ANNOTATION

Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper to a famous oracular sow, sets out on a hazardous mission to save Prydain from the forces of evil.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Sonya Goldman

Five enchanting books comprise the "Chronicles of Prydain" by Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In The Book of Three, Taran is impatient for manhood. As assistant pig keeper of the oracular pig Hen Wen, his life is very tame. Taran's dreams of glory and adventure soon turn to bitter reality, however, when the Horned King marches to conquer Prydain. Taran must face the evil enchantress Achren, undead warriors, man hunting birds of prey, and the Horned King himself. Companions join his adventure along the way -- the talkative princess Eilonwy, the ever-hungry forest creature Gugi, the bard Fflewdur Fflam whose harp strings break when he stretches the truth, and a grumpy dwarf named Dori of the Fair Folk. Nonstop action and vivid characters work magic on the reader in this first book of the Prydain series. Other books in the Chronicles include The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King.