen to and engaging. Highly recommend.