Rules for a Knight

By: Ethan Hawke

Narrated by: Alessandro Nivola

Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1483, and Sir Thomas Lemuel Hawke, a Cornish knight, is about to ride into battle. On the eve of his departure, he composes a letter to his four young children, consisting of 20 virtues that provide instruction on how to live a noble life and on all the lessons, large and small, that he might have imparted to them himself were he not expecting to die on the battlefield.

"Why am I alive? Where was I before I was born? What will happen to me when I die? Whatever well our lives are drawn from, it is deep, wild, mysterious, and unknowable...."

Rules for a Knight is many things: a code of ethics; an intimate record of a lifelong quest; a careful recounting of a knight's hardest won lessons, deepest aspirations, and most richly instructive failures; and an artifact, a relic of a father's exquisite love.

Drawing on the ancient teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy and religion, on literature and poetry, and on the great spiritual and political writings of our time, Ethan Hawke has written a parable that - in the story of a young man's journey toward a life of authenticity and meaning - captures the instinctive movement of the heart toward truth and beauty. Rules for a Knight has the appeal of Arthurian legend; the economy of Aesop; and the vitality, intelligence, and risk-taking that could emanate only from Ethan Hawke.

©2010, 2015 Under the Influence Productions Corp. (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"[Narrator Alessandro] Nivola uses grandfatherly tones - melodious, deep, and enchanting - to draw listeners in. Using lyrical tones, he BECOMES the knight who writes his timeless advice for his sleeping heirs." (AudioFile)

What a beautiful and moving story

Words to live by and a great story.
The last story The 44 point red deer was especially moving.
I also like knowing where the words came from.

Simply amazing

Loved this book. Was told to read it by multiple people that I think highly of. I see why. Learn this and pass it on... Very good read! Short book, I'll listen to it and read it over and over again.

Short but very sweet.

At first I was apprehensive about getting this book because it was so short. I didn't want to spend money on something that I would be done with in one sitting. However, this book is so interesting with how it portrays the rules of a knight. But it holds true in our everyday lives. Not only do I need to listen to this book a second time, but I need to take notes! Bravo!

Great book and quick play

I normally only do audio books if read by author but loved this one read by Alessandro. I’ve read the book a few times and wished to knock it out again in audio form and trilled to see it was only a 2 hr play.

Great book, message, and vibe. I received the book as a gift and purchased the book as a gift for many.

I will listen to this one more than once.

This is something every person, especially young people, should read. Such an excellent code to live by. We should all be knights.

Surprised at his wisdom.

Wow! I was not expecting such a beautiful book. I sure do believe, Mr. Hawke has more to him than just acting, though most most would consider a movie star as being at the top of the social status, he could've been a simple inspiration to the human world.

Interesting amalgamation of witty sayings and tales

Loosely tied together as a story, a bit misleading and its description, and that I was expecting, but it was good

Awesome!!!

This book is great for anyone. It teaches principles that everyone aspiring to be a better person should live by. My wife and I even read the hardcover version of this book to our children for them to learn from the guidelines and direction given in these teachings and rules.

This is the book you should read!

If you could sum up Rules for a Knight in three words, what would they be?

Simple, elegant, and straightforward. Meaningful, concise, and moving. This book uses a entertaining narrative to convey important messages about what it is to be a mature and thoughtful human being.

Highly recommended!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rules for a Knight?

The secret is: there is no secret.

Paraphrased form: “Pay attention: what you need to know is usually in front of you. There are no secrets, just things people choose not to notice.”

What does Alessandro Nivola bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good voices and a consistent and appropriate accent.

If you could rename Rules for a Knight, what would you call it?

Rules for humanity.

Any additional comments?

Read this book.

excellent....

I loved it... it's well thought out and well written. keeps you thinking. highly recommend.