The Book of Three

The Chronicles of Prydain (Volume 1)

Lloyd Alexander

Square Fish

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The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!

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 have 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 in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today’s generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

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Book of Three
Author's NoteThis chronicle of the Land of Prydain is not a retelling or retranslation of Welsh mythology. Prydain is not Wales--not entirely, at least. The inspiration for it comes from that magnificent land and its legends; but, essentially, Prydain is a country existing only in the imagination.A few of its inhabitants are drawn from the ancient tales. Gwydion, for example, is a "real" legendary figure. Arawn, the dread Lord of Annuvin, comes from the Mabinogion, the classic collection of Welsh legends, though in Prydain he is considerably more villainous.

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Reviews

Reviews from Goodreads

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Michelle  rated it  
Feb 14, 2012
Though I have heard of the Chronicles of Prydain, and over the years have even gleaned some knowledge of Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and Hen Wen, his oracular sow, I’ve never had occasion to delve into the series until this winter. I was hugely impressed. The prose is gorgeous, the characters uni ...more
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Christopher  rated it  
Dec 26, 2011
I'm giving this series to one of my nephews for his birthday this week. I can't remember how many times I read Alexander's Prydain Chronicles when I was young. Dozens of times, I think. I re-read them later when I was an adult and found them just as good as I had remembered. While they are definitel ...more
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Dmroberts  rated it  
Jan 10, 2009
This book is a classic in my view - it was a book that my mother first read to me as a child, and which I later re-visited myself quite some years later. For me, this is one of those titles that first got me interested in literature.

The author, Lloyd Alexander, was an interesting man, and ...more
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About the Author

Lloyd Alexander

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.

Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander

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Available Formats and Book Details

The Book of Three
Lloyd Alexander

Award

American Library Association Notable Children's Books, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

Trade Paperback

Trade Paperback
Square Fish
May 2006
Trade Paperback
ISBN: 9780805080483
ISBN10: 0805080481
Middle-Grade Fiction
5 1/8 x 7 3/4 inches, 224 pages
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Range: 3 and up Information for Librarians

Information for Librarians


Lexile: 770LL
F&P Level A-Z: U

$6.99

Hardcover

Hardcover
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Henry Holt and Co.
May 1999
Hardcover
ISBN: 9780805061321
ISBN10: 0805061320
Middle-Grade Fiction
6 1/8 x 9 1/4 inches, 208 pages
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Range: 3 and up Information for Librarians

Information for Librarians


Lexile: 770L
F&P Level A-Z: U
AR Quiz Number: 6658
AR Points: 7

$19.95

e-Book Agency

e-Book Agency
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Henry Holt and Co.
May 2006
e-Book Agency
ISBN: 9781429961943
ISBN10: 1429961945
Middle-Grade Fiction208 pages
Age Range: 8 and up
Grade Range: 3 and up Information for Librarians

Information for Librarians

$6.99
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