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The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain)

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Editorial Review:

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.

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

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• A "By The Book Adventure" that Works (3 and a 1/2 Stars)
  "The Book of Three" is the first book in a five book series called the "The Chronicles of Prydain". This first book follows a young assistant pig keeper named Taran. He is a ward of old scholar and a middle age farmer, but Taran is unsatisfied with his life. Taran wants of adventure and soon finds it when his pig, Hen Wen, runs away one day. While searching for him Taran runs into several soon to be allies, Gwydion - a warrior prince, Gurgi - a furry humanoid creature, Eilonwy - a beautiful and magical... more info

• Entertainment Plus
  Yes, there are similarities between the Book of Three and the Lord of the Rings: Both feature a wizard, a ranger type figure, a bad guy in a mask and a strange little creature who slithers around talking about eating. If you read enough fantasy you'll see these type of characters turn up again and again, and you'll often be able to draw comparisons with Tolkien. But it's important to note that if you read enough Norse, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon mythology (ie Beowulf) you'll see that Tolkien too borrowed... more info

• A terrific beginning to the best fantasy series ever
  Readers who have watched the 1985 animated Disney film "The Black Cauldron" will no doubt recognize people and places from this novel by Lloyd Alexander. My advice is to enjoy the dark, creepy film but by all means, read Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series. It's simply the best fantasy series written, ever.
  Before angry Tolkien fans berate me, let me just say that I loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy in book form as well, but some of his poetry is ponderous to get through. Alexander's sparse... more info

• For kids only
  I found this book via the vagaries of Amazon's recommendation system. Apparently I missed that it is children's literature -- as an adult reader I found it wanting in terms of depth, detail, character development, etc. It seemed like several elements were borrowed from Tolkien as well, which is probably fine if you're a 12-year old yet to read the LOTR trilogy, but not OK if you have. Anyway, I read George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" after this, which I found to be much more engaging (and set in a... more info

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