[The Chronicles of Prydain]

New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1995. The Chronicles of Prydain
'Too dark for some… too comedic for others'
A complete set of later editions, each one signed by the Author on the title page

ALEXANDER, Lloyd. [The Chronicles of Prydain] : The Book of Three; The Black Cauldron; The Castle of Llyr; Taran Wanderer; The High King. New York: Henry Holt and Company, [ca. 1995].

A near fine set of later editions, each volume signed by the author on the title-pages. Five works, octavo (9 x 6 inches; 229 x 152 mm.). Publisher's green, red, gray, brown and blue boards, front covers of the first two titles lettered in blind, spines (truncated) lettered in black. Pictorial dust jackets by Evaline Ness. The Black Cauldron with the 1966 Newbery Honor label label on front panel of dust jacket, and The High King with the 1969 Newbery Medal label on front panel of dust jacket. The High King with some minor insect damage to lower edge of front board, still a very good set.

This captivating children's pentalogy, inspired by Welsh mythology, takes place in the fictional land of Prydain, a name derived from the medieval Welsh term for Britain. Among the series' accolades, The Black Cauldron received a Newbery Honor in 1966, while The High King won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1969.

At the core of Lloyd Alexander’s literary legacy are three major series, with The Chronicles of Prydain standing as his most influential. Many contemporary fantasy writers cite it as a key inspiration. The series begins with The Book of Three, which follows the narrative traditions of Welsh legends like The Mabinogion but evolves into a modern fantasy exploring 20th-century themes. Fast-paced and engaging, the story follows heroic characters, particularly Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who ultimately rises to rule a new kingdom.

Recognizing the series' potential, Disney adapted it into The Black Cauldron, released in 1985. However, after test screenings deemed some scenes too intense for children, the film underwent edits before its release. Despite these efforts, it struggled at the box office. Some attributed its failure to tonal imbalances—too dark for younger audiences yet too comedic for others. In particular, the climactic sequence was considered especially intense and unsettling for children.

Lloyd Chudley Alexander (1924–2007) was an American author of more than 40 books, primarily fantasy novels for children and young adults. Over his seven-decade career, he wrote 48 books, with his works translated into 20 languages. His most renowned work, The Chronicles of Prydain, concluded with The High King, which won the 1969 Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature. He also received U.S. National Book Awards in 1971 and 1982.

Alexander was particularly fascinated with Welsh mythology, especially The Mabinogion. The plot of The Book of Three was inspired by a fragment from the Myvyrian Archaiology. Initially, Alexander signed a book deal with Henry Holt and Company for a trilogy called The Sons of Llyr. He resisted simplifying the Welsh names, believing they added an essential sense of mood and mystery. After releasing The Book of Three (1964), the series became known as The Chronicles of Prydain. The second book, The Black Cauldron, followed in 1965.

While working on the third book, The Castle of Llyr (1966), Alexander realized the story needed more space to unfold, prompting him to expand the series from three to four books, culminating in The High King. However, after experiencing a near-death encounter, he rushed to finish the conclusion, fearing he wouldn’t complete his saga. His editor, Ann Durell, intervened, suggesting an additional novel between The Castle of Llyr and The High King—this became Taran Wanderer (1967), ultimately making The Chronicles of Prydain a five-book series.

The series chronicles the adventures of Taran, a young man who aspires to be a heroic warrior but begins his journey with the humble title of Assistant Pig-Keeper. Through trials and growth, he embarks on an epic quest, discovering that true heroism lies in wisdom, humility, and perseverance. (Inventory #: 06166)