Using language with elements of the medieval tales which were his models, Morris tells the story of Ralph of Upmeads, the fourth and youngest son of a minor king, who sets out, contrary to his parents' wishes, to find knightly adventure and seek the Well at the World's End, a magic well which will confer a… (more)
Using language with elements of the medieval tales which were his models, Morris tells the story of Ralph of Upmeads, the fourth and youngest son of a minor king, who sets out, contrary to his parents' wishes, to find knightly adventure and seek the Well at the World's End, a magic well which will confer a near-immortality and strengthened destiny on those who drink from it.
Although the novel is relatively obscure by today's standards it has had a significant influence on many notable fantasy authors. C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien both seem to have found inspiration in The Well at the World's End: ancient tables of stone, a "King Peter", a quick, white horse named "Silverfax", and a character named "Gandalf" are only a few, to say nothing of Ralph's journey home as denouement, anticipating the Hobbits' return and battle for the Shire.
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Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:11:36 +0100
The previous comment from dsfire is utter nonsense. The book is NOT written in Old English; Beowulf is written in Old English and requires interpretation for modern readers. William Morris was a contemporary of Charles Dickens and J.R.R. Tolkien so if you can read Oliver Twist and The Hobbit you should enjoy this book too.
This book is a delightful read, written in the manner of a fairytale and begins, "Long ago there was a little land, over which ruled a regulus or kinglet, who was called King… (more)
The previous comment from dsfire is utter nonsense. The book is NOT written in Old English; Beowulf is written in Old English and requires interpretation for modern readers. William Morris was a contemporary of Charles Dickens and J.R.R. Tolkien so if you can read Oliver Twist and The Hobbit you should enjoy this book too.
This book is a delightful read, written in the manner of a fairytale and begins, "Long ago there was a little land, over which ruled a regulus or kinglet, who was called King Peter, though his kingdom was but little. He had four sons..." If that doesn't pull you in, the plot twists with a touch of what would be called science fiction today, will.
(less)Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:30:09 +0200
Well, of the 1036 people who downloaded this book, I wonder if anybody else completed it. The book is written in Olde English, which makes it perfect for the Kindle because you'll be looking up a LOT of words in order to understand what it is you are reading. :)
It does not get interesting until half way through the book so its a very slow start and a very tough read. Once it starts getting good, the book is only Okay. Not really worth the effort it took to get through it, in my humble opinion.