Using language with elements of the medieval tales which were his models, Morris tells the story of Ralph of Upmeads, the fourth and youngest son of a minor king, who sets out, contrary to his parents' wishes, to find knightly adventure and seek the Well at the World's End, a magic well which will confer a near-immortality and strengthened destiny on thos...
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Using language with elements of the medieval tales which were his models, Morris tells the story of Ralph of Upmeads, the fourth and youngest son of a minor king, who sets out, contrary to his parents' wishes, to find knightly adventure and seek the Well at the World's End, a magic well which will confer a near-immortality and strengthened destiny on those who drink from it.
Although the novel is relatively obscure by today's standards it has had a significant influence on many notable fantasy authors. C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien both seem to have found inspiration in The Well at the World's End: ancient tables of stone, a "King Peter", a quick, white horse named "Silverfax", and a character named "Gandalf" are only a few, to say nothing of Ralph's journey home as denouement, anticipating the Hobbits' return and battle for the Shire.
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on Apr 14, 2009 at 20:30
Well, of the 1036 people who downloaded this book, I wonder if anybody else completed it. The book is written in Olde English, which makes it perfect for the Kindle because you'll be looking up a LOT of words in order to understand what it is you are reading. :)
It does not get interesting until half way through the book so its a very slow start and a very tough read. Once it starts getting good, the book is only Okay. Not really worth the effort it took to get through it, in my humble opinion.