"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
As The Seeing Stone opens, exuberant young Arthur has no idea what adventure lies ahead. A 13-year-old growing up in 12th-century England, Arthur soon discovers that his life parallels that of another Arthur, son of Uther centuries past, the legendary boy king "who was and will be." The second son of Sir John de Caldicot, lord of a manor near the Welsh border, Arthur narrates his everyday life in the Marchland in 100 clipped chapters of crisp, melodic prose. But his destiny entwined with that other, ancient Arthur is revealed only in snatches, after he receives (courtesy of our old friend Merlin) a piece of obsidian, a seeing stone, through which a well-woven story within a story unfolds.
But rather than the fantasy of T.H. White's The Sword in the Stone, Kevin Crossley-Holland offers a convincing and meticulously researched account of what life might have actually been like for a curious, capable, earnest young man in this peculiar time and place, with all its customs, rituals, and regimented routine and social structure. In a well-paced story that alternates between drama, comedy, and even a little mystery, Arthur tackles some surprisingly sophisticated topics, whether he's questioning the pompous priest Oliver (is the poverty on the manor truly part of God's will?), pestering his father over his plans for him (will he become a squire, as he wishes, or a monk or priest or school man?), or just contemplating his place in the scheme of things under the blue sky atop Tumber Hill. The Seeing Stone is a fun, involving read for kids, but will hold grownup attentions, too, with its flowing language, dense period detail, and all the questions that it asks--and doesn't always answer. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 4.50
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. This is an As New and Unread copy of the first edition (1st printing) in a like dust jacket. Seller Inventory # 047384
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0439263263
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0439263263
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 1.74. Seller Inventory # bk0439263263xvz189zvxnew
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 1.74. Seller Inventory # 353-0439263263-new
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0439263263
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0439263263
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Dust Jacket Condition: New. 1st Edition. This is a pristine and unread copy from the first printing of the first edition of this beautifully produced book about which Phillip Pullman says, "great gifts of storytelling have gone into this; I was spellbound.". Seller Inventory # 2BB18
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0439263263
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0439263263