The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. Based on medieval Arthurian legends, CliffsNotes on The Once and Future King is a twentieth-century version of young Arthur"s quest for the sword Excalibur and his claim to the throne of England. Including many well-known and much-loved episodes with Merlyn, the sorcerer; Morgan La Fay, the witch; and knights jousting and hounds engaged in the hunt, White"s novel adds to the lore surrounding the person of King Arthur. This study guide covers all four volumes of The Once and Future King with special emphasis given to the most popular volume, The Sword in the Stone. Other features that help you study include * Character analyses of major players * Personal background of the author, T.H. White * A critical essay on Arthurian films * A review section that tests your knowledge * A Resource Center full of books, articles, and Web sites Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure 8212; you"ll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.