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The Sword in the Stone

Audiobook
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks

The Sword in the Stone is the first novel in The Once and Future King, T. H. White's epic fantasy re-telling of the Arthurian legend. A cartoon adaptation by Walt Disney made it into an enduring favourite for the young. But like Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it appeals to adults and children alike. Here is an abridged version for Junior Classics readers.

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  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Wizards, boys, quests, and mixed-up magic. Sound familiar? In the lull after Harry Potter, listeners can immerse themselves in the early years of King Arthur, known as a boy as the "Wart." Neville Jason's brilliant readings of Proust and Tolstoy may seem an unlikely preface to the wizard Merlin, but he's truly perfect. Jason easily takes the challenge of White's 1930s' language combined with myriad archaic terms of heraldry and chivalry. He delivers with fluidity and enthusiasm, rarely letting the listener wander off like King Pellinore, before another joust commences. The characters--blustery knights, compassionate mentors, or the sleepy hedgehog--are each imaginatively portrayed. The sly, merry humor is fully intact. Naxos's signature music heralds breaks between stories in this abridged Junior Classics edition. Hark! Well done. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from March 31, 2008
      Neville Jason's approach, he says, is to be “humble to the material” he is working with and to let the “powers of absorption work.” It is apt that in this classic retelling of the King Arthur legend, the wizard Merlin often teaches the boy Arthur (aka Wart) by changing him into other creatures—a fish, a bird—to learn by absorption, by being, with empathy being the least of the lessons taught. It is a perfect fit of sensibilities. Jason, who was awarded the Diction Prize by Sir John Gielgud at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, delivers fully developed characters with such warmth and spark that listeners are instantly transported to Sir Ector's castle. Originally written in 1938, this audiobook is perfect for any J.K. Rowling fan, as its humor, intellect and playfulness feels as contemporary as a Harry Potter novel. In fact, Rowling has described White's Wart as “Harry's spiritual ancestor.” Combined with the brilliant performance by Jason, what more could a fantasy fan want?

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Text Difficulty:4-8

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