The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1)
by Lloyd Alexander
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lloyd AlexanderBrand: Dutton
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-05-16
ISBN: 0805080481
Number of pages: 190
Publisher: Square Fish
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780805080483
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1)
Book Review: Taran & Friends
Summary: 5 Stars
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Taran. THE BOOK OF THREE is the first book in The Chronicles of Prydain series. These five books are classics, beautifully and tightly written. In terms of literary influence, the Chronicles rank second only to Tolkien. These are books one can recommend to parents without hesitation as they introduce children to the moral dilemmas and complexities of adulthood without resorting to sex, bad language or undue violence.
THE BOOK OF THREE introduces us to Taran, an orphan boy growing up in the care of a mysterious enchanter Dalben. Taran dreams of glory and longs for a noble title so his mentor Col dubs him Assistant Pigkeeper and tells him that his duty is to feed and wash the enchanted pig, Hen Wen. Since Taran has long been doing these chores, he's not impressed. But when Hen Wen runs off in terror at the approach of the evil Horned King, Taran follows her to bring her back.
Along the way he meets an assortment of delightful characters who become his comrades throughout the series: the hairy simplton Gurgi, the would-be bard Fflewddur Fflam, the distracting Princess Eilonwy and Doli, the constantly complaining dwarf. Gurgi is not too bright; Fflewddur has a "truthiness" problem and Eilonwy is a stubborn minx. But their loyalty, friendship and bravery makes up for their faults.
THE BOOK OF THREE enchants and charms. A thread of bewitching humor runs throughout, driven by the characters themselves. Both adults and children will appreciate the problem Fflewddur Fflam has: whenever he colors the facts too much, the strings on his magical harp break. Eilonwy's tangled metaphors and Gurgi's wet wolfhound odor increase the affection we feel for these characters; Doli's complaints don't conceal his competence.
The only danger in reading this book is that you will be compelled to read the other four. If you have not yet read them, then you should do so without delay. It is always possible that you will appreciate them more when you are older, but if you are old enough to read them you will enjoy them and wish you had discovered them sooner.
Summary of The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1)
The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!
Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli--all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise.
The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."
Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today's generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time.
In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.
Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli--all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise.
The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."
Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today's generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time.
In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.
The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King.
What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's skillful use of humor, and the way he personalizes the mythology he has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact, the author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren, Taran emotes, "'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid time while you moan and take on.'" By the end, Alexander has spun a rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story. Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is only the first of the chronicles of Prydain. --Claire Dederer
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