Most Popular Books by T. H. White

In "The Once and Future King," T. H. White masterfully reinterprets the Arthurian legend through a blend of rich narrative and philosophical inquiry. The novel unfolds in four parts, culminating in a profound exploration of power, justice, and the human condition against the backdrop of a fantastical realm. White''s eloquent prose interweaves humor and tragedy, rendering complex characters such as King Arthur, Merlyn, and Guinevere with depth and relatability. The book serves not only as an enthralling retelling of the myths but also as a reflection on the failures and potential of human governance, echoing the sociopolitical anxieties of the mid-20th century when it was penned. T. H. White, an English writer and a classicist, drew upon his own experiences and extensive research into medieval history and folklore to craft this seminal work. His personal struggles, particularly with themes of power and morality, no doubt influenced his depiction of Arthur''s journey from naive boy to an enlightened ruler. As a result, White imbues the narrative with both a sense of nostalgia and a critique of contemporary political issues, positioning it within the broader Romantic and modernist literary movements. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of leadership and the moral dilemmas that accompany it. White''s blend of comedy, tragedy, and philosophical reflection creates a tapestry that transcends time, encouraging readers to ponder the legacies of leadership and the timeless question of what it means to be ''king.'' Dive into this rich literary feast that effortlessly marries myth, history, and poignant social commentary.

"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.

In "The Goshawk," T. H. White intricately weaves a profound exploration of the relationship between humans and nature through the lens of falconry. Written in a reflective and poetic style, the book immerses readers in White''s personal journey as he endeavors to train a young goshawk, drawing on myth, history, and a deep understanding of the animal''s instincts. This narrative transcends mere memoir; it positions falconry as a metaphor for control, freedom, and the often turbulent interplay between civilization and the wild, illuminating the psychological and emotional complexities inherent in the act of taming. T. H. White, celebrated for his later work "The Once and Future King," was profoundly influenced by his own experiences with nature and a lifelong fascination with the medieval world. His background in teaching and his keen sense of observation allow him to capture the nuanced dynamics of the natural world. Additionally, White''s explorations of personal struggle and emotional depth resonate throughout the text, as he reflects on isolation, companionship, and the quest for understanding. "The Goshawk" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the themes of mastery and surrender within the natural realm. Readers will find themselves captivated by White''s vivid descriptions and introspective commentary, which make this work not only a study of falconry but also a rich philosophical inquiry. This masterful narrative invites us to reconsider our own connections with the untamed aspects of life.

The Queen of Air and Darkness, is the second book in T. H. White''s epic work; The Once and Future King. It continues the story of the newly-crowned King Arthur, his tutelage by the wise Merlyn, his war against King Lot, and also introduces the Orkney clan, a group of characters who would cause the eventual downfall of the King. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.

"The Once and Future King" by T.H. White stands as a classic retelling of the Arthurian legend, weaving together myth, fantasy, and philosophical reflections. Originally published as separate novels between 1938 and 1958, White''s work culminates in this comprehensive and timeless narrative. The tale follows the life of King Arthur, from his early days as a young, uncertain boy under the care of the wizard Merlyn to his eventual reign and the establishment of the Knights of the Round Table. White skillfully explores themes of chivalry, war, love, and the complexities of leadership, all set against the backdrop of a mythical medieval Britain. The novel''s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend adventure and introspection, offering readers a poignant examination of human nature and the pursuit of an idealized kingdom. As a significant contribution to Arthurian literature, "The Once and Future King" remains a captivating exploration of the timeless struggle between light and darkness, righteousness and betrayal.

In "Mistress Masham''s Repose," T. H. White weaves a captivating tale that intertwines elements of fantasy and social commentary in a uniquely British setting. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows the youthful and resourceful Maria, who discovers that her family estate is home to a hidden colony of Lilliputians, the tiny people from Jonathan Swift''s "Gulliver''s Travels." White''s literary style is characterized by rich, lyrical prose imbued with wit, reflecting a deep admiration for classical literature while simultaneously critiquing the complexities of power dynamics and the nature of human relationships. T. H. White, renowned for his profound influence on modern fantasy literature, drew upon his own experiences and erudition when crafting this novel. His earlier works, particularly the acclaimed "The Once and Future King," highlight his fascination with myth and morality. Rather than merely retelling classic tales, White enriched his narratives with poignant themes and psychological depth, leading him naturally to explore the intersection of love, betrayal, and the innocence of childhood in "Mistress Masham''s Repose." For readers seeking a blend of adventure, satire, and introspection, this novel is a delightful journey into a magical world that resonates with the trials of adolescence and the complexities of adulthood. White''s exploration of identity and belonging through Maria''s eyes offers a timeless narrative that invites readers of all ages to reflect on their own realities.

