The Once and Future King Audiobook By T. H. White cover art

The Once and Future King

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The Once and Future King

By: T. H. White
Narrated by: Neville Jason
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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 Fantasy Essentials Fiction Classics Fantasy Royalty European World Literature Witty Science Fiction & Fantasy Suspenseful Funny Classic Fantasy

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)

Featured Article: The top 100 fantasy listens of all time


When compiling our list of the best fantasy listening out there, we immediately came up against the age-old question: Is this fantasy or science fiction? The distinction is not as clear as you may think. Dragons, elves, and wizards are definitely fantasy, but what about wizards that also fly space ships? (Looking at you, Star Wars.) For the sake of fantasy purity, the top 100 fantasy listens include the best audio works in all manner of fantasy subgenres.

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Masterful Retelling • Unique Narrative Approach • Philosophical Depth • Charming Magical Adventures • Authentic Accent Work

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Worth the time and credit. Beautifully written. A little longer than necessary but t'd recommend it to the whole family.

Classic writing, great listen

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What is there to say about this amazing story that hasn't already been said? This is a must-listen for fantasy lovers or anyone who has ever been even remotely interested in the Arthurian legend. White's story is full of wit and humor, and every word is perfectly chosen. Neville Jason's narration is flawless - I was in awe of his ability to capture each character's personality with his voice, and then to switch between the (many!) characters so effortlessly. I'm hard pressed to think of a better use of an Audible credit.

Nearly perfect in every way

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What did you like best about this story?

This was the first book I had ever read on my own at the age of 14 and I only remembered how much I loved it. This audiobook rendition brought it to life beyond what I could have hoped for. I wish everyone could have the chance to listen to this story as told by Neville Jason because not only has it has brought me to laughter and tears within minutes but tells a profound story and philosophy that should be required reading for a full and meaningful life!

Fantastic reading of the best story ever!

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Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

took too many turns - was expecting something a little less fanciful. Off shoots of absurd tales. Not so much for me.

just too long

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This book is amazing and completely enjoyable from beginning to end. The narration is brilliant. T.H White is a superb author with a flair for storytelling. The experiential depth and description go beyond description as a archer myself I was captivated by the accuracy of his descriptions of these things as well as his descriptions life during the Middle Ages and expansion of the Arthurian legend. This was a truly enjoyable fairy tail with many moral and ethical as well as fantastical aspects to the story. I can understand why this book has endured through the decades.

I can’t believe I missed this book as a young adult. It’s one of the best I’ve had the pleasure to listen to in awhile.

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