The Crystal Cave

The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Nicol Williamson

Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Was Merlin an otherworldly being or just an ordinary mortal with extraordinary powers? Over the centuries there have been many stories about Camelot, but the mystery of the magician who nurtured, trained, and advised King Arthur has remained unexplored. Some have called Merlin a sinister, all-powerful Prince of Darkness. Others have described him as a merely a man, heir to the secrets of the Crystal Cave, possessed of rare and remarkable gifts. In this first part of her trilogy of Arthurian legend Mary Stewart delves into the mystery of Merlin. Visit the strange and mystical world of 5th-century Britain - a time and place made real through the dramatic reading of Nicol Williamson, the acclaimed British actor who played Merlin in the film Excalibur.

©1970 by Mary Stewart (P)1989 Dove Audio

My Favorite Book

This is one of my favorite books along with the rest in the Merlin trilogy. I am so glad to have found it on audible! I listened straight through and plan on listening again and purchasing the rest in the series.

disappointed

I know this story nearly by heart. I was disappointed to find that many details were, left out.

a wonderful world, magical and real

I've loved this story since I first read it in Switzerland, 1974. The sequels are just as enchanting.

Another "gutted" abridgement

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes- I would like to hear the full version of the story.

What about Nicol Williamson’s performance did you like?

I liked Williamson's performance as a whole, and it's unfortunate they couldn't just have him narrate the entire book. Stewart's Merlin books are popular- surely there's an audience for a full version.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Depends if the movie was faithful to the book

Any additional comments?

They should create full, unabridged versions of Renault's and Mary Stewart's books. These abridged versions are unsatisfying.

Great book

What did you love best about The Crystal Cave?

I love the story of Merlin. I have read the book in the past and wanted to hear it. It was just as I remembered it, just wonderful. Thanks for making it an audible book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Merlin

Which scene was your favorite?

Most of them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he got his pony

Any additional comments?

A wonderful book.

Merlin As He Surely Must Have Been

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

One of my favorite books of all time. It makes the Arthur legend into history.

What did you like best about this story?

Mary Stewart's version of the Arthur legend comes across as how it really was. She incorporates all the myths and legends into one story that seems to be Truth. Her characters are flawless.

Have you listened to any of Nicol Williamson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other of Nicol Williamson's performances. This one is excellent.

If you could rename The Crystal Cave, what would you call it?

The Crystal Cave is perfect for this book; no other title would suffice.

Any additional comments?

I wish Audible would remake Mary Stewart's Arther trilogy unabridged. So much is lost in this abridged version.

Unabridged is coming out October 2016

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Wait until October of 2016 when Amazon says the unabridged version will be available. It is still Nicol Williamson!

Any additional comments?

Audio CD: 1 pagesPublisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.; Unabridged MP3CD edition (October 3, 2016)Language: English

Beautiful succinct version

This is an abridged version. Beautifully narrated. A ill version is needed to complete this important work.

Slightly abridged but a wonderful narrator

If you've read the book, you'll notice some cuts from the early chapters, but the narrator has a great voice for epic tales like this and imbues all the characters with a distinct personality.

The Arthurian legend from Merlin's point of view

The Mary Stewart cycle of the Arthur stories starts with Merlin as a young boy in Wales. The book gives the reader a fascinating version of Merlin's backstory, and the late Nicol Williamson is a superb and lively reader. Williamson played Merlin in the film, EXCALIBUR, and he was mysterious, weird and mesmerizing. Don't hesitate to purchase this Audible book, as well as the rest of the series. Enjoy!