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The Once & Future King

The Once & Future King | T. H. White

152 posts | 227 read | 16 reading | 239 to read

The definitive modern take on the timeless tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round table. The legends of King Arthur date back to medieval Europe, and have become some of the dominant myths of Western culture. In The Once & Future King, T. H. White reinvents the story for a modern audience. The novel starts by introducing the reader to a young Arthur � just a child, and far from the King he will become � as he is raised by the wizard Merlyn, and moves on to chronicle his rise to Kingship, the affair between Guinevere and Lancelot, and the eventual destruction of the round table. The first section, released independently as The Sword in the Stone, was adapted into an animated film by Walt Disney Pictures. Penguin Random House Canada is proud to bring you classic works of literature in e-book form, with the highest quality production values. Find more today and rediscover books you never knew you loved.

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blurb

The Once & Future King | T. H. White

#threelistthursday #tlt @dabbe
My score reeked. Quite a few are on my TBR; I just haven't read them yet. Three faves:
1. THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING: “The fantastic thing about war was that it was fought about nothing--literally nothing.“
2. OUTLANDER (called CROSS STITCH in the UK): “I am your master…and you're mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own.“
3. THE 39 STEPS: “The men who knew that he knew what he knew had found him.”

ChaoticMissAdventures I am trying to get to once and future king I think this summer, I have had it for years and just have not gotten around to it. 1w

rubyslippersreads One of my favorite books. 1w

DGRachel I didn‘t realize Cross Stitch was Outlander! That brings my dismal total up to 16. 🤪 1w

See All 11 Comments

rwmg 45 I am at a severe disadvantage never having read any Jacqueline Wilson 1w

BethM I‘ve had Once and Future King recommended to me a few times. 1w

dabbe @ChaoticMissAdventures It's in my top five of all time. It's actually 4 novellas rolled into one big chunkster. 😍 1w

dabbe @rubyslippersreads TOAFK? 🎯🩵🎯 1w

dabbe @DGRachel I was only 22, so we're in good company! I looked it up because I never heard of that title by her (she lives in Scottsdale, AZ, so I know a bit about her!) Thanks for playing and sharing. 💙💚💙 1w

dabbe @rwmg 🎯! Plus I've never read one Terry Pratchett either! Thanks for playing and sharing. 💙💚💙 1w

dabbe @BethM In my top 5 of all time. 🩵 1w

rubyslippersreads @dabbe Yes. I think I was in my early teens when I first read it. 7d

45 likes11 comments

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#aprilpoetrychallenge
#NationalPoetryMonth
#magic
@wanderinglynn

lil1inblue Oooh! I love this one! 😍 4w

dabbe @lil1inblue TY! 💚💚💚 4w

wanderinglynn Fantastic! ❤️ 4w

dabbe @wanderinglynn TY! 💚💚💚 4w

51 likes4 comments

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#coverstories
#lake
@Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

A fave movie (EXCALIBUR) and novel.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Excellent 👌🏻 1mo

dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks TY. 💚 1mo

JessClark78 Love this movie. 🗡🖤 1mo

See All 12 Comments

rwmg A favourite film but so embarrassing the first time I saw it. I was sobbing all the way home on the tube. 1mo

Ruthiella I loved this movie too. And it has SO MANY actors that would go on to be mega-famous. 1mo

dabbe @JessClark78 IKR? 💚🗡️💚 1mo

dabbe @rwmg I can still hear the music rising (and the vegetation coming to life again) when Arthur and his men go to fight Mordred in the last battle in the movie. 😭 1mo

dabbe @Ruthiella 🎯💚🎯 1mo

Eggs Well played 🗡️ 🩵👏🏻 1mo

dabbe @Eggs TY. 💚🗡️💚 1mo

TheLudicReader I love this movie. 1mo

dabbe @TheLudicReader 🎯🎯🎯! 1mo

59 likes1 stack add12 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

Arthur's story is very much not my thing and probably why it took me from February until now to finish. That being said, there are hints of humor and philosophical topics that lend it merit. Just be warned there is some pretty tough animal cruelty in the second segment.

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#BookReport
Absolutely loved the book I finished this week! Unfortunately I'm making slower progress with my non audio books.

#WeeklyForecast
My goal this week is to try and finish Black Cake as I need to read it for work. I also want to try and get closer to finishing part 2 of the tagged but it's hard knowing there are two more instances of animal abuse I have to get through.

RosePressedPages I loved Deeplight! The worldbuilding was so imaginative (edited) 12mo

21 likes1 comment

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Doing some backyard reading while the hummingbirds come and feed. I am also excited that I‘ve made it to part two in the tagged.

Eyelit 😍 12mo

29 likes1 comment

blurb

Once and Future King | T H White

It‘s a great day for some porch reading!

blurb

Once and Future King | T H White

Doing some porch reading with Rolo today. Hoping to do a fair chunk of the tagged today because it feels like I‘ve been trying to read this forever.
#DogsOfLitsy

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#Two4Tuesday
@TheSpineView (thanks for the tag; you, too, @Eggs! 🤩😘🤗)

1. My mom. When growing up in the 70s, she raised four daughters on a meager income and only $35 a week in child support. And we all turned out okay. 😃
2. There are four books in the tetralogy TOaFK, but Wart as Arthur in THE SWORD IN THE STONE is my favorite--one of the most selfless characters I have ever read. 🗡️
Play? @AmyG @TheLudicReader @Aimeesue

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Happy Tuesday!❤️📖 13mo

51 likes1 comment

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#ItTakesAllKinds
#WithMap
@Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

This map was for the 1st book in this tetralogy: THE SWORD IN THE STONE. 💚

Eggs Looove this map 🩵💛🖤 14mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🗺️ 14mo

dabbe @Eggs 💚💙💚 14mo

dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚💙💚 14mo

48 likes4 comments

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#LuckyInLove
#candelit
@Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING remains in my top five favorite books of all time. Book 4 is titled CANDLE IN THE WIND (way before Elton John's song, btw). 🕯️🕯️🕯️

IndoorDame ❤️❤️❤️ 1y

dabbe @IndoorDame 🖤🩶🖤 1y

Gissy 🕯❤️❤️❤️ 1y

See All 11 Comments

Eggs ❤️🕯️🖤 1y

dabbe @Gissy 🖤🩶🖤 1y

dabbe @Eggs 🖤🩶🖤 1y

Aimeesue Now I have to find the Guardian piece - TOAFK is one of my favorite books 🩶 1y

dabbe @Aimeesue No, you don't. Here it is:
https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/aug/06/philip-womack-my-in...

