This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read, and is highly deserving of its place as a 'classic'. Unfortunately, to many people being dubbed a classic suggests that a book must be boring. Far from it! Forget Disney's rendition of 'The Sword in the Stone', because it doesn't come anywhere near the literary prowess, intricate descriptions and luxurious fantasy of this masterpiece. If, on the other hand, you have seen the film 'Excalibur' then you have an idea of the immensely wise, slightly insane and incredibly funny character of Merlin that you will meet in this book.
White tells a fascinating story, builds interesting and enjoyable characters and fleshes the story out with excellent descriptions of bygone pursuits, such as falconry and questing, ancient customs and agriculture, interwoven with magic that spans centuries and civilisations at times. The character of Merlin is particularly enjoyable, and although the book is perhaps a little slow in the first couple of chapters, once Merlin comes on the scene we are whisked off on one magical journey after another.
Read it, enjoy it. Maybe even share it with a child! Like all the best "children's literature", this book is just as entertaining for adults.
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