The Mists of Avalon

By: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.

©1982 Marion Zimmer Bradley (P)1993 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“[A] monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends...” ( The New York Times Book Review)

A stunning journey through Arthurian Mythology

I read this book many years ago, and now listening to it again has given me hours of pleasure. the audio version is as good if not better than actually reading the book itself. this is a look at Arthurian Legend through a woman's point of view and so much more. I highly recommend this book for anyone!

It should be considered a classic!

Simply amazing! The storytelling of these books is so clever and fresh even though they were written 30 years ago. If you love stories that have been reworked and reimagined you will love this! The storytelling is epic. It should be considered a classic!

A essential read for lovers of the Arthur Legends

Any additional comments?

As some one who as read many of the traditional King Arthur stories, I loved the way Bradley delved into and opened up the legends. She hits all the traditional moments that we know from Pyle, TH White, Tennyson etc.. while take time to really flush out some of the subtler themes (christianity vs paganism, the courtly French vs common English). It is this aspect of Bradley's story that makes Mist of Avalon and essential read for any one wishing to really understand the King Arthur Legends.

Davinia Porter is the reason I chose this book.

But kept going for the story. I had only known the shell of the story of Arthur and the knights of the round table. The embellishment of the Goddesses of Avalon and the religious battle between the two worlds is is thought provoking.

Fantastic book!

I like this version better than the movies I've seen. Thank you for a fantastic book.

so looonnng

I always enjoy Ms. Porter's narrations and hope to listen to others narrated by her.

What is up with the cover image?!

I love this book- have read it many times throughout my life and at each stage I discover another nuance. I can not recommend it enough- such a testimony to the many strengths all kinds of women possess.

So why in the world does this new cover image have ONLY MEN?! This book is from the perspective of women and all the magnificent fierceness that comes with it. Someone please- get rid of that cover image!

If you like Guinevere...

This may not be the Arthur/Camelot story for you. I love the way MZB tells the story from Avalon.
Masterfully written and put together. The performance is wonderful too.

One of the most..,

I read this book 30 years ago and listened to it again this week. I’m so glad that as wisdom has come into my life, I can live it again, with all new insights. Although the first time through it was no less impactful. In a way, it’s the most important book in a woman can read – and it brings respect for any man will. I knew this time that the first 60 pages or so we’re hard. So just get through those. They will make sense later!

Wow!

I had never read or even heard of this book (unlike so many other reviewers), so I had no idea what I was in for. I was worried that I would get lost in such a long book, particularly since I hadn't physically read it first. But I was able to keep track of people and events. I found myself sympathizing with multiple characters, even when they didn't care for each other. I definitely neglected other activities while focusing on this delightful book.