🖤🩶🖤 1y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤🕯️🖤 1y

dabbe @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤🩶🖤 1y

Aimeesue @dabbe Thank you! 🩶 1y

61 likes11 comments

blurb

Therewillbebooks

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Working on the new episode

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

What a lovely romp through the Arthurian legend. I liked the tongue in cheek delivery and philosophical tangents. And although you know how it‘s going to end, it still hurts. Poor Arthur at the end. And now I‘ve got Camelot on the TV because it‘s been in my head throughout. Thanks to @AvidReader25 for hosting the #oafkingalong and spurring me to take this off my TBR!

batsy So glad it was a pick for you, too! Nice review. 2y

suvata I read that book a long, long time ago (I‘m old) and I have to say that it‘s one of my top-ten favorites of all time. Your post brought up a lot of memories. I think I will re-read it. Thanks for the nudge. 😎 2y

AvidReader25 It was so fun to get to read it with you all! I ended up loving the book, though it was not what I was expecting. I think I‘ll have to rewatch the Merlin miniseries because it‘s still on my mind too! 😊 2y

See All 7 Comments

dabbe @suvata #ditto! 🤗 2y

BkClubCare Thank you for participating 🌟 2y

Lcsmcat @BkClubCare Thanks for hosting! I‘m glad I joined in. 🙂 2y

Lcsmcat @suvata I‘m old enough that I _should_ have read it a long time ago. But sometimes we need to wait to appreciate a book. 🙂 2y

45 likes7 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

Just beautiful! I loved how each book is so different in tone. They work in concert to create a powerful picture of a monarch creating a new form of government. There were scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. When Guenever is scared Mordred is outside the door & when she & Lancelot see the handle start to move, the tension is perfect. I loved the depth of Arthur's sorrow as he realizes what his flaws have led to. Continued... #OAFkingalong

AvidReader25 I was surprised that the climax comes when the characters are much older. I loved that it wasn't about infatuation, but decades of deep friendship & love. Mordred's story is tragic. He's broken because of his upbringing. It's hard to blame him for the selfish monster he becomes. The book has sections that drag, but as a whole I loved it. It was funny & heartbreaking, full of clever quips & philosophical questions. I'd love to reread it one day. 2y

AvidReader25 Thank you all for joining in the fun! I absolutely loved having the chance to discuss this one along the way! @BkClubCare @Bluebird @batsy @Vansa @Lcsmcat @rubyslippersreads @MeganAnn @Suet624 @wordslinger42 @TheAromaofBooks @BarbaraJean @RaeLovesToRead @thereadingreference @Read-y_Picker 2y

BarbaraJean I agree, the depth of the relationships in the “triangle” was so compelling. Same with the brothers. I really felt for all the characters, even Mordred, for the reasons you mention. I really enjoyed this readalong—thank you so much for hosting! 2y

See All 17 Comments

batsy Thank you for hosting this group read—I'm so glad I finally got to this, and found it so rich and rewarding. White is absolutely doing his own thing in telling the story of the myth by focusing on the characters, while also dipping in and out of genres and making it a work of philosophy, to boot. 2y

BookwormM Love that owl 2y

rubyslippersreads I‘m still (re)reading. Some of it I remember, some of it I don‘t, and through all of it, I‘m hearing the OBC cast album of “Camelot.” 😊 2y

Lcsmcat @batsy Loved the between-the-wars philosophy! I marked “Was it the wicked leaders who led innocent populations to slaughter, or was it wicked populations who chose leaders after their own hearts?” 2y

TheAromaofBooks Thank you for hosting this buddy read - I've been meaning to read this series for so long! 2y

AvidReader25 @BarbaraJean I think it was a testament to how much we loved the characters by the end that we felt so deeply for them when the inevitable tragedy unfolded! 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy Well said! He had his own style, and it worked so well! It made for such a fun retelling, while still exploring the philosophical side of the story. 2y

AvidReader25 @BookwormM Thanks! He holds my glasses on my bathroom counter, but I‘ve named him Archimedes after reading this. 😊 2y

AvidReader25 @rubyslippersreads Me too! 🤣 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat Such a good quote! Still so sadly relevant today. 2y

AvidReader25 @TheAromaofBooks It was on my TBR for so long! I‘m so glad we read it together. I made it such a richer reading experience to be able to hear everyone‘s thoughts. 2y

rubyslippersreads @AvidReader25 Just don‘t call him Archie! 🦉 2y

BkClubCare ❤️🗡️👏 2y

AvidReader25 @rubyslippersreads 😂 I would never! 2y

35 likes17 comments

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Anyone read this one?

majkia I read this many years ago and loved it. I should revisit. 2y

hannah-leeloo I've wanted it for years @majkia I know my son will love it too 2y

RaeLovesToRead There is an #OAFKingalong going on now! I was gonna join, but got lost somewhere between The Realm of the Elderlings and Harschmort Manor... 2y

See All 7 Comments

hannah-leeloo Ooooh thanks for letting me know @RaeLovesToRead 2y

batsy Just finished it for the #OAFKingalong and loved it. 2y

hannah-leeloo Awesome, I look forward to it @batsy 2y

BarbaraJean I just finished reading it for the #OAFKingalong as well! It‘s fantastic. 2y

63 likes1 stack add7 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

Such a fascinating & rewarding book! The first section was delightfully playful & lighthearted, and the subsequent sections were darker and more thought-provoking (also slower going). I wanted a bit more development of Arthur in the later sections, and more development of Guinevere outside of her relationship with Lancelot, but I loved the depth of Lancelot‘s character and the reflectiveness of the ending. #ChunksterChallenge2023 #OAFKingalong

tagged users icon

AvidReader25, BkClubCare, Amiable

Amiable Excellent! I'm still chugging my excruciatingly slow way through this book with the tiny print. 2y

AvidReader25 Beautifully said! I did wish for a little more depth in those final sections with our main characters, but I loved the arc created by the four very different books. 2y

BarbaraJean @AvidReader25 I did, too. The second section is so different from the first that I wondered if the rest would feel uneven. But after “The Ill-Made Knight,” it was clear White knew what he was doing! I was impressed by how each section built on what had come before. 2y

49 likes3 comments

review

currentlyreadinginCO

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

A King Arthur story written in 1958 for a post-WWII audience, I left the OAFK sitting on my shelf for over a decade until @AvidReader25 suggested the #OAFKingalong. I felt the times in the references to bombers, the realities of war, and various adorable anachronisms. Witty and tongue-in-cheek, this incredible brick of a novel deals with loss, tragedy, justice, love, and the futility of it all. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

dabbe Well-said; I agree 💯! 💚💙💚 2y

batsy Nice review! I'm so glad I read it. 2y

AvidReader25 I was surprised by how much humor was woven into the story. The later books were certainly darker, but the authors wit came through. I‘m so glad you joined us in reading it! 2y

BkClubCare Thank you for participating 🌟 2y

66 likes1 stack add4 comments

quote

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

“You will find,” he explained, “that when the kings are bullies who believe in force, the people are bullies too. If I don‘t stand for law, I won‘t have law among my people.”

#OAFKingalong

tagged users icon

AvidReader25, BkClubCare

AvidReader25 I wish more people remembered this today! 2y

BarbaraJean @AvidReader25 Yes! I thought this was a terribly timely quote! (edited) 2y

33 likes2 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Bailed

bailed

April was full of distractions- great weather, garden🪴centers, and absolutely zero interest in reading. 😔 I did not get the book finished…

Big kudos and applause for my cohost who took on most (99%) of hosting duties for #oafkingalong readalong!! 👏🏆🗡️ @AvidReader25 Melissa is such a wonderful person and book friend. ❤️ Thank you everyone who participated!!

