
The Once and Future King (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Epic Fantasy CollectionBy T. H. WhiteLength27h 59m
About this audiobook
T. H. White's The Once and Future King is a richly imaginative retelling of the Arthurian legend, drawing principally on Malory while reshaping medieval romance for a modern, morally troubled age. Comprising the stories of Arthur's education, reign, betrayal, and fall, the novel moves from comic pastoral enchantment to tragic political meditation. Its style blends wit, anachronism, philosophical dialogue, and lyrical fantasy, placing chivalric myth in conversation with twentieth-century anxieties about power, justice, war, and human frailty. White, an English writer educated at Cambridge and deeply versed in medieval literature, wrote much of the work during the years surrounding the Second World War. His fascination with animals, education, solitude, and authority informs the figure of Merlyn, whose lessons transform Arthur into a ruler seeking to replace force with law. White's own skepticism toward violence and institutions gives the book its distinctive ethical urgency. This is an essential work for readers interested in myth, fantasy, political thought, or literary adaptations of Arthurian tradition. Both accessible and profound, it rewards those who seek adventure as well as those attentive to tragedy, irony, and humane wisdom.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
GenreFantasy, Fairy Tales and Folklore
Length27 hrs 59 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 8, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Idylls of the King (Annotated)
26Chapter XX
2Introduction
27Chapter XXI
3Author Biography
28Chapter XXII
4Historical Context
29Chapter XXIII
5Synopsis (Selection)
30Chapter XXIV
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6The Sword in the Stone
31The Queen of Air and Darkness
7Chapter I
32Chapter I
8Chapter II
33Chapter II
9Chapter III
34Chapter III
10Chapter IV
35Chapter IV
11Chapter V
36Chapter V
12Chapter VI
37Chapter VI
13Chapter VII
38Chapter VII
14Chapter VIII
39Chapter VIII
15Chapter IX
40Chapter IX
16Chapter X
41Chapter X
17Chapter XI
42Chapter XI
18Chapter XII
43Chapter XII
19Chapter XIII
44Chapter XIII
20Chapter XIV
45Chapter XIV
21Chapter XV
46The Ill-Made Knight
22Chapter XVI
47Chapter I
23Chapter XVII
48Chapter II
24Chapter XVIII
49Chapter III
25Chapter XIX
50Chapter IV