The Once and Future King by T.H. White is a modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur, presented in four parts. It begins with The Sword in the Stone, where young Arthur, known as Wart, is tutored by the wizard Merlyn and eventually pulls the sword from the stone to become king. The narrative continues through The Queen of Air and Darkness, The Ill-Made Knight and The Candle in the Wind. Exploring Arthur's reign, his establishment of the Round Table, his tragic love affair with Guinevere, the noble but flawed Sir Lancelot and the eventual fall of Camelot due to internal betrayal and external conflicts. This book explores leadership, morality and the human condition, blending humor, romance and tragedy.
The most compelling aspect of The Once and Future King is T.H. White's ability to recreate the age-old Arthurian legends with his rich character development. The author masterfully portrays the internal struggles and growth of his characters, especially King Arthur, whose journey from an innocent boy to a wise king is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I was somewhat disappointed with the pacing but it didn’t deter the entire story and the story itself was still compelling. I would recommend The Once and Future King to anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, history and deep philosophical questions. If you're looking for a book that combines humor, tragedy and profound wisdom, this is a must-read.