I've been waiting for this...

I've been waiting endlessly for this cherished childhood favorite to be released as an audiobook. This edition is the first section of T.H. White's epic "The Once and Future King." This part encompasses King Arthur's early years growing up under Merlin's tutelage at Sir Ector's castle. This book is more lighthearted and joyous than the sections that follow in "The Once & Future King," which are available on Audible as "The Witch in the Wood" and "The Ill-Made Knight." Although this book and the others are meant to go together as an epic work, "The Sword in the Stone" can easily stand alone as an enjoyable novel in its own right.

If I tried to tell you how superbly T.H White writes, you probably wouldn't believe me. The narrator does a smashing job of bringing the dialogue to life. I know I'll be listening to this book again and again over the years.

Sadly, at the time I'm writing this, the final section of "The Once & Future King," which covers the last years of King Arthur, is not yet released in audio format. Hopefully this will be soon be remedied!

24 people found this helpful

Great! Even for adults

This was super-dooper fabulous!! Ok, I have never seen the whole animated film, so I wasn't "tainted" with the images of the film, but even if you had seen it, the narrator is going to give you a completely new view of it. He was simply wonderful, the different characters were completely brought to life. I wish he would do more "fun" narrations. The story too, oh my gosh, action packed and gets all of your emotions. I laughed out loud too many times to count. The scene with the jousters (well you'll just have to listen to it!!) Give this one a try even if you consider yourself a "serious minded adult" -trust me, you'll love it.

13 people found this helpful

Wait until the full version is released

This is a great book and a great recording. I know that I'm not the only person who's been waiting what seems like a ridiculously long time for this extremely popular novel to be released on audio. However, for those who haven't read the book, I would suggest waiting until Naxos releases the full version, which is supposed to occur December 2 2008. It really is a continuous story, and you're bound to be disappointed if you have to wait months for the subsequent parts. I understand that it builds "drama" and "buzz" to release this way, but given that the entire book has been recorded, it's frustrating that we all have to wait until December to have access to the complete recording.

11 people found this helpful

Ch. 13

In chapter 13, it does not correspond to the actual book which is quite upsetting. Please look into this affair.

9 people found this helpful

So good I wanted more

I read this book several years ago and really loved it. I purchased it as an audiobook on a whim - think it was on sale. I am SO glad I did! Listening to it was a completely different experience, largely because the narrator was such a fine performer. Many times I laughed out loud at his verbal antics, but I was also often caught by his pathos, especially in the section where Wart grows up a bit. I had also forgotten what a lovely writer White is - some of his descriptions of the forest or of the beauty of a summer day are breathtaking. This would be a good listen for parents and children together, but is also great if your a 40ish woman who just likes a good story.

9 people found this helpful

good but not The Once and Future King

It's a well done audiobook, but unfortunate it's only part of the usual bundling of "The Sword in the Stone", "The Queen of Air and Darkness/The Witch in the Wood", "The Ill-Made Knight", and "The Candle in the Wind" (and sometimes "The Book of Merlyn") as "The Once and Future King".

Like I said, it's good, but if you're expecting the bigger bundle you might be disappointed.

4 people found this helpful

very enjoyable

This is an excellent, occasionally whimsical retelling of the beginning of the King Arthur legend. Outstanding narrator captures many different characters. I look forward to hearing more of the legend told from this perspective.

3 people found this helpful

Just Not My Era

This book seems to be well written and the narration is excellent. I simply did not enjoy the era.

2 people found this helpful

Bit of a struggle

Would you try another book from T. H. White and/or Neville Jason?

Possibly, giving the benefit of the doubt

Would you ever listen to anything by T. H. White again?

Perhaps if a different topic.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Unfortunately I found the narrators voice to be a little monotonous in this instance.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I had to draw myself back on some occasions from a state of eye glaze where I had stopped listening!

2 people found this helpful

Most delightful story & narration EVER!

I can't say enough good things about how enjoyable this book was. The writing is imaginative and superb; the narration mesmerizing and delightful. I will listen to this again many times in the future. Can't recommend this book highly enough. Would have given it 10 stars if it had been possible.

2 people found this helpful