When the war ended, he was assigned to a counterintelligence unit in Paris. Alexander was sent to Alsace-Lorraine, the Rhineland, and southern Germany. But not until years later did he realize he had been given a glimpse of another enchanted kingdom. This ancient, rough-hewn country, with its castles, mountains, and its own beautiful language made a tremendous impression on him. Instead, Alexander and his group sailed to Wales to finish their training. 'This, to my intense relief, did not happen,' says Alexander. There he trained as a member of a combat team to be parachuted into France to work with the Resistance. At last, he was assigned to a military intelligence center in Maryland.

Convinced that here was a chance for real deeds of derring-do, he joined the army - and was promptly shipped to Texas where he became, in disheartening succession an artilleryman, a cymbal player in the band, an organist in the post chapel, and a first-aid man. The United States had already entered World War II. Dissatisfied with not having learned enough to be a writer he left at the end of one term. Finally, having saved some money, he quit and went to a local college.

And so when a Philadelphia bank had an opening for a messenger boy, he went to work there. His parents could not afford to send him to college. At one point, however, it seemed unlikely that he would ever be a writer at all. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.Few writers have inspired as much affection and interest among readers young and old as Lloyd Alexander. The companion book of short stories, The Foundlingis also available in paperback at this time. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today's generation of young fantasy lovers. Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The Black Cauldronwas a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for 'the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.' Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander's beautifully written tales not only captured children's imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard the ever-faithful Gurgi and the curmudgeonly Doli - all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Since The Book of Threewas first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!

The chronicles of prydain audiobook