And it had pie! 🍎 🥧 #iLovePie #litpie

AvidReader25 🤣 we make plans, and life gets in the way, that‘s how it goes! Here‘s to a better reading month in May. 😊 2y

willaful I was wily and did my gardening listening to an audiobook. 😎 2y

BkClubCare @willaful - wily is such a great word!👍 2y

BkClubCare @AvidReader25 - Thank you. 2y

47 likes4 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

Ill-Made Knight: This section was huge, but I love that we saw a deeper character arc with Lancelot. He travels the spectrum from hero to lover to madman & finally penitent & proud father. There‘s a lot to process, but 1 thing that stood out was Arthur's realization that forcing people into peace through violence sends the wrong message & isn't sustainable. It‘s interesting he continues to ignore his wife's infidelity at all costs.
#OAFkingalong

AvidReader25 @batsy @rubyslippersreads @BarbaraJean @MeganAnn @Vansa @dabbe @BkClubCare @Suet624 @RaeLovesToRead @wordslinger42 @Lcsmcat @Read-y_Picker @Bluebird @thereadingreference @TheAromaofBooks 2y

AvidReader25 Now here‘s where I am frustrated with the story. In the entire book, so far, there‘s been almost no interesting females characters we get to explore Maid Marion in the first book actually had a bit of a personality, but we only got to see it for a minute. Guinevere‘s portrayal is completely unrealistic. This queen, who is part of a groundbreaking nation building a new system of law is supposed to be a petulant, jealous, and petty. 2y

AvidReader25 Instead of showing us a complicated picture of unexpected passion and complex loyalties, we see her pitch fits when she doesn‘t get her way and completely ignore Lancelot‘s moral struggle. It just wasn‘t believable to me. I‘d like to see her story through a different author‘s lens. 2y

See All 33 Comments

TheAromaofBooks I've just never been a fan of Lancelot, who always comes across as self-absorbed and masochistic to me, so this book was a bit of a struggle for me. I agree about Guinevere (and I think also the portrayal of Elaine) - both the women in this story didn't feel realistic to me... but then, I didn't particularly like any of the male characters, either haha Also, I've been spoiled by Gerald Morris's Arthurian tales, which I LOVE. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO I liked this section! This was the turning point for me where I became invested. I don't really enjoy any of the characters, and I agree with the point that I would like to see all of this through another author's lens ... I guess that I like the story and I'm glad that I'm reading it, but I'm not overly impressed with T. H. White's writing. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO I did like Guenevere, though. She's a mess, but I don't think it's less tongue-in-cheek than the other portrayals. I was compelled by the explanation of her living through wartime and being unable to fight. But yeah, she loves two men that are supposed to be superior to all others, and she's caught in a fascinating mess over it. I would love to see her written with greater depth. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO And I understand how that's contradictory haha 2y

Lcsmcat @thereadingreference I liked this section too. But I found I sympathized more with Lancelot. He‘s got this deep-seated need to prove himself, like a little boy who never quite believes that he is lovable. Jenny is a mess, but a believable one. Think Marie Antoinette, married of as a teenager against her inclination and for political reasons. It tracks for me. And I‘m loving White‘s tongue-in-cheek anachronistic style. 2y

dabbe In some of my research before teaching this, I discovered that T.H. White had a troubled childhood. His parents barely paid attention to him while growing up in India, and he blamed his mother more for that than his father. #gofigure Quite a few critics even labeled him as a misogynist. That “might“ be one reason why few women get portrayed well here. #mytwocents 2y

currentlyreadinginCO @Lcsmcat definitely! I loved the mentions of airplanes 😂 2y

Lcsmcat @dabbe Thanks. That childhood makes his portrayal of Lancelot make sense to me. 2y

AvidReader25 @TheAromaofBooks Yes! Elaine and the other female characters all felt that way, very one dimensional. I need to read the Morris tales! 2y

AvidReader25 @thereadingreference I didn‘t think about her as living in wartime, but being unable to fight and go on quests. I like that perspective. I can‘t imagine how frustrating that would be. I felt very invested too. 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat So true, he seemed so broken. It was so strange that we kept being told he was so ugly, like that was his one defining characteristic. 2y

AvidReader25 @dabbe That‘s heartbreaking, but definitely explains some things. 2y

BarbaraJean @AvidReader25 I really appreciated Arthur‘s realization about his methods being contradictory. It felt like he‘d internalized Merlyn's teaching—that he had to keep thinking for himself and evaluate the consequences of his choices. I've wished there was more development of Arthur in these last two sections. 2y

BarbaraJean @Lcsmcat Your summing up of Lancelot and Guinevere feels spot-on to me. They both felt very realistic (well, realistic within the world White has set up!). I found Lancelot sympathetic, too—he‘s the only one who really seems conflicted about the love triangle! Although this section was much slower, I liked the greater complexity it drew out with Lancelot. But I'm conflicted about Guinevere. (continued ⬇) 2y

BarbaraJean The portrayal of her relationship with Lancelot felt thoroughly believable: willful avoidance of the moral dilemma, irrational and hypocritical jealousy, and even genuine love for Arthur (though a completely different kind). I didn‘t like her, but I found her believable. Like @thereadingreference, I wanted to see more depth. There‘s so much that could have been fleshed out beyond her relationship with Lancelot, and that‘s almost all we see. 2y

batsy @thereadingreference I had the same contradictory thoughts about Guenever. I thought White was sympathetic to her but somehow couldn't quite bring her to life in the way he could Lancelot, which I suppose is an interesting look at the author's limitations. Like @dabbe mentions Sylvia Townsend-Warner's afterword describes him as having a troubled relationship with both parents but especially his mother. 2y

batsy @Lcsmcat I agree, I thought Lancelot was so well-done, with a kind of "fatal flaw" in his character (wanting to be noble to the point of not realising why) that it tormented him. It felt very much like a Greek tragedy at some level, but also fleshed out and modern. 2y

Lcsmcat @batsy I too read it with Greek tragedy in mind. There are so many parallels! And if Guenever was only portrayed as a foul to Lancelot and Arthur, I saw that as the author‘s choice. Her story would be different, as would Mordred‘s or Gawain‘s. But one must choose a perspective to write from. 2y

BkClubCare @dabbe - this totally jives with my thinking on THW and I only did cursory look at his background. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO @batsy so true about Lancelot - you summed it up extremely well! Now I'll be reading with Greek tragedy in mind 2y

dabbe @Lcsmcat Good point on Lancelot, the ill-made knight. 💙🤗💚 2y

dabbe @AvidReader25 💙🤗💚 2y

dabbe @BkClubCare You nailed it! 💙🤗💚 2y

BkClubCare @dabbe - well, not sure abt that! TY for all your sharing of resources and insights!! 2y

BkClubCare Big kudos and applause for my cohost who took on most (99%) of hosting duties for this readalong!! 👏🏆🗡️ @AvidReader25 Melissa is such a wonderful person and drama lover and world traveler and book friend. ❤️ Thank you everyone who participated!! 2y

dabbe @BkClubCare 🥰 2y

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare 😊 I‘ll do readalongs with you any time sweet friend! 2y

AvidReader25 @BarbaraJean @batsy I think that‘s my main struggle with Guenever. It felt like we only saw her in the context of her relationship with Lancelot and Arthur. I wanted to see her brought to life outside of that triangle, but you are both right, that‘s not the story he was telling. 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat @batsy I loved the Greek tragedy parallels throughout the book. These quests and lofty ideals being brought to their knees by mortal weakness and flawed humanity, it was beautifully done. 2y

BkClubCare Big kudos and applause for my cohost who took on most (99%) of hosting duties for this readalong!! 👏🏆🗡️ @AvidReader25 Melissa is such a wonderful person and drama lover and world traveler and book friend. ❤️ Thank you everyone who participated!! 2y

