The Once and Future King: The Classic Collection (4 Books). Illustrated

The Once and Future King: The Classic Collection brings together all four books of T. H. White’s celebrated Arthurian masterpiece, one of the most enduring retellings of the legend of King Arthur in modern literature. Blending myth, fantasy, humor, and philosophical reflection, this four-volume collection reimagines the rise and fall of Camelot with emotional depth and moral complexity.The Sword in the Stone introduces a young and awkward Arthur, known as Wart, whose education under the wise and eccentric Merlin forms the moral foundation of his future kingship. Told with wit and warmth, this opening volume explores ideas of power, justice, and learning through transformation and experience, making it both playful and profound.In The Queen of Air and Darkness, the tone darkens as Arthur ascends the throne and confronts the brutal realities of rule. Political conflict, personal ambition, and the seeds of tragedy emerge, especially through the rise of Morgause and her sons. The novel examines the origins of violence and the challenge of maintaining order in a flawed world.The Ill-Made Knight shifts focus to Sir Lancelot, whose inner torment and forbidden love for Queen Guinevere become central to the fate of Camelot. This deeply psychological volume explores guilt, faith, and the painful tension between idealism and human weakness.The cycle concludes with The Candle in the Wind, a moving meditation on loss, responsibility, and the enduring power of ideas. As Camelot collapses, Arthur reflects on the meaning of his life’s work and the hope that his vision of justice may survive beyond him.Together, these four books form a timeless literary epic—at once mythic and modern—exploring leadership, love, and the fragile struggle to build a better world.Contents:The Once and Future King• The Sword in the Stone • The Queen of Air and Dakness• The Ill-Made Knight • The Candle in the Wind