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The Black Cauldron
 
 
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The Black Cauldron [Hardcover]

Lloyd Alexander (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
List Price: CDN$ 28.99
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Library Binding CDN $11.53   -- --
Hardcover, May 15 1999 CDN $20.92   -- --
Paperback CDN $8.99   -- --
Mass Market Paperback --   -- --
Audio, CD, Audiobook, Unabridged CDN $24.08   -- --

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Product Description

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–The Black Cauldron (Holt, 1965) is the second book in the five book series by Lloyd Alexander, and is a Newbery Honor Book. It continues the story of Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper of Prydain. Taran, with a band of warriors and friends, is called upon to find and destroy the Black Cauldron, which is being used by the evil Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, to produce deathless warriors from the bodies of his fallen enemies. Throughout this quest, Taran and his companions learn about sacrifice, honor, and courage. Alexander reads an author's note at the beginning, explaining that his stories have some basis in the literary tradition of Wales, but that he wants readers to relate the stories to what is going on in their lives right now. The audiobook is ably narrated by actor James Langton who deftly creates distinctive characters and engages the audience. Listeners will must have read or listened to the first book in the series, The Book of Three (Holt, 1964; Listening Library), in order to sort out the numerous characters and place names and develop a bond with the characters and their plight. Libraries already circulating the first book will want to have this available for fans.–Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Taran, the gallant Assistant Pig-keeper, and his companions once again fare forth to destroy the evil that threatens their beloved country, Prydain.... A wise and wondrous tale written in epic fashion." --Booklist
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Customer Reviews

77 Reviews
5 star:
 (69)
4 star:
 (6)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (77 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars The movie can't be compared to this masterpiece, May 25 2004
By 
Eric Buhler (Riverdale, UT United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Black Cauldron (Paperback)
After getting a taste of adventure in "The Book of Three," Taran once again has an appetite for going out and doing heroic things. And the timing couldn't be better, for his childhood hero Prince Gwydion has invited him to help in stealing a bewitched cauldron from Arawn Death-Lord.

Along with the feisty Princess Eilonwy, impetuous bard Fflewddur, simple-minded Gurgi, and gruff dwarf Doli, Taran is joined by two new and very opposite characters: Adaon and Ellidyr. Both have very different ideas about honor, and Taran is forever changed by what he learns from them.

Rounding out the cast of new characters are the delightful enchantresses Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, as well as the melancholy Gwystyl and proud King Morgant. There's more to all of them than meets the eye.

Taran's quest teaches him more about honor, goodness, sacrifice and loyalty than he ever bargained for. Next to "The High King," I consider this to be the most powerful book in all the Prydain Chronicles.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Young fantasy has never been better, May 16 2004
By 
This review is from: The Black Cauldron (Paperback)
Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles are one of the key series in children's fantasy literature, walking a fine line: They are both accessible to young readers and appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.

The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of characters. Most of the action centers on Taran, a pig keeper destined for great things. Others, including a stereotypical spoiled princess, a crazed Gollum-like creature, and a hapless bard, take part in a series of increasingly epic adventures.

"The Black Cauldron" is probably the best known of the series (in part due to Disney's unfortunate film of the book). In this volume, Taran and friends return, this time to face a terrible evil that can spread lifeless hordes across the land. Old faces return, new bad guys appear, and the world of Prydain is further expanded in this classic addition to a classic series.

Because Alexander draws his stories from ancient myth and legend, the themes and situations always feel familiar, like stories you've read many times before - but never in a tiresome way. They're "comfortable." And that's a welcome trait, especially when so many books try so hard to be different.

The writing is direct and lively throughout (though darker in tone that the first book), and the pacing absolutely perfect. Just when one suspects a lull in the action is looming, Alexander surges us forward and advances the story some more. Things are always pushing forward, offering a tale that one is hard-pressed to put down.

One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. The first book does not well reflect the last. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious. That is a good thing and is very much on display here.

"The Black Cauldron" is hailed as a classic of young fantasy for a reason. It and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellente!, Mar 28 2004
By 
This review is from: The Black Cauldron (Paperback)
Except the fact that was pretty slow at times, I still loved it!
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