28 likes33 comments

review

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Pick

pick

Not the sentence I expected to write, but this book would have been a solid 5 stars for its extraordinariness, peculiarity, & postmodern pastiche (before postmodernism was even a thing), but the last book in this edition, The Book of Merlyn, misrepresents Karl Marx's arguments & that stuck in my craw. So yes, one star knocked off for an incorrect representation of Marxism. But otherwise, a book that held me under its strange spell. #OAFKingalong

batsy A book of enchantment, wit & wonder that matures as it progresses into tragedy & wisdom. Some stunning imagery & ideas in relation to magic, where the magic is taken for granted as a function of the world. It's one of the best things about how this book is structured. It is strongly anti-war, & grapples with the nature of rule & authority & service. Though one is unlikely to agree with all of the sentiments, it's brave & strange & very memorable. 2y

Hamlet That‘s a terrific, pointed review. Thank you! 2y

Leniverse Great review! This has been on my TBR for ages, mostly because I feel I ought to have read it, but now I actually want to read it. (Although I will also get upset by the misrepresentation of Marxism so I'm glad to be forewarned.) 2y

See All 20 Comments

Liz_M Excellent review and gorgeous cover on that edition! 2y

batsy @Hamlet Thank you! 🙂 2y

batsy @Leniverse Thank you! I look forward to your thoughts when you get to it. The last book is kind of a philosophical argument, in a way, that looks back on what went on. I know White was very specifically anti-war and pro individual freedom, but I think he mixes up totalitarian state impulses with what Marx wrote. I'm being a bit tongue in cheek but it did get in the way of my enjoyment 😆 2y

batsy @Liz_M Thank you! It's a great edition and has a fantastic Sylvia Townsend Warner afterword to put a lot of things into context (she wrote a biography of the author). 2y

Suet624 I got stuck and haven‘t moved on to the second part of this book. Fortunately I own it so I‘ll find the time soon. You‘re giving me the extra push I need. 2y

rubyslippersreads Love your review. Although I‘ve read the first four books before, I don‘t think I‘ve ever read the fifth one. 2y

batsy @rubyslippersreads That's so cool that you're doing a reread. Feels like a book that will reward multiple reads! 2y

batsy @Suet624 The second one is so different from the first so I can understand that it feels like it's taken a different turn entirely. But it's all constructed and set up deliberately as an arc that's quite admirable when you get to the end and look back. 2y

Suet624 Really good to know. Thank you. 2y

Graywacke I have a memory at 15 of hacking through this, slowly slowly. I wasn‘t a reader then, and it was a bit much for me. Anyway, terrific review and cool book to read. 2y

gossamerchild This was a book we read in one of my English classes in high school, and all I remember is being severely ticked off at the absurdity. I'm now thinking I wasn't old enough to read it at that point :-) Your review makes me want to try it again! 2y

batsy @Graywacke @gossamerchild I imagine it would be a tough one to read when young(er)! The Sword in the Stone is straightforward enough, but the later books feel like they can be best appreciated after the reader has done some living 🙂 2y

AvidReader25 I love reading your thoughts on this. I am only done with the first three books, but I feel like you‘ve captured the spirit so well for what I‘ve read. Peculiar, but wonderfully immersive, and I love all the philosophical discussion. I agree that the second section lags but you are right, it‘s essential to the arc of the story. I can‘t wait to dive in to the rest and I‘m sure this is when I will return to in future years. 2y

The_Book_Ninja I don‘t know this book…it‘s Arthurian and Marxist? Sounds wild. I love reviews that make we want to seek out a book. Thank you🙌🏼 2y

batsy @AvidReader25 Thank you! So glad you guys hosted this buddy read. I find it a uniquely imaginative work even though it's working within the parameters of myth. 2y

batsy @The_Book_Ninja Thank you! Haha, it is wild, and definitely Arthurian (but probably not as Marxist asi would like 🙂). It feels like several things in one: a romance, a tragedy, a fable, and a philosophical treatise. I definitely recommend it. It charts its own path and doesn't adhere to any genre formula. 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy I agree! I love that it includes so many familiar characters, but it was also completely surprising and original. So much fun to read together! 2y

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currentlyreadinginCO

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

One explanation of Guenever, for what it is worth, is that she was what they used to call a "real" person. She was not the kind who can be fitted away safely under some label or other, as "loyal" or "disloyal" or "self-sacrificing" or "jealous". Sometimes she was loyal and sometimes she was disloyal. She behaved like herself.

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

We‘ll that started off dark! #oafkingalong

willaful Can't say you weren't warned. 😂 2y

Lcsmcat @willaful True that! 2y

batsy Yes! I actually finished this section already because I couldn't stop reading. But there's some moments of levity courtesy of the Beast. 2y

Lcsmcat @batsy Good to know. I‘m only 2 chapters in, and that first one was a doozy. 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy Right! Thank goodness for the beast, because between that poor cat and the unicorn, this section was a lot. 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

The best thing for being sad… is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails… That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting.

#OAFKingalong

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

#oafkingalong
@TheAromaofbooks @AvidRead25 @BkClubCare @Clwojick @rubyslippersreads @Clare-Dragonfly

I hope I'm not overstepping: I taught this tetralogy for a number of years and have compiled some goodies in the link below (yep to the missing Mim, ant, and geese chs. as well as a pdf of the ENTIRE 1958 version (all 4 bks). Hope it helps. 🤗
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1858nKFtv0kAvEoER0mjPgVXnqppbcDlRc2fAiPO5...

rubyslippersreads This is brilliant. Thanks! 2y

Graywacke This is terrific! 2y

dabbe @rubyslippersreads 🥰 2y

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dabbe @Graywacke 🤗 2y

batsy Oh, nice! Thank you for sharing. 2y

BkClubCare Lovely! Ty, your contributions are welcome! ❤️🌷 2y

TheAromaofBooks Oooo thank you!!! 2y

dabbe @batsy 🥰 2y

dabbe @BkClubCare 🥰 2y

dabbe @TheAromaofBooks 🥰 2y

AvidReader25 How wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing! 2y

dabbe @AvidReader25 You're welcome! I love when I can still put my stuff to good use! Hope you love the book! 🤗 2y

56 likes12 comments

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

I finished the 1st section and I‘m loving it so far. I wasn‘t expecting it to be so playful. It‘s full of adventure, wisdom, & characters we all know and love. I can‘t wait to see Wart continue to grow and become a leader. I think its place as a classic comes from its unique take on the famous King Arthur tale. The book humanizes him & shows his coming of age. What do you all think so far? Favorite parts? I‘ll list 1 of mine below. #OAFkingalong

AvidReader25 I loved Pellinore asking for his toothbrush while imprisoned by the giant. That moment was so funny. I also thought the scene where Wart becomes a raven was so well done. 2y

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare @wordslinger42 @Suet624 @RaeLovesToRead @rubyslippersreads @batsy @Vansa @Bluebird @Read-y_Picker @TheAromaofBooks @thereadingreference @Lcsmcat @MeganAnn @BarbaraJean 2y

batsy I agree; it's a classic because of how unique it is. I also like that it has scenes of wonder & enchantment but it also veers off the usual path & kind of presents the myth in an ironic, satirical way. All of the animal transformation scenes were so special, but a favourite scene is also when King Pellinore finds the Questing Beast pining away from lack of attention and has its head in his lap. And then feeds it back to health 😁 2y

