Cart
Free US shipping over $10
Proud to be B-Corp

The Seeing Stone Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Seeing Stone By Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland


$10.00
Condition - Like New
Only 2 left

Summary

The spellbinding first volume in a trilogy with a new take on the Arthurian legends, interwoven with a story set in medieval times

The Seeing Stone Summary

The Seeing Stone: Book 1 by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The year is 1199, the place the Welsh Marches, where young Arthur de Caldicot practises his tilting and archery, learns to be a dutiful page to his father, and waits impatiently to grow up and become a knight. One day his father's friend Merlin gives him a shining black stone. When Arthur starts to see stories in the stone, his life quickly becomes entwined with that of his namesake, the boy who pulls the sword from the stone. In this many-layered novel, King Arthur is seen as a figure for all time - an exemplar to his namesake, a mysterious presence influencing not just one time and place but many. The 100 short chapters are almost like snapshots, not only of the mythical past of King Arthur but the real, earthy, uncomfortable Middle Ages. The turn of the century; uncertainty about the future; war and peace; Christianity and Islam; rationalism and superstition; the sharp contrasts in the lives of rich and poor; all these issues impact on the life of a boy in a medieval manor and give the book its uniquely contemporary feel. Gatty the bailiff's daughter, Arthur's jealous older brother, Tanwen the serving-girl and Lady Alice, who entrusts Arthur with a terrible secret, are just a few of the characters we engage with as the story unfolds to reveal the mystery at the heart of Arthur de Caldicot's life. Shot through with the legends of King Arthur, it merges with them in a thrilling climax. The Seeing Stone is a unique and brilliant new take on the Arthurian story-cycle. The author is a magician with words and his light, speedy narrative is as readable as it is poetic.

The Seeing Stone Reviews

...a fascinating story, rich in historical detail. Booktrust, 100 Best Books

About Kevin Crossley-Holland

Kevin Crossley-Holland won the Carnegie Medal in l985 for Storm. His many notable books for adults and children include poetry, classic retellings and anthologies. He has written and presented many BBC radio programmes and is a frequent speaker at schools and libraries. For some years he held a university post in Minnesota. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Additional information

GOR011623682
9781858813974
1858813972
The Seeing Stone: Book 1 by Kevin Crossley-Holland
Used - Like New
Hardback
Hachette Children's Group
20000803
336
Winner of Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2001 Short-listed for Whitbread Book Awards: Children's Book Category 2000
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - The Seeing Stone