The Book of Three

Lloyd Alexander

May 2006 · The Chronicles of Prydain Book 1 · Sold by Henry Holt and Company (BYR)

About this ebook

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 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 to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal-winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. This title has Common Core connections.

Ratings and reviews

'The Book of Three' is a fantastic fantasy story that surpasses it's category as a young adult book. The author's way of describing a scene or how a character feels is engrossing, the villains/stakes are suitably overwhelming, and the overall message of this tale is an important piece of advice for anyone growing into adulthood. After reading this, it's shocking how straightforward a story it really is and how Disney could have bungled this. When you read that Disney took "elements" of this story; that means that they used some characters and the cauldron raises the dead (that's it). Plus, I know it was the 70's and all, but how do you get an animated children's film approved from a story with Necromancy and a child being physically attacked (and stabbed/cut with swords) by adult soldiers in it? LOL! Anyhow, I highly suggest reading the book, but Wikipedia has a great summary of the plot if you're trying to get on to the second book 'The Black Cauldron' quickly.

My 6th grade teacher had the class read this book, and I couldn't find copies in bookstores locally. I'm glad I could read the Chronicles of Prydain again.

My dad read me this book as a kid, and I read it again twice when I was older. I loved it every time. It has the essence of good fantasy and such unique characters.

About the author

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the author of more than forty books for children and adults, including the beloved children's fantasy series, the Chronicles of Prydain, one of the most widely read series in the history of fantasy and the inspiration for the animated Disney film, The Black Cauldron. His books have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor, and the National Book Award for Juvenile Literature.