The Once and Future King by T.H. White is a modern retelling of the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The novel is divided into four parts: The Sword in the Stone, The Queen of Air and Darkness, The Ill-Made Knight, and The Candle in the Wind.

The story begins with Arthur, known as "Wart," being raised by Sir Ector in medieval England. He eventually pulls the sword from the stone, revealing his true identity as the rightful king. Merlin, a wise and quirky wizard, becomes his tutor, teaching him important lessons through transformative adventures that shape his understanding of leadership and morality.

As Arthur becomes king, he seeks to create a just and noble society, establishing the Round Table to bring about a new era of chivalry. However, the seeds of tragedy are sown through the complex relationships among the key characters. Arthur's marriage to Guinevere is strained by her love affair with Sir Lancelot, his most loyal knight. This betrayal, along with the machinations of Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred and his half-sisters Morgause and Morgan le Fay, leads to the eventual downfall of Arthur's kingdom.

The novel explores themes of power, justice, and the conflict between might and right. It also delves into the flawed nature of humanity, the challenges of leadership, and the idea that even the noblest of intentions can lead to tragedy. The story ends on a somber note, with the death of Arthur and the collapse of the Round Table, but it also suggests the possibility of his return in the future to restore peace and justice.

Illustrated by David Apricot.