King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Junior Classics) [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Benedict Flynn (Author), Sean Bean (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1997 | Series: Junior Classics

These stories tell how, many years ago, Arthur, the once future King of England, set out to save his country from the troubles that plagued it, aided by the brave knights of his Round Table and the most famous sword in the world, Excalibur; how Merlin the Wizard fought against the wicked Morgana le Fay's enchantments; and how arthur loved and lost the beautiful Guinevere, his Queen. Presented with music by Elgar, Sibelius and others

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Benedict Flynnis imaginative retellings of classic stories have reintroduced characters such as King Arthur and Robin Hood to a new generation of children. He lives in Great Britain. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9626341386
• ISBN-13: 978-9626341384
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Version for Children - and Adults too, March 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Junior Classics) (Audio CD)

When I originally purchased this "Junior Classic" - as a gift for my little brother, an Arthur aficianado - I didn't expect to enjoy it much myself. However, the adaptation is well-done, and is not so inane as to make it unbearable to anyone over ten, which is what I expected. I was so pleasantly surprised that I went out and bought myself a copy!

British actor Sean Bean has an incredible range of voices and accents, which he uses impeccably to enrich the characters he reads (though all the narrative is done in his lovely native Yorkshire). Morgana le Fay, Lancelot, Elaine, and, yes, Arthur all come to life as one listens. A very enjoyable audiobook, for bedtime or listening to in the car, or just as a mini-holiday!

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully narrated and fairly complete introduction to Arthur, January 15, 2006

By 

Mabila - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Classic Literature with Classical Music) (Audio Cassette)

As others have mentioned, it's truly Sean Bean's narration that sets this recording apart. He does a fabulous job making the story come alive and, well, his voice is just utterly lovely as well.

I agree with a previous reviewer that the music left something to be desired (perhaps, in fact, simply that it had been left out). The music is more often distracting -- and occasionally inappropriate to the story -- than not. But I'm still giving the recording 5 stars because otherwise it's so wonderful and oughtn't be missed.

For listening with kids... My 2nd grader has been equally enchanted as I, and has been asking to drive out of our way just to listen to more. As with any telling of the Arthur tales, there's the opportunity for a fair amount of sexual content. What is said is basically between the lines, but very clear for older listeners. It would probably go over most children's heads, as it has my son, but some parents might feel it's inappropriate for children. There are encounters that lead to children, kisses that signal infidelity, women lying on beds and men who "love" them. Nothing is described in detail, but some parents might be uncomfortable with the conversations that could arise.

Most of the familiar stories are here: the sword in the stone, Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake, Gawain and the green knight, the lady of Shalott, Lancelot's love for Guinevere, Sir Galahad and the "perilous" seat, the quest for the Holy Grail, Morgana Le Fay (entirely wicked, as is traditional, in this version)... Overall, I feel it's an excellent introduction to the tales. And so beautiful to listen to!

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Voice to be Heard, January 15, 2004

By 

Toni (Murrieta, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Junior Classics) (Audio CD)

I honestly have to say that I purchased this audio CD through Audible.com only to hear the beautiful voice of Sean Bean. I wasn't disappointed! Then, after hearing a great story, I purchased it again through Amazon for my 9 year old nephew. Sean does a brilliant job, that would keep any person, young or old, interested in hearing the story of King Arthur. Highly recommended!