King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

By: Benedict Flynn

Narrated by: Sean Bean

Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

These stories are about how, many years ago, Arthur the once and future King of England, set out to save his country from the troubles that plagued it, aided by the brave knights of the Round Table, and the most famous sword in the world, Excalibur. How Merlin the Wizard fought against the wicked Morgana le Fay's enchantments, and how Arthur loved and lost the beautiful Guinevere, his Queen.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

(P)1997 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.; ©1997 NAXOS AudioBooks Ld.

Sean Bean reads this. What more do I have to say?

First off, the reader for this book is the inimitable Sean Bean. Frankly, I'd listen to him read mathematical formulae.

Secondly, I've always loved the stories of King Arthur and his court. The adventure, the romance, and the tragedy all combine to make for a wonderful experience. The tales chosen here and the manner of their retelling are both quite good. I'd have preferred more of them, hence the four stars rather than five.

And did I mention that Sean Bean reads these stories? I love his voice, his accent, and his cadences.

Enjoyable!

Enjoyed the story. The time of the story is hard to decipher.Children are born and grown and it's difficult to know how that time has already passed. The narrator made at least two grammatical errors; one saying between "him and I." I can't help but think that the narrator used his own 'English skills' and ignored what was written.

loved it

loved it .now i want to get more books and information about king Arthur .

A Voice to be Heard

Absolutely outstanding reading in the beautiful, dulcet Yorkshire tones of Sean Bean. Sean does a brilliant job, that would keep any person, young or old, interested in hearing the story of King Arthur. I *highly* recommend this download.

Perhaps not for young children?

I have the Howard Pyle version, which is fine - a classic for sure, but a little on the wordy side and a bit dry for my 7-year-old daughter. I thought this shorter version would be more accessible for her. It's exciting - Sean Bean's narration and the soundtrack make it a good listen. But I'm glad I previewed it before playing it for my daughter. I'm no prude, but I don't want my young daughter to hear about the Lancelot, Arthur, Guinevere love triangle just yet. In this version, Lancelot spends the night with Guinevere while she's married to Arthur, and they're accused of being lovers. Also, Arthur and Lancelot both father sons resulting form bizarre encounters with women who trick them. I've read many versions of the Arthurian legend (from Marion Zimmer Bradley, etc.), so it's not like I was unaware of these events and character connections. I just didn't expect them to come up in a version supposedly for young children. I think I'll wait a few years before exposing my daughter to these complex adult themes.

The voice elevates the text

I'd conjecture that this book is a much better listen than a read. The text is quite simplistic, but it is brought to life by Sean Bean's reading, and complemented by the music which intermittently accompanies it. Bean has a marvellous vocal timbre: from the fresh tenor of the young Arthur to the low growl of a wary Merlin, he uses his vocal abilities to inhabit the various characters in a way that makes them seem to live in one's mind.,

Like a bedtime story from Ned Stark

The old stories are the best, and Sean Bean reading Arthurian legends - what a combination! Bean's voice is perfect for these classic tales of honour, chivalry and magic. His narration imparts all the drama, wonder and emotion that the tales need to bring them to life, from the bravest and sturdiest of knights, to the fairest and gentlest of women.

You won't regret buying these tales, and they'll be perfect for family listening on car trips with slightly older children who love getting lost in tales of knights and ladies, sorcerers and dragons.

Story & performance took me back to Camelot..

I have listened and enjoyed many audible books. this one was suberbly acted and the best so far.

Superb

Superb retelling and excellent narration.. gripping for myself and my husband, and a great introduction to the Arthurian tales for my nearly 6 year old. Had to stop sometimes to explain to him what was going on, but he loved it. Perfect for a car trip.

Not Quite Right? for me.

I had already read Howard Pyle book many years ago. I was surprised how different Howard?s story was to what I had experienced in the movies. First of all there is no Holy Grail. This led to much research online where I learned that Howard version is considered the closest to the original and that the Church of England inserted the Holy Grail later.

Having said all that I found this version to be well written and very well read but ultimately not quite right for my taste. Many characters have been seriously changed in what role they played in the story and, more importantly, what kind of person they were. This legend has always been about the honor and chivalry to the point where the characters are almost to good to be believed, this story has more believable character but at the cost of lessening the legend.

The one exception is the scene with the Green Knight. I do not remember it at all in Howard?s story, but it was excellent and had all the elements I wished had been present throughout the book.