Kilgs
05-16-2014, 02:38 PM
I'm a fair noob when it comes to the actual Pendragon literature. Mallory didn't really suck me in. I had read Once/Future King (T.H. White) quite a few times but it tended to mix the silly with the myth. I've been on a period sweep of literature though (The Tain, Mabinogion, Bernard Cornwell stuff). I got lucky at Half-Price Books and discovered (to my surprise) that T.H. White wrote out the entire Arthurian story in a trilogy. Once/Future King, Candle in the Wind and Book of Merlyn.
I managed to pick up the last two books on audio CD. It's done by Naxo Books.
Candle In The Wind picks up with the plot against Lancelot/Gweniver by the Orkneys. While the book has some statements that are reminiscent of Once/Future King's wit, I was just blown away on the way to work. The scene with Gawaine, Arthur, Gaheris and Gareth at the Queen's execution (Lancelot's rescue) is stunning. The writing and depth of emotion is amazing.
It's from a blow-by-blow conversation between Arthur and Gawaine as they watch the rescue unfold. It is really something else. Gawaine's voice actor has a massive Scottish accent that, in earlier parts, was kind of whimsical. But the accent and language used as he comforts Arthur is really an amazing touch during this scene.
I highly recommend it. I was/am really impressed. White manages to show the deep plight of Arthur through their conversation as they alternate between cheering on Lancelot from a window overlooking the courtyard and bemoaning the fate of the guardsmen.
Arthur's warning to Lancelot and Gweniver, and his confession of putting the babies to sea to kill Mordred, is also excellent.
Pleasantly surprised given my experience with the Once and Future King, which despite being an excellent book, tends to be whimsical at times.
http://www.amazon.com/Candle-Wind-Merlyn-Complete-Classics/dp/9626348801
I managed to pick up the last two books on audio CD. It's done by Naxo Books.
Candle In The Wind picks up with the plot against Lancelot/Gweniver by the Orkneys. While the book has some statements that are reminiscent of Once/Future King's wit, I was just blown away on the way to work. The scene with Gawaine, Arthur, Gaheris and Gareth at the Queen's execution (Lancelot's rescue) is stunning. The writing and depth of emotion is amazing.
It's from a blow-by-blow conversation between Arthur and Gawaine as they watch the rescue unfold. It is really something else. Gawaine's voice actor has a massive Scottish accent that, in earlier parts, was kind of whimsical. But the accent and language used as he comforts Arthur is really an amazing touch during this scene.
I highly recommend it. I was/am really impressed. White manages to show the deep plight of Arthur through their conversation as they alternate between cheering on Lancelot from a window overlooking the courtyard and bemoaning the fate of the guardsmen.
Arthur's warning to Lancelot and Gweniver, and his confession of putting the babies to sea to kill Mordred, is also excellent.
Pleasantly surprised given my experience with the Once and Future King, which despite being an excellent book, tends to be whimsical at times.
http://www.amazon.com/Candle-Wind-Merlyn-Complete-Classics/dp/9626348801