Rules for a Knight

By: Ethan Hawke

Narrated by: Alessandro Nivola

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.

A must listen…for all!

Powerful. Succinct. A must listen! I cannot recommend this book enough. Powerful lessons and insights for all ages!

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.

Simply Excellent!

This book is very simple, down to earth and easy to read. It addresses issues of conduct and character in a way that is relevant for anyone who reads it. I really enjoyed reading it to my children and they really enjoyed listening to it.

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!