“THERE’S AN ANGEL IN THE CHIMNEY!” Mrs. O’Callaghan had come up with some pretty farfetched notions, but when she came running to Mr. White with this announcement, he was convinced she’d lost all touch with reality. Yet when the sensible English writer—whose only mistake had been to set up his workshop on the O’Callaghan’s rundown Irish farm—ventured into the kitchen to see what had so upset his landlady, he was shocked to discover that the Archangel Michael had come down the chimney and was hovering there, waiting to pass on a message of deep significance: There was going to be a Flood, and it was up to the O’Callaghans and Mr. White to build an Ark just the way Noah had. Well, maybe not exactly the way Noah had. After all, Mr. White didn’t have the same kind of help to work with. Still, he’d find a way to manage, and a way to start the world again too—even though he’d always been a confirmed bachelor. He’d do it all—as long as he didn’t have to save the elephants and the kangaroos! From T. H. White, best-selling author of The Sword and the Stone, The Once and Future King, and The Book of Beasts, comes this long unavailable satirical fantasy of twentieth-century Ireland. First published in 1947, The Elephant and the Kangaroo is something of a modern-day Gulliver’s Travels, exploring an English writer’s journey through a land at once familiar and alien, as he answers an Almighty challenge to save a world which he’s not sure is really worth preserving. And it doesn’t take him long to find out that building an ark just isn’t as easy as it used to be.... “A STINGING COMMENTARY...A MAD FLIGHT OF FANCY.”—Kirkus “HILARIOUSLY FUNNY.”—Library Journal

In ''Farewell Victoria'', T. H. White provides readers with a reflective exploration of changes - both intimate and vast - as they sweep over England during the twilight of the Victorian era. Through masterful prose that weaves historical context with rich character development, White captures the evolution of a society in transition. The narrative style is both evocative and contemplative, permitting a dual vantage point of detail-oriented observations and broad societal shifts. As a part of DigiCat Publishing''s commitment to reviving literary treasures, this special edition echoes the timeless value encapsulated in the works that have shaped our collective understanding of cultural and historical transformation. White''s construction of the landscape, intertwined with the emotional depth of the characters, situates the novel as a poignant commentary within a larger literary canon marked by periods of seismic change. Terence Hanbury White''s literary journey often intersected with his fascination with the past and its impact on the present and future. His background and investment in English culture and history provided fertile ground for ''Farewell Victoria'', a novel that can be seen as an extension or reflection of his own contemplations and experiences. An author predominantly known for ''The Once and Future King'', White''s lesser-known offerings, such as the book at hand, demonstrate his versatility and deep engagement with themes of change, loss, and the ephemeral nature of human advancements. This edition of ''Farewell Victoria'' is an essential read for those who cherish historical novels with a keen sense of the evanescence of time''s passage. T. H. White''s dedicated readers and new enthusiasts alike will find in this work a resonant narrative that speaks to the enduring question of how we reconcile with the end of an era. DigiCat Publishing''s beautifully reproduced edition invites us to reconsider what it means to bid adieu to an epoch and embrace the uncertainty and potential of what lies ahead, making it a profound addition to the libraries of history buffs, literary aficionados, and reflective souls.

This amusing foray into eighteenth century literature is an entertaining tabloid biography of an age not unlike our own; men and women of fashion led their lives under the avid scrutiny of a public with a sharp appetite for scandal and sensation. In the period between the so-called Age of Reason and the Romantic Revival - that which the author calls the Age of Scandal - aristocratic and privileged eccentrics flourished. Here we meet notorious persons such as the libertine Marquis de Sade, and the Countess of Kingston who journeyed to Rome in the hope of seducing the Pope.

Un bello clásico de la literatura que reflexiona sobre el vínculo entre ser humano y animal. ¿Cuál es la relación entre hombre y bestia? Publicado por primera vez en 1951, El azor describe con desnuda honestidad la trascendental experiencia de White al intentar entrenar un azor salvaje, un tipo de ave muy difícil de adiestrar. Sin conocimientos previos y armado con unos pocos manuales de cetrería anticuados, White intentó doblegar la voluntad de Gos, el joven pájaro que había comprado en Alemania. A pesar de conocer una derrota tras otra en su empeño, White descubrió que el cariño y el afecto que sentía por la salvaje criatura crecían a medida que pasaba el tiempo y su fracaso se hacía más evidente. Finalmente, el animal terminó por liberar al solitario White de sus demonios y le permitió alcanzar la salvación personal. El azor es una historia de superación y reflexión, una lucha de voluntades equiparable a la del capitán Ahab y Moby Dick ambientada en la idílica campiña inglesa. "Como Moby Dick o El viejo y el mar, El azor es un encuentro literario entre animal y hombre que bebe de las tradicciones puritanas del desafío espiritual, que hacen de la salvación un premio que ganar en un desafío contra Dios." Helen Macdonald , autora de H de halcón "El azor es un libro increíble. White tiene buen ojo narrativo y una mente ágil, y sus observaciones sobre el entorno dotan de placer cómico a un libro que de otro modo sería oscuro." The New Yorker "Cómico, trágico, primario y original como las grandes tempestades [] Una obra maestra, sin duda." Daily Telegraph "Una de las narraciones más apasionantes, tiernas y entretenidas sobre el mundo de la naturaleza." The Irish Times