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Initially published nearly thirty years ago, Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave has been spellbinding readers and converting them into serious Arthurian buffs ever since. The first in a series of four books, this novel focuses on the early life of Merlin the magician, and the political developments of fifth-century Britain. Not for the fainthearted, this verbose text pays careful attention to historical details and methodical plot development.
Merlin's childhood is formed by the absence of his reticent, convent-bound mother and his unnamed and unknown father. As the bastard grandson of a local king, Merlin is the object of both envy and ridicule. His strange powers and predictions earn him greater status as a pariah, and he leaves home as a preadolescent. Returning years later as a young man--empowered by self-knowledge and magic--Merlin finds himself caught in the currents of the shifting kingdoms.
As an established classic in this genre, and the first in a popular series, The Crystal Cave introduces this familiar character with fresh sensitivity. While readers looking for the romance of First Knight will be disappointed, those happy with tight writing and a complex story line will be satisfied. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Review
'Mary Stewart brilliantly recreates the Britain of the fifth century' -- Books And Bookmen 'Her style is simple yet vivid, displaying a love of words and the sounds they make, and her story is poetically imaginative' -- Daily Telegraph 'A deft colourful ... re-creation of Merlin's early life' -- Sunday Times 'A fascinating story which lays a firm hold on the imagination' -- The Scotsman 'Mary Stewart lightens the Dark Ages with legend, pure invention and a lively sense of history.' -- New York Times 'Vivid, enthralling, absolutely first-class' -- Daily Mail
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Merlin in the real world.,
This review is from: The Crystal Cave (Paperback)
This is still one of the best retellings of the story of Merlin and Arthur. Mary Stewart opens the curtain on the real world of the time, historically researched, and richly detailed with characters that are real and emotionally true. I'm always wary of Arthurian fantasy - because so many are badly written, fluffy pieces of romantic fallacy. But these captured my historic interest as well as my imagination.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book,
By Elizabeth Leigh (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Crystal Cave (Hardcover)
I read it for an English class in Highschool and still can't forget it.Descriptive and captivating. A must-read classic!!!
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Crystal Cave (Paperback)
I've read quite a few adaptations of legends based in history, and this ranks at the top of the list. Notable were Merlin's relationships with his various father figures, his outlook towards his notoriety and his powers, and his God(s). A great read and I look forward to completing the series.
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