A review by birdbrainbooks
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Did not finish book.
There are definitely some iconic, magical moments in this book, particularly in here (The Sword and the Stone): the Wart meeting Merlyn in the woods and first visiting his cabin; meeting Merlyn’s talking owl Archimedes; encountering Robin Hood/Wood and his band of outlaws during one adventure.
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If you love knights, 11th Century or Norman-Saxon history, or general interest in King Arthur and the Arthurian legends, definitely give it a go. Some of the later books felt a bit like swimming through concrete, so I stopped after halfway through Book Two. Bear in mind—this book was published in 1958 and sections were written in the 30s/40s; the language can be somewhat stilted and there are a few moments that are outright offensive in light of today. The racism and misogyny is real.
.
If you love knights, 11th Century or Norman-Saxon history, or general interest in King Arthur and the Arthurian legends, definitely give it a go. Some of the later books felt a bit like swimming through concrete, so I stopped after halfway through Book Two. Bear in mind—this book was published in 1958 and sections were written in the 30s/40s; the language can be somewhat stilted and there are a few moments that are outright offensive in light of today. The racism and misogyny is real.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Misogyny, and Incest