Book of the Three Dragons

by Kenneth Vennor Morris

Originally published in 1930, Kenneth Morris's superb Book of the Three Dragons is an imaginative reworking of elements from the Mabinogion and other Welsh Celtic stories, telling the story of Manawyddan, who is given the choice between immortality with the gods or preventing a new evil from destroying the Island of the Mighty. Manawyddan chooses the latter, and the novel tells of his adventures. Swiftly moving and dramatic, this is a book that lovers of modern fantasy and old hero tales alike cannot afford to miss. Perhaps most importantly for modern readers, for the first time Morris's unpublished ending - amounting to one-third of the book's length - is included in this new edition, telling what became of the hero, his wife, and their son.

NOTE ON NEW SERIES: This is the first in our new line of fantasy fiction, which will feature both masterpieces no longer in print in the US as well as new works. The series will be edited by noted Tolkien scholar Douglas A. Anderson, whose previous books include The Annotated Hobbit (HM) and Tales Before Tolkien (Ballantine). Mr. Anderson will also write introductions to each book, providing context and background to enrich the reader's experience. The cover look and interior design will appeal to all demographics (especially younger fans under 30 who play computer fantasy games and love writers like Tolkien, Pratchett, and Pullman) with top artists creating a dazzling fantasy look.

Quotes:"It is a singularly fine example of the recreation of a work magnificent in its own right (the 'Mabinogion') -- a literary event rather rare except in fantasy" - Ursula Le Guin

"Kenneth Morris was an important, innovative fantasist, worthy to rank with MacDonald, Eddison, and Tolkien." - Ursula Le Guin

"Morris writes with all Lord Dunsany's richness, though his cadences are Celtic rather than biblical. This one should be read aloud." - review in the Feb. 2004 issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction magazine

"Book of the Three Dragons is perhaps the single best fantasy adaptation from a real-world

up0mythology (in this case, the Welsh Mabinogion), and the best of his tales¿" - John Rateliff, review in the Sept. 2003 issue of Wizards of the Coast website (www.wizards.com), the #1 adventure gaming company in the world.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dragons

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Kenneth Vennor Morris - sometimes using the Welsh form of his name Cenydd Morus - was a Welsh author and theosophist. Born in South Wales, he moved to London with his family as a child, and was educated at Christ's Hospital. In 1896 he lived in Dublin for a while, where he became friends with George William Russell. From 1908 to 1930 Morris lived in California as a member of staff of the Theosophical Society headquarters at Point Loma. The last seven years of his life were spent back in his native Wales, during which time he founded seven Welsh theosophical lodges. Morris was a friend of Talbot Mundy, and the two writers often commentated on each other's work in The Theosophical Path magazine.

Reviews

[Lyle Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Kenneth Morris's masterpiece. THe musicality of his writing exemplifies Ursula K. LeGuin's assessment, linking him in her 1973 essay "From Elfland to Poughkeepsie," with J.R.R. Tolkien and E.R. Eddison, calling them "three master stylists" of fantasy literature, adding that Book of the Three Dragons, "is a singularly fine example of the recreation of a work magnificent in its own right (the Mabinogion) - a literary event rather rare except in fantasy, where its frequency is perhaps proof, if one were needed, of the ever-renewed vitality of myth"

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling of the Mabinogion. Interesting to read it with all the baggage I bring from familiarity with other versions (mostly notably Charlotte Guest's, Lloyd Alexander's, and Evelyn Walton's). Though I suspect the frequent repetition was intended to evoke the source material, I sometimes found it to be a bit of chore.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sweetie read this aloud to me, fortunately he's well practiced at reciting Welsh out loud. I feel very accomplished now, since this book is considered a "must read" by quite a few fantasy authors. In fact one can easily correlate these adventures into themes expounded on by more contemporary writers. It's a challenge even to listen to because of the names, but well worth it!