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TheAromaofBooks @batsy - I loved that part, too! And then Pellinore giving it a head start when the beast was feeling better 😂 I'm with you @AvidReader25 - I just wasn't anticipating this book being so playful and tongue-in-cheek. I really am enjoying the humor and little asides. 2y

Lcsmcat Pellinore is a favorite character! And the tone is so different from what I expected, and so playful. It‘s going to make it easy to get through 600 pages this quickly. 😀 2y

BkClubCare @Lcsmcat - yes, it reads fast! 2y

batsy @TheAromaofBooks It was too funny! Just the right amount of farce. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO I am really enjoying it, but my week exploded and I'm going to be a bit behind! I'll catch up though 🤠 2y

rubyslippersreads I haven‘t quite finished yet, but I‘ve read it before and am enjoying revisiting it. I agree with @batsy about the Questing Beast, especially about reviving her with bread and milk. 2y

AvidReader25 @thereadingreference @rubyslippersreads No hurry guys! Read at your pace and share when you want. 😊 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy @TheAromaofBooks @Lcsmcat Yes! I loved the part with the Questing Beast. Why don‘t more people talk about Pellinore? He was such a delightful character. I love when books like this can remind us that classics can be so much fun! 2y

Vansa I first read this in my teens,now as an adult,after having watched and read more,I can see his influence both on Monty Python and Terry Pratchett-that whimsical use of anachronism,the arch ironic way of sending up myths.Clearly he put his work as a school teacher to use in writing about boys,and their interactions.I found the chapter with the king pike quite haunting-of course monarchs would believe might was always right 2y

Suet624 I found the sequences when Wart turned into animals riveting. The writing and imagery in those sections moved me and placed me squarely in the experience. The experience of being with the ants freaked me out, the fish were intriguing, and the time with the geese was beautiful. 2y

AvidReader25 @Vansa I absolutely thought of Python and Pratchett too! There‘s a very similar sense of humor. I was getting Douglas Adams vibes as well at times. 2y

AvidReader25 @Suet624 Yes! I left the ravens section as well. It felt like his safety was balanced on a knife‘s edge. 2y

BarbaraJean I'm behind as well, but so far the Pellinore/Grummore joust is one of my favorite scenes. The whole back &and forth of: “You're a cad.“ “No, I'm not.“ “Yes, you are.“--just cracked me up. I love how the story doesn't take itself too seriously. @TheAromaofBooks Tongue-in-cheek is the description I was searching for but couldn't come up with! That's exactly how it feels, and I love it. 2y

BarbaraJean @Vansa I hadn't even thought about this being an influence on Monty Python and Terry Pratchett, but of course!! They both echo this book's delightful silliness and playfulness with history and myth. It also reminds me of William Goldman's Princess Bride--I wonder if T.H. White was an influence for him as well. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO I am caught up! & I did find the reading quick once I was able to sit down and do it. I am charmed by the silliness and loved the action around the end of the first section! I thought all of the animal scenes were fantastic but loved the geese especially. Also, other than the sword in the stone bit I don't know much about Arthur and so I'm truly interested in what happens next 😂 2y

Bluebird I‘m far behind! I‘ve been struggling to find time to read the book, but now have the audiobook back so hope to pick up my pace. I just finished the Pellinore/Grummore fight and agree with @BarbaraJean, it‘s definitely my favorite part of the book (so far) 2y

24 likes19 comments

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

“The best thing for being sad... is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old & trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then, to learn.” #OAFkingalong

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare This might be the most gorgeous postcard I‘ve ever received! 😍🗡️ 2y

BkClubCare Yay! ❤️📚🗡️🤺🏇🏾🤴📬 2y

BkClubCare I will admit that Easter is challenging my reading time/opportunities 😱 but I will try not to get behind. 😔 2y

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare There‘s absolutely no pressure with this one! Read at your pace. 😊 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

As I lay about, procrastinating about the various things that need to be done, I come across this passage. Is this why I‘ve lived my life thinking it‘s wrong to lay about procrastinating? 🤣🤣 Was I raised believing it was wrong to do nothing for a bit?

On another note, this short section about experiencing the life of an ant was entirely too claustrophobic and a bit depressing! #Oafkingalong

batsy I agree; the ant lifestyle is too grim but this bit made me snort. 2y

Suet624 @batsy haha. Me too. 2y

sarahbarnes I was definitely raised to believe you had to be doing something “productive” all the time. Luckily I‘m working to unlearn that belief as an adult. 😁 2y

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Lcsmcat I‘d rather live with the geese than the ants! 2y

Lcsmcat @Suet624 @batsy And did anyone else get an Orwell vibe here? 2y

batsy @Lcsmcat Yes, good point! I didn't think of it when I read it (it's been awhile since I read Orwell 😅) but I was wondering what this section reminded me of. Reads like a pretty pointed criticism of group think/totalitarian settings. 2y

Suet624 @Lcsmcat @batsy Definitely. I found it particularly jarring after being lulled by the story of Robin Hood and his gang. 2y

AvidReader25 I think it‘s so interesting that the ant section was added later, and some editions don‘t have that included! 2y

Suet624 @AvidReader25 I know! 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

He did not like the grown-ups who talked down to him, but the ones who went on talking in their usual way, leaving him to leap along in their wake, jumping at meanings, guessing, clutching at known words, and chuckling at complicated jokes as they suddenly dawned.

#OAFKingalong

BkClubCare I highlighted this one, too. 😊 2y

AvidReader25 This was such a wonderful line. I remember feeling this way as a kid. I was very precocious and wanted grownups to think I was very grown up as well. 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

“Couldn‘t send them to Eton, I suppose?” inquired Sir Grummore cautiously. “Long way and all that, we know.”

It was not really Eton that he mentioned, for the College of Blessed Mary was not founded until 1440, but it was a place of the same sort. Also they were drinking Metheglyn, not port, but by mentioning the modern wine it is easier to give you the feel.

😆 I love the playful little aside here—such fun! #OAFKingalong

tagged users icon

AvidReader25, BkClubCare

BkClubCare I‘m highlighting amusing phrases and references, too. This is going to be fun! 2y

batsy Yes I'm enjoying these bits! 2y

AvidReader25 He is so funny! I was expecting this to be so dry. 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Just settling in on the couch for some reading and realized this pile next to me might be a little… excessive. Count of Monte Cristo, Once and Future King, and Amari & the Night Brothers. When I start Once and Future King, I‘ll be in the middle of 7 books. I don‘t have a problem, right? Nah. (But maybe I need to finish some books.) #OAFKingalong #rereadtheclassics #ChunksterChallenge2023

Texreader The Count of Monte Cristo was my fave book last year, and probably very high on my fave books ever. Enjoy!! 2y

Suet624 Haha. I‘m reading the Count on Serial Reader right now as well as the King. Bite size pieces each day allows me to relax a bit about overdoing. (edited) 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Straightening up my shelves today, I came across this one, which a lot of you are reading now. This is a pretty battered, dust-jacket-less first American edition, with the lovely, lovely endpapers by Robert Lawson and illustrations done by White. I‘m not sure why they leave them out of other editions because they‘re quite wonderful, although they‘re much simpler line drawings. #TOAFK #OAFKingalong

LeahBergen Those endpapers! 😍 2y

BarbaraJean Gorgeous! 2y

jlhammar Wow, very cool! 2y

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batsy Wow, that's lovely! 2y

