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T.H. White

The Once and Future King

"The Once and Future King" by T.H. White is a classic retelling of the Arthurian legend, following the life of King Arthur from his humble beginnings to his reign as the monarch of Camelot and beyond. The novel is divided into four parts: "The Sword in the Stone," "The Queen of Air and Darkness," "The Ill-Made Knight," and "The Candle in the Wind." In "The Sword in the Stone," the young Arthur, known as Wart, is raised by his guardian Sir Ector and dreams of becoming a knight. He is unaware of his true heritage as the future king of England. Under the tutelage of the wizard Merlyn, Wart learns about the natural world, history, and the art of being a good king. "The Queen of Air and Darkness" sees the young king struggling to maintain peace in his kingdom, as his wife Guinevere falls in love with his best friend and greatest knight, Sir Lancelot. The novel explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal as the once close-knit group of friends becomes divided by their emotions. "The Ill-Made Knight" focuses on the story of Sir Lancelot, the bravest and most chivalrous of all knights, but also a deeply flawed and tragic figure. The novel delves into the complexities of his character, his love for Guinevere, and his guilt over their affair. "The Candle in the Wind" tells the story of the final days of Camelot, as the kingdom is torn apart by the love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot. The novel explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the human condition. White's novel is a rich and complex work of literature, blending elements of history, mythology, and fantasy to create a timeless tale of love, loyalty, and the human condition. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the prose is both elegant and accessible. "The Once and Future King" is a must-read for fans of Arthurian legend and classic literature alike...