Brilliant at times, but disjointed. Great narrator

(No Spoilers) As an important early work of Fantasy, I decided to read this book as part of a challenge I made to myself to read all of the “Classics” of the genre.

THE GOOD

The prose used by the author is at times quite lovely, although some phrases are repeated often enough to be irksome, such as “the fields we know” when referencing the human world. However, overall I'd say the prose is often brilliant and beautiful, and the strongest feature of the book by far.

The story, while simplistic in nature, is heavily steeped in "soft" magic. This was something I’d not realized I’d been missing prior to reading this book. Most works in the Fantasy genre these days have scant magic, or magic so well defined they are treated more as science, with well defined abilities and limitations aka "hard magic". This book uses magic liberally and without explanation, lending it a tone somewhere between Epic Fantasy and a Fairytale.

This book shares common DNA with Lord of the Rings, despite being published some 30 years before Fellowship of the Ring. Here you’ll find elven maidens of unearthly beauty who worship the stars (or the reflections of stars in pools of water) and whose immortality and connection to the earth render them alien to normal humans.

That being said, this is no Lord of the Rings...

THE BAD

The overall plot is meandering, and at many points... just plain boring. There are long  and pointless descriptions of pigeons, unicorns, and hunting dogs. And how hunting dogs hunt unicorns. And trolls. And how trolls hunt unicorns. Then dogs and trolls team up to hunt unicorns.

So.
Much.
Hunting.

Also, something about Will-o-the-Wisps that went on way too long.

When the book is focused on the story of the actual King of Elflands daughter it was interesting, but from there the plot is a mess, jumping from character to character, with no clear focus or direction.

THE VERDICT

This was a trailblazing early work in a genre that didn’t exist at the time of its publication, and as such deserving of immense respect. Many of the tropes used here go on to become cornerstones of the genre.

That being said, this has not aged well, and lacks the narrative structure to to be a truly satisfying Fantasy novel. I am glad I read it, but would only recommend it to others that want to read it for its historical value - not for an entertaining Fantasy story.

NOTE: I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Stefan Rudnicki, whose deep bass tones lent a fine level of dignity to the book, which I enjoyed quite a bit. 

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Appreciate

I can appreciate it but I don’t really care for it for myself. The reader’s performance was fine.

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it was Ok

I listened to it but it was very difficult to pay attention to the story. it was also a bit confusing but they story was good.

Fairytale fantasy

The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany (full name: Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany) written in 1924 is regarded as "formative" within the sub-genre of fairytale fantasy. When lord of Erl is told his subject wish to be ruled by a magical lord, he sends his son to find and wed the Elfland king's daughter. He does and they have a son, but soon she grows weary and returns to Elfland. Alveric spends nearly the rest of the book searching for her, while her father is using his magic to pull back the border of Elfland and keep it out of his reach. Meanwhile, his son grows up enjoying hunting (having been trained by a troll). He eventually bags a unicorn, and the people finally have their magical lord. Alveric does get reunited with his bride.

Beckford offers a simple tale told beautifully in elegant prose. All the classical fairy tale elements are present including magic swords and trees, unicorns, trolls, along with assorted practitioners of magic. Beckford is regarded as an influence on subsequent fantasy authors.

The narration is excellent with good character distinction and smooth pacing.

nope

it was a real struggle to finish.
it was free. thank goodness i didn't pay for i

Beloved Old Book

I'll keep this story like a fire extinguisher for outbreaks of mundanity or meanness. The narration is excellent in mood and tone, but I have to deduct a star for that fake British accent. Still, overall it's very well done. Thank you.

purpose behind the sory?

Struggled to finish the story. Not sure which direction the author is pursuing. Magic, lack of love, getting old?

Beautiful prose and rich fantasy

This book is full of gorgeous, flowing language, rich imagery, and magical yearning. It is simply one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

Classic story, beautiful narration.

classic. ive loved this author and his work for years. right up there with Phantastes by George MacDonald.