Suet624 So cool! 2y

AvidReader25 That edition is so gorgeous!!! 2y

Aimeesue @LeahBergen SO fabulous! 2y

Aimeesue @BarbaraJean I like to take him out and admire him sometimes. 😋 2y

Aimeesue @jlhammar Sometimes I get really lucky at the Book Sorting! 2y

Aimeesue @Suet624 Old books fascinate me. They were so well made and have lasted so long. I wonder whose shelves they‘ve been sitting on all this time. 2y

Aimeesue @AvidReader25 I like to take him out and admire him from time to time because he‘s so pretty. Is that shallow?😆 (edited) 2y

Suet624 Things were made to last in the old days. 🫤 2y

AvidReader25 @Aimeesue No way! I would too! 2y

Aimeesue @Suet624 Right? My husband likes all the shiny new things and occasionally tries to get me to "update" appliances, etc. Nope. No Thanks. I‘ll stick with my 25 year old food processor that has a motor that actually works, thanks. ? 2y

Aimeesue @AvidReader25 im glad it‘s not just me! 😁 2y

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blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Was persuaded by @batsy to hop into the buddy read for “The Once and Future King,” a book that‘s been on my TBR for a while. And thus begins this cautionary tale and a word of advice: Don‘t wait too long to read the books you buy. Because that portable, pocket-sized book with the tiny print you bought when you were younger will not be your friend if you wait until you are middle-aged to attempt to read it. #TheMoreYouKnow #YoureWelcome

Julsmarshall Lol! I feel this deeply! 2y

batsy 🤣 2y

Amiable @Julsmarshall The struggle is real! 😬 2y

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Amiable @batsy I read chapter 1 and now I'm in. Darn it. 😃 (edited) 2y

KateReadsYA This post is glorious 🤣🤣🤣 I need to read this one as well. 2y

batsy @Amiable Yay! It worked its wily magic on me, too. Lol 2y

Lcsmcat Yes! My copy is mass market paperback size and not only is the print a challenge, so is holding it open! 2y

marleed Oh I so relate! Funny pic! 2y

RaeLovesToRead Haha, oh dear! 😅😅 2y

ravenlee This happened to me with my copies-I‘ve-had-forever-and-will-finally-read of Robinson Crusoe and The House of the Seven Gables. I suffered through the former, but I gave up on the latter and got a library copy. 2y

quietjenn Yep! I saw your conversation with @batsy and found myself wondering if my copy was still around, but it is definitely a mass market with wee print, and I'm not sure I could do that for 600+ pages these days. 2y

Amiable @quietjenn I may follow @ravenlee ‘s lead and head for the library. I already checked Libby and there‘s no digital version available there. 😖 2y

Ruthiella I think its often less the font size for me and more the cheap paper and narrow margins. I‘ve had old paperbacks literally fall apart as I read them. 😆😭 2y

LeahBergen 😂😂 I feel you! 2y

dabbe 🤣🤣🤣 There is a larger print copy, but the book itself weighs about 5 pounds! 2y

SamAnne 😂😂😂 2y

CarolynM 🤣 2y

BarbaraJean 😂😂 *Going to my shelves now to immediately prioritize all pocket paperbacks before my eyes get any worse* 2y

Bluebird 😂😂😂😂 i found this same problem with my copy. I‘m now reading it via audiobook! I‘m afraid to look at some of the other books that have been languishing on my TBR shelves. 😬 2y

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blurb

Once and Future King | T H White

repost for @AvidReader25

Welcome to the #OAFkingalong. Our loose schedule follows the book's 4 parts. In between those books & questions, please to post & tag us!

April 7: The Sword in the Stone- Memes/Quotes/What do you think makes this book a classic?
April 14: The Queen of Air & Darkness- How's it going?
April 21: The Ill-Made Knight- Character Analysis of your fav character
April 28: The Candle in the Wind- Pick/So-So/Pan/Bail review

LitsyEvents original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2569384 2y

BkClubCare Thank you LitsyEvents for sharing this 🗡️ 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

"It was nice for the dogs to have their god with them, in visible form." Some lovely, unexpected images, ideas, and turns of phrase so far and I've only just started! #OAFKingalong

@AvidReader25 @BkClubCare

Amiable I‘ve had this book on my TBR for forever. 😬 2y

batsy @Amiable Me too! Hence jumped at the buddy read... Join us 😁 2y

Amiable @batsy Fun! I didn‘t see the posts about the buddy read—I‘ll look for them! Although I‘m just barely keeping up with the “Clarissa” read and AuthorAMonth as it is, so adding another to my pile might push me over the edge. 😬😖 2y

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batsy @Amiable Haha, I totally understand. We're starting this for April and I decided to get a headstart because it's a chunkster 😅 2y

Aimeesue "not in baby talk like a maiden lady". Well, then! ? I love this book. 2y

batsy @Aimeesue It's really different and unique so far. He's playing around with the idea of time so there's anachronisms in the text in subtle ways. 2y

AvidReader25 I‘m surprised by how funny and playful it is so far! 2y

BkClubCare @batsy SO MANY MADE UP WORDS, yes?! Or at least, unfindable definitions 🧐 2y

tpixie Love that!! I read this ages ago. Maybe a rereading is in order someday 2y

batsy @AvidReader25 Me too! 2y

batsy @BkClubCare Yes! Both playful and inventive; interesting! 2y

batsy @tpixie It's a big book that will take time but yes, I imagine it will be different with each re-read 🙂 2y

Suet624 @AvidReader25 that was my thought too! I hadn‘t expected the playfulness. 2y

tpixie @batsy i seem to keep telling myself, I‘ll read all of these big books when I retire! Lol 😂 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy @tpixie Sometimes it‘s delightful to sink into a big book. 2y

Bertha_Mason Awwww 😭 2y

tpixie @AvidReader25 yes! You don‘t have to leave its world so fast! 2y

batsy @Bertha_Mason "came to him with their troubles at once" ? 2y

batsy @AvidReader25 @tpixie I agree! This one feels so epic and yet down to earth so far. 2y

tpixie @batsy 💚💚💚 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Snuck in a few pages during a break in my virtual conference. #oafkingalong @AvidReader25 @BkClubCare

batsy I started, too. It's really unlike what I expected! Like White is playing around with what is historically accurate. 2y

Lcsmcat @batsy I was surprised too. Like I was expecting The Crystal Cave and got A Confederacy of Dunces. But I‘m really enjoying it. 2y

batsy @Lcsmcat Yes! I'm also enjoying it so far. 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat Yes! There‘s a little Hitchhiker‘s Guide to the Galaxy absurd humor mixed in there. 2y

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currentlyreadinginCO

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Prepped my copy for the #OAFKingalong 🙂 -- excited to find out if this really is the world's greatest fantasy classic!

dabbe I definitely think it is, but I'll be excited to see what y'all think! 🤗 2y

49 likes1 comment

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Welcome to the #OAFkingalong. Our loose schedule follows the book's 4 parts. In between those books & questions, please feel free to post & tag us! We are starting on tom!

