Veteran Shakespearean actor Jason reads this classic tale relaying Merlin’s tutelage of young Arthur. Devoid of music or sound effects, the audio allows listeners to step back and savor Jason’s conversational reading. His atmospheric, melodious British accent makes it seem as if White himself is telling the story over a spot of tea. Jason represents characters ranging from bizarre beasts to outlandish eccentrics. He masterfully expresses the wry humor and charming chivalry of White’s 1938 homage to Thomas Mallory’s epic Arthurian legend. Includes a booklet with historical background and text notes. A wonderful family listening experience, especially for Potter and Pullman fans wishing to experience the roots of British fantasy. Grades 4-8. --Mary Burkey
Description:
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Neville Jason's approach, he says, is to be humble to the material he is working with and to let the powers of absorption work. It is apt that in this classic retelling of the King Arthur legend, the wizard Merlin often teaches the boy Arthur (aka Wart) by changing him into other creatures—a fish, a bird—to learn by absorption, by being, with empathy being the least of the lessons taught. It is a perfect fit of sensibilities. Jason, who was awarded the Diction Prize by Sir John Gielgud at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, delivers fully developed characters with such warmth and spark that listeners are instantly transported to Sir Ector's castle. Originally written in 1938, this audiobook is perfect for any J.K. Rowling fan, as its humor, intellect and playfulness feels as contemporary as a Harry Potter novel. In fact, Rowling has described White's Wart as Harry's spiritual ancestor. Combined with the brilliant performance by Jason, what more could a fantasy fan want? (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From
Veteran Shakespearean actor Jason reads this classic tale relaying Merlin’s tutelage of young Arthur. Devoid of music or sound effects, the audio allows listeners to step back and savor Jason’s conversational reading. His atmospheric, melodious British accent makes it seem as if White himself is telling the story over a spot of tea. Jason represents characters ranging from bizarre beasts to outlandish eccentrics. He masterfully expresses the wry humor and charming chivalry of White’s 1938 homage to Thomas Mallory’s epic Arthurian legend. Includes a booklet with historical background and text notes. A wonderful family listening experience, especially for Potter and Pullman fans wishing to experience the roots of British fantasy. Grades 4-8. --Mary Burkey