One of the most difficult books for children is certainly this one. The original wasn't intended for them, but Dennis Nolan's lovely illustrations in this edition are. Even adults might find it difficult to read at times due to the old-fashioned British text's lengthy descriptions, accents, sophisticated terminology, literary and historical allusions, and very dry wit. I think the enjoyment from the fascinating and imaginative historical narrative makes reading this book worth the effort. ( )

Sempre tive curiosidade em ler o livro que inspirou o filme da Disney “A espada era a lei”. É um livro ternurento, onde vemos um Artur ainda criança a aprender sobre o mundo. Merlin proporciona-lhe aulas inesquecíveis. Não segue as linhas tradicionais das lendas arturianas e os séculos confundem-se e aproximam-se para personagens distantes no tempo encontrarem-se. ( )

JTN532BS

"Learn. That is the only thing that never fails."—Merlyn the Wizard

Before there was a famous king named Arthur, there was a curious boy named Wart and a kind old wizard named Merlyn. Transformed by Merlyn into the forms of his fantasy, Wart learns the value of history from a snake, of education from a badger, and of courage from a hawk—the lessons that help turn a boy into a man. Together, Wart and Merlyn take the reader through this timeless story of childhood and adventure—The Sword in the Stone.

T.H. White's classic tale of the young Arthur's questioning and discovery of his life is unparalleled for its wit and wisdom, and for its colorful characters, from the wise Merlyn to the heroic Robin Wood to the warmhearted King Pellinore.

Golden Kite Honor artist Dennis Nolan has loved The Sword in the Stone since childhood, and he imbues White's tale with magic and mystery in his glowing illustrations. Readers who know Arthur or are meeting him for the first time will delight in this beautiful rendering of one of the greatest stories of all time. ( )

What an amazing book, full to the brim with imagination, wonders and delights. It manages to be thrilling, extremely funny and very moving without even really seeming to try. The curious blend of ancient, mythic and modern (or at least contemporary) works brilliantly, to create something that feels far more of a fantasy than it would have otherwise. First and foremost, though, it captures more accurately than any book I've ever read the pure joy of childhood. ( )