April 7: The Sword in the Stone- Memes/Quotes/What do you think makes this book a classic?
April 14: The Queen of Air & Darkness- How's it going?
April 21: The Ill-Made Knight- Character Analysis of your fav character
April 28: The Candle in the Wind- Pick/So-So/Pan/Bail review

BkClubCare Hey, somebody gently help me out with this question: is our hashtag “naughty”? Am I oblivious to something? 2y

AvidReader25 @WordSlinger42
@Suet624
@RaeLovesToRead
@RubyslippersReads
@batsy
@vansa
@Read-y_Picker
@MeganAnn
@Bluebird
@theReadingreference
@theAromaofBooks
@BarbaraJean
@lcsmcat @BkClubCare 2y

Vansa Excellent! Can't wait.Blowing the dust off my cover already 😀What's the reading schedule? A chapter a day? 2y

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AvidReader25 @BkClubCare 🤣 I mean, if someone wanted to take “Fking” on its own maybe? Is that what they mean? 2y

AvidReader25 @Vansa Yay! I‘m excited too. No daily schedule, just one section a week. It‘s split into four sections and we can post as we go. Then one summary post on Fridays. 2y

Lcsmcat Interestingly, my (Penguin) edition calls the second book The Queen of Air and Darkness instead of The Witch in the Wood. I wonder what that means. 🤔 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat Oh interesting! I just looked it up and it looks like it was published under both names. I like yours better, and it looks like that‘s the more common one, so I switched it! 2y

Lcsmcat @AvidReader25 I bought mine used, years ago, so I thought maybe mine was an older version. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

AvidReader25 @Lcsmcat it looks like each of the four divisions was published separately before it was published as a whole novel. So there might be a few different variations of what‘s included in everyone‘s editions. 2y

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I'm excited!! 2y

BkClubCare @AvidReader25 - Ah. Maybe? Oh well! 2y

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare if it‘s something worse, I‘m oblivious too. It‘s not intended that way! 😬 2y

batsy Fun! Can't wait to start. I have the Harper Collins edition that's also incorporated The Book of Merlyn as the 5th part. Which is interesting and now I'm going to look up what that means and why the different editions 😁 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy mine has that too! @BkClubCare and I discussed whether to include that in our Readalong, but we decided since only about half the editions include it we would leave it out and make it optional. Maybe you and I can compare notes! 2y

batsy @AvidReader25 Cool 🙂 I see that Wikipedia says it was basically just written after and some editions incorporate it. I'll see if I can finish that up as well by the end of the month! 2y

wordslinger42 Just waiting on my library hold 💜 can't wait to start reading 2y

RaeLovesToRead I've been waiting to read this book FOREVER! This should be a kick up the bottom. I'll probably still not finish on time, but I am ready for the challenge! Hi fellow OAFs!!! 2y

rubyslippersreads @batsy @AvidReader25 I have the ebook version of this. All five books, plus an afterword by Sylvia Townsend Warner. 2y

Liz_M @LitsyEvents 2y

AvidReader25 @RaeLovesToRead Read at your own pace and join in as you want! We‘re pretty relaxed. 😊 2y

AvidReader25 @rubyslippersreads We can share thoughts on the 5th part after we finish it! 2y

batsy @rubyslippersreads Yes, that's the edition I have! 2y

batsy @rubyslippersreads (Pretty excited about the STW afterword 😆) 2y

batsy @Amiable Just tagging you here to give an idea for the schedule, should you decide to join in! 2y

Amiable @batsy Thank you! 2y

Read-y_Picker Yay! Thank you 😊 2y

dabbe @Lcsmcat I happen to know that answer! T.H. White wrote these books more than once. The second rewrites were a wee bit darker, hence the name change. Book 2 deals with Morgause and her dark ways. 😊 2y

Lcsmcat @dabbe Interesting. Thanks! 2y

dabbe If anyone is interested:

Click below for a pdf file of the entire book (it's not a hard copy, but it is free!):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xf1jO75OMIHv4UYEJwVt3Tsc-AymOBDZ/view?usp=shari...

Click below for a LitChart study guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T3sHkx67r0qOPJlIxx6OycTdkdoArNwX/view?usp=shari... 2y

BarbaraJean @batsy @AvidReader25 @rubyslippersreads I have a separate copy of The Book of Merlyn that I was thinking I'd read in May - too much going on in April to squeeze it in before then! But I'd love to compare notes with anyone who's also reading that extra 5th part. 2y

Bluebird @Lcsmcat i have an old copy too. It also has the title Queen of Air and Darkness. @dabbe very interesting that there was a rewrite! I‘ll be curious to see how they differ. Thanks for the pdf and the study guide! 2y

AvidReader25 @dabbe Thank you so much for sharing that info and those links! That‘s so helpful! 2y

AvidReader25 @BarbaraJean @batsy @rubyslippersreads Let‘s definitely compare notes in May! 2y

batsy @dabbe Thank you for the chart! That will be helpful. 2y

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blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

I finally decided to clean out our office (where all of our “teacher“ stuff has been since retirement), and I came across this. After reading THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING with my freshmen honors students years ago, a student made me a Merlin statue in her ceramics class. It's now my proudest object on my desk. Plus, I now actually have a desk to work on!❣️ #asweetteachingmemory

Aimeesue I love that book. What an excellent Merlin! 2y

dabbe @Aimeesue She modeled it after the Merlin in THE SWORD IN THE STONE. The gold stars on his hat just slay me. 🤣❣️🥰 2y

Amiable That‘s adorable! 2y

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IndoorDame Awww 🥰 Art from students is the best! 2y

Bookwomble 💖🧙🏻‍♂️💖 2y

jamield1911 That's so thoughtful 😍 2y

bthegood What a nice reminder of the positive impact you had on students (can make days dealing with a rude student not so bad) - 🙂 (edited) 2y

ChelseaM6010 🧙‍♂️❤️ 2y

dabbe @bthegood Karma, right? I re-find this lovely treasure during a week of a rude student. Time to continue to focus on the lovely ones. ❣️ 2y

bthegood @dabbe 🌞 2y

BkClubCare Wonderful! And timely 2y

61 likes11 comments

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

@TheAromaofBooks #bookspinbingo

List for April! 😁

eeclayton I liked One True Loves a lot 🙂 2y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y

48 likes2 comments

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Thanks so much for the tags, @TheSpineView and @Read4Life!

This was a toughie!
1️⃣ I love the Pongos from 101 Dalmations. 🦴🐾❣️
2️⃣ I know Disney made The Sword and the Stone, the 1st book in White's tetralogy The Once and Future King, but I think all 4 books would be fabulous if made by Disney (or even Peter Jackson, who brought to life the Lord of the Rings in the early aughts).

