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)

Beautifully written and preformed classic

I rank this as one of my favorite books of all time. It contains a wonderful blend of whimsical fantasy thanks to Merlin and King Pellinor, romance, tragedy, adventure, as well as some fourth wall breaking 20th century philosophical commentary thanks again to Merlin's character. Also, I think the narrator nails it in every possible way this time. it's hard to pull off convincing voices for a wide variety of characters, especially ones with accents, but he does it very convincingly.

Spectacular

It's a treat to get to listen to this story again. It's a classic for good reason, and the narration is excellent.

A lovely wandering tale

It was a long journey through the story. I stopped and commenced several times, but I'm glad I finished it. T.H. White balances humor, and nigh childlike lightheartedness with the severe fact that human kind is deeply flawed. Not only does he address the human condition on the grand scale of war, peace, and nationality, but he draws you into the complexities of the individual, in love, justice, and power. He weaves history , legend, and his own imagination into a beautiful wandering tale.

a book for the ages

This begins as a children's book, but then it becomes very adult. I am not a child, so I almost stopped reading, but now I am very glad that I continued until the end. This is a great story, and there is real wisdom too.

First publication was the wisest.

What made the experience of listening to The Once and Future King the most enjoyable?

Neville Jason does an excellent job narrating this beautiful book. My only qualm here is that this audiobook contains "The Book of Merlyn" as it's final portion. I think this is a mistake, and that the original publishers were in the right, and the book as a whole worked better without the addition of Merlyn's final lessons.

Great, great book! Well worth your time.

Take the time to listen to this book. You will wonder how and why you haven't before now. Did not want it to end.

great book, but last couple chapters were dry

a great book. found it interesting and intelligently written. unfortunately it got quite dry near the end. easily could have cut 4 chapters out of the book without missing anything.

Worth the Read, Interesting Themes

Overall I enjoyed this series of books by the author. I had to skim quickly through the first book as it was a little too goofy for me. Maybe because it just seems cartoony since Disney made their Sword and the Stone movie. Books 2-5 were really intriguing and took me on a great adventure. I’m not typically a fan of adventure tales or fantasy novels so this is saying something that I found enjoyment in reading these books.

Books have mature relationship themes throughout. Probably better for an older teen and above. The first book is just fine for a younger reader. Highly recommend that everyone listen to this set. The narrator is excellent. You will undoubtedly see undertones of today’s political climate as I think some of these things are just in the nature of man and seeking out grace.

Thoroughly enjoyable book

Highly recommended. This was a refreshing take on Arthurian legend. I'm glad I finally listened to it

interesting retelling of King Arthur

It was a great listen - really enjoyed the narration.

A very engaging retelling of the King Arthur legend with modern hints sprinkled throughout.

I would highly recommend for it makes you think and consider challenges we face as humans. What are we doing to make life better for all people.