Author:Lloyd Alexander Binding: Paperback Published: 2006-05-16 ISBN: 080508049X Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
"A Very Good Follow Up to "Book of Three""
"The second in the series of Alexander's Prydain Chronicles"
"Great Fantasy"
"Not Free SF Reader"
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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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A Very Good Follow Up to "Book of Three" Taran, the Assistant Pig Keeper continues his adventures in the second book of the Chronicles of Prydain, "The Black Cauldron". With The Horned King now dead, Arwan relies solely on his magical Black Cauldron to contain his power. The Cauldron has the power to produced armies of the dead, but now it is missing. Taran, along with his friends (from the past book) and some new allies are drafted into locating the Cauldron which is believed to be in the possession of three witches. "The Black Cauldron"... more info
The second in the series of Alexander's Prydain Chronicles When I first read this book in 1985, the book cover had the Disney movie poster on it and I was surprised to see how little resemblance there was between the film and the book. The second book in Alexander's superlative series has Taran sitting in a council of men for the first time and being assigned to aid Prince Gwydion in finding and destroying a weapon, the Black Crochan (or cauldron) that gives life to dead warriors and is in the hands of Arawn Death-Lord. Taran learns more of what being a man... more info
Great Fantasy Lloyd Alexander was one of my favorite authors as a young adult and his work has really held up now that I'm an adult. The stories and characters are just so well crafted and executed. This is a great book to go back to or to get for someone who is just starting to explore the realms of fantasy.
Not Free SF Reader Pig-boy gets to be a bit princely, but has problems with undead, goddesses, etc. This is a reasonably diverting kids book, and doesn't take itself too seriously, even with putting in the Celtic legends about magic pots that can bring the dead back to life, and the various deities that are associated with that sort of thing. Your evil witch queen of the undead type person, at least, of sorts. So, a good one for the kids, for sure.