TheSpineView You're welcome! Thanks for playing 2y

psalva Ooh! A Peter Jackson interpretation would be so cool. 2y

PathfinderNicole 101 Dalmatians is my son‘s all time favorite Disney movie!! He has a plushie Lucky that gets toted everywhere with him (along with a plush Pokey from Pokey Little Puppy) 2y

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Read4life You‘re welcome! Love that movie idea. 2y

dabbe @TheSpineView 💕 2y

dabbe @psalva Right? 💕 2y

dabbe @PathfinderNicole Your son has excellent taste! 😂 😍 💕 2y

dabbe @Read4life 😍 2y

42 likes8 comments

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TheAromaofBooks

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Since I obviously need another buddy read 😂 @AvidReader25 and #BKClubCare are hosting the #OAFKingAlong starting in April... another classic I've been meaning to read, so why not?? #Imayneedhelp #whydoIfindbuddyreadsirresistible

KathyWheeler Oh my! It‘s been actual decades since I read this book! 2y

TheAromaofBooks @KathyWheeler - It's been on my TBR forever, so I'm excited about an excuse to prioritize it!! 2y

KathyWheeler @TheAromaofBooks I hope you like it. I loved it a million years ago — it got me into this Arthurian phase where I read a whole lot of Arthur stories. 😊 2y

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BarbaraJean Gaaaaah why do you tempt meeee?!? I have the same problem! 😂 This has been on my TBR for years as well, but so has The Count of Monte Cristo, which I‘m buddy reading in March/April, and do I really need another buddy read? With another chunkster, no less? When I‘m also doing the #Clarissa buddy read? Here I go to click on the hashtag anyway…😂 2y

TheAromaofBooks @BarbaraJean - Right?? I just agreed to join the Agnes Grey buddy read as well... I had never really done any kind of group reading before joining Litsy, and I have been astonished at how it really does inspire me to keep plugging away through “hard“ classics. Thankfully I didn't hear about Monte Cristo until it was too late 😂 2y

BarbaraJean It‘s amazing the difference it makes in helping me pick up and finish books I keep putting off! Litsy buddy reads are how I finally tackled Les Mis and Gone with the Wind. And it‘s not too late for Monte Cristo if you want to jump in… I haven‘t started my reading yet! 😂 2y

Lcsmcat This is so tempting! It‘s been on my shelf forever, so I may have to join in. 2y

BkClubCare @BarbaraJean @thearomaofbooks - Count of Monte Cristo is a LOT of fun, FYI 2y

AvidReader25 This is going to be so much fun! 2y

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Once and Future King | T H White

Repost for @BkClubCare

A readalong announcement 📣 #OAFkingalong

Melissa (@AvidReader25) and I are hosting or, rather, planning on reading this in April and we made a button and invented a hashtag cuz that is watcha do when you buddy-read a book, right? I might find fun postcards to mail, too… (lmk you want 🐌 mail: 📧 me at bkclubcare at gmail)

Everyone welcome. Informal, maybe will be a weekly recommended page count and recap? Just for fun.

LitsyEvents #BuddyRead
original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2557464 (edited) 2y

AvidReader25 Join us for a fun relaxed readalong! 2y

vivastory This hashtag 🤣👏 2y

BkClubCare @vivastory - thank you thank you ☺️ 2y

37 likes4 comments

blurb

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

A readalong announcement 📣 #OAFkingalong

Melissa ( @AvidReader25 ) and I are hosting (?) or, rather, planning on reading this in April and we made a button and invented a hashtag cuz that is watcha do when you buddy-read a book, right? I might find fun postcards to mail, too… (lmk you want 🐌 mail: 📧 me at bkclubcare at gmail)

Everyone welcome. Informal, maybe will be a weekly recommended page count and recap? Just for fun.

Daisey @LitsyEvents 2y

AvidReader25 This will be fun! 2y

wordslinger42 I would love to join in and snail mail sounds fun 😊 2y

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TheAromaofBooks Oh no, another classic series I've been meaning to read! 😂 I'll come along for the ride, and would love some snail mail!! Are you thinking of a chapter-a-day pace, or something different? 2y

BkClubCare @TheAromaofBooks - lovely! Haven‘t figured out a plan yet exactly 😂 AND, I might have your 🐌 mail address YAY 2y

BkClubCare @wordslinger42 - YAY! Send me an email with your 🐌 mail address: bkclubcare @ gmail 2y

TheAromaofBooks haha well keep me posted - I found a used copy on Pango today so it should be here in time!! And let me know if you don't have my address, as I hadn't gotten around to the part where I email you yet 😂 2y

BkClubCare @TheAromaofBooks - nope, I can‘t find it. Em me at bkclubcare [at] gmail 🤩 2y

TheAromaofBooks Okay, I emailed you!!! 2y

BkClubCare @TheAromaofBooks okay, I have a postcard in today‘s outgoing! 2y

BarbaraJean @AvidReader25 @BkClubCare I just found this and I can‘t resist, even though I probably have waaaaay too many buddy reads on my plate right now! Would you add me to your tag list? 2y

BkClubCare @BarbaraJean - welcome! Of course😊 2y

Suet624 Just ordered my book!
2y

BkClubCare @Suet624 - and I ordered postcards. 2y

Lcsmcat Can you add me to your tag list please? This has been on my shelf way too long! 2y

BkClubCare @Lcsmcat - Sweeeet! Yes, will do > @AvidReader25 sword 🗡️ ALSO, we need to ask who wants a postcard? (edited) 2y

AvidReader25 @BkClubCare I‘ll ask on my post! 2y

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Some books linger on your TBR list for way too long. Time for a readalong! I wanted to read this book since watching The Sword in the Stone a million times as a kid. @BkClubCare & I are tackling this one in April. We‘d love for you to join us! Very laid-back, just sharing thoughts as we go along. It‘s hailed as the greatest fantasy classic in history, so I‘m sure they‘ll be lots to discuss. Tag your comments with #OAFkingalong if you join!

RaeLovesToRead Ooh, I'll try to join!! 2y

rubyslippersreads I love this book, but haven‘t read it for years. I‘ll try to squeeze it in if I can. 👑 2y

AvidReader25 @rubyslippersreads @RaeLovesToRead Yay! It‘s always more fun reading with friends! 2y

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RaeLovesToRead I've had this for YEARS!!! And it comes highly recommended 😊 2y

BkClubCare Squeeeee! 2y

batsy Yes, please! I'd love to join in. It's been on my shelf for awhile. 2y

AvidReader25 @batsy Yay! Mine too. I can‘t believe I‘ve owned it for so long. 2y

Vansa I LOVE this book and haven't read it in years. Would love to be a part of this buddy read, please include me! 2y

Read-y_Picker I‘d like to follow along. I kinda dropped it at the second part when everyone had grown up and got all serious lol. Bout time I finished it, I think! 2y

AvidReader25 @Read-y_Picker I love it! Join for as much as you‘d like! 2y

AvidReader25 @Vansa Welcome! Glad you‘re joining! 2y

MeganAnn This one has been lingering on my shelf for way too long as well! I‘d love to join in! 2y

AvidReader25 @MeganAnn So glad you‘re joining! 2y

Bluebird I‘ll try to join too! I read this years and years ago and really liked it. I‘ve been meaning to re-read it, so this will be a good reason to put it off no longer. 2y

AvidReader25 @Bluebird You are welcome to join! Looks like we‘ll have a good group. 2y

currentlyreadinginCO Been on my shelf forever! I'll join! 2y

AvidReader25 @thereadingreference Me too! Welcome! 2y

AvidReader25 My amazing cohost @BkClubCare god some fun postcards for a Readalong! Let us know if you would like her to send you one. 2y

29 likes18 comments

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Therewillbebooks

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

We begin with Matt's stories from vacation and then move into his review of Sally Rooney's novel, “Beautiful World, Where Are You.“ From there we begin the selection process for our new seasonal book, and with the help of fan nominations, we land on a great choice! Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DWVyVmEnsaSWwAdXrXmIs

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The Once and Future King | T. H. White

I‘m just about to dig into February‘s double spin so I‘ll be all ready to go for #BookSpin in March. As always I kept the list the same by only replacing the drawn numbers. New editions this month are Those Who Hunt the Night and the Earthsea omnibus which is the first four.
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y

18 likes1 comment

review

Nathan_Opland-Dobs

The Once and Future King | T. H. White

Meh

so-so

💛