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Mists of Avalon
  
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Mists of Avalon (Paperback)

by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Author) "lands of Lyonnesse and Ys; on a clear day, so the fisherman said, their old castles could be seen far out under the water. But..." (more)
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (761 customer reviews)

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Product Description

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Even readers who don't normally enjoy Arthurian legends will love this version, a retelling from the point of view of the women behind the throne. Morgaine (more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (a Welsh spelling of Guinevere) struggle for power, using Arthur as a way to score points and promote their respective worldviews. The Mists of Avalon's Camelot politics and intrigue take place at a time when Christianity is taking over the island-nation of Britain; Christianity vs. Faery, and God vs. Goddess are dominant themes.

Young and old alike will enjoy this magical Arthurian reinvention by science fiction and fantasy veteran Marion Zimmer Bradley. --Bonnie Bouman --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.



From AudioFile

All the books in the Mists of Avalon series retell of King Arthur's efforts to unite Britain against the Saxon invasion; what's unique, however, is that Bradley's versions are told from the perspective of powerful women characters. Text that invites audio interpretation, Davina Porter's extraordinary narration, and the author's recent publication of the "prequel" to this cult classic all make this production attractive. The conversational quality of the story, along with its vivid images and compelling drama, invites an audio version. Key to this program's success is the skill and versatility of Davina Porter, who flawlessly interprets a large cast of characters. Her voice conveys moods, from anger and menace, to laughter and song, with a facility that seems effortless. The long-standing popularity of this series and Bradley's more recent publication of The Forest House will draw considerable attention to a truly remarkable production. S.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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lands of Lyonnesse and Ys; on a clear day, so the fisherman said, their old castles could be seen far out under the water. But to Igraine they looked like towers of rock, ancient mountains and hills drowned by the ever encroaching sea that nibbled away, even now, at the very crags below the castle. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

761 Reviews
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4.5 out of 5 stars (761 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A mythical, magical, but ultimately human story, Jul 6 2004
By Toniann Scime "Librarian" (Amherst, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: The Mists of Avalon (Hardcover)
I am, perhaps, somewhat biased about this book. I've read it, probably, at least a dozen times: let's put it this way, my hardcover copy is falling apart. Clearly I'm a fan, not just of Arthurian fiction but of Marion Zimmer Bradley as well.

A life-long enjoyment of Arthuriana will teach you one very clear thing: there is no definitive story or Arthur, and therefore all interpretations are as valid as the next. The existence of Arthur can barely be proven, and his identity is certainly up for debate. The stories of Camelot, the Round Table, and certainly of Lancelot and Guinevere are all Norman-French additions to a tale set hundreds of years prior in the Dark Ages. Arthur is an enduring legend but, as we know him, mostly a legend nonetheless.

Bradley's story, then, of the tale of Arthur through the women who knew him, is no less valid an interpretation than any of the rest, and certainly a unique one. Rich with its own legends and myths, "The Mists of Avalon" begins with Igraine, and goes forward through the eyes of Viviane, Morgaine, Morgause, and Gwenhwyfar, each with their own perspective on what truly were momentous times in the history of Britain. As Arthurian myth, it stands on its own two feet as well as any other, with its tales of war, love, religion, loyalty and betrayal spread across and repeated through several generations, closing with the end of an era and the beginning of Saxon rule over the island.

It is also, however, a tale of one human woman, Morgaine, and her life: her beginnings, her path, her faith, her love, her choices, her mistakes, and ultimately, her will to survive. The lesson of "The Mists of Avalon" that I take with me each time I read it is this: we are born to strive towards something, and in the struggle, we sometimes misstep along the way. It is our free will that gives us the ability to make mistakes, and also to accept them, later, as part of being human. It is, in many ways, the struggle that matters most, not the outcome.

This is the lesson of Morgaine's life, and it is what makes "The Mists of Avalon" a life-altering experience for me, and for many others who have read and taken it to their hearts.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I've Ever Read, Jul 13 2004
This review is from: The Mists of Avalon (Paperback)
I won't spoil the book for any potential readers out here, but I will say one word: masterpiece. This is the crowning glory of Marion's works, and I would go so far as to say that it is the crowning glory of Arthurian literature as well! I was so absorbed in it that I finished it in a week, and it has been my absolutely most favorite book ever since!
By the way.. if you're thinking of reading any of the "Song of Ice & Fire" books by George R. R. Martin.. rethink yourself and read this series instead.. it is MUCH better and more worth your time!!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars The Mists of Avalon, Nov 1 2009
By S. Chris Mikalson "bookish" (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: The Mists of Avalon (Paperback)
This is a most wonderous book, a page-turner that will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning. Marion Zimmer Bradley opens the door to a time filled with mysticism, and painful changes in spiritual beliefs. She reveals them through strong female characters-pagan and christian-and through an Arthurian epic of amazing proportions. A terrific read!
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 		 Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait!
This book was given to me as a present over 15 years ago, and for some reason I held onto it though I never picked it up to read... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Why Not

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best!
I don't read two many books more then once, but I could read this one
over and over again. Great to see a story from the female perspective,
very refreshing.
Published 23 months ago by Shannon D. Jaeger

5.0 out of 5 stars Magickal
I loved the book, actually the whole serie. It is completely magickal. It makes you dream, it brings you out of the reality...
Published on Oct 24 2007 by M. St-jean

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate Love Story - Awesome plot!
Morgaine, a complex creature takes the stage, retelling in her own words what was the goings on behind the throne of King Arthur. Read more
Published on Oct 17 2004 by kbillecre8

5.0 out of 5 stars time turner
this story takes one from the 21st century way, way back in time. in the last days of the goddess and the power of women, the Mists of Avalon is probably the most convincing... Read more
Published on Jun 30 2004 by rilabee chime

5.0 out of 5 stars The Turning Point of my Summer
WOW. This book is fantastic in every way. I recommend this book to anyone--at any time--in any place. This book has changed my life and the way I look at things. Read more
Published on Jun 28 2004 by shopjule

2.0 out of 5 stars overrated, and ultimately a disappointment
A friend highly recommended this book to me, and I was expecting it to be much better than it was. Unfortunately, Mists of Avalon did not live up to the hype. Read more
Published on Jun 26 2004 by kcknd2

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tale for Women
The Mists of Avalon is an enchanting book, as long as it is good. With over 900 pages, it is truly a painstakingly crafted creation worth the time invested to read it. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2004 by L. Mintah

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic Fantasy with a twist
This is a classic.

One of the earliest fantasy books I read, it has become something I compare most fantasy to. Read more

Published on Jun 4 2004 by T. Schooler

5.0 out of 5 stars Women of Avalon
I've always loved the King Arthur and Camelot books and movies. I loved that Marion Zimmer Bradley told the story from the womens perspectives. Read more
Published on May 23 2004 by Mary Sowerwine

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