Book of the Three Dragons

by Kenneth Vennor Morris

Follows the adventures of Manawyddan as he attempts to recover two stolen talismans from the Underworld.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dragons

206 pages, Hardcover

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!