Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair By: William Morris (1834-1896)
In Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair, author William Morris delivers a captivating tale set in a vividly imagined medieval world. The story follows Christopher, a young nobleman, and Goldilind, a fair maiden, as they navigate a treacherous and tumultuous journey. Morris expertly constructs a world that is both magical and grounded in reality. The detailed descriptions of landscapes, castles, and bustling cities transport readers to a bygone era, awakening all their senses. The author's rich language and poetic style bring life to the characters, making them feel like individuals who could walk off the pages and into the reader's world. The development of Christopher and Goldilind's characters is truly remarkable. From the onset, readers witness the growth and maturity of these young protagonists as they face numerous challenges and confront their own limitations. Morris expertly showcases their inner struggles and their determination to overcome their fears and fulfill their destinies. The book is also filled with an intriguing cast of supporting characters, each with their unique personalities and motivations. Whether it be the enigmatic Wood Sun or the cunning villain Wilful-wood, Morris crafts a wide array of individuals that contribute to the depth and complexity of the narrative. One of the standout aspects of this book is Morris' ability to seamlessly blend the elements of fantasy and romance with political intrigue and social commentary. The enchanting magical elements exist side by side with the harsh realities of medieval society, creating a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Morris uses the plot to make subtle criticisms of the social and political norms of his time, shedding light on issues such as gender roles and the abuse of power. At times, the pacing of the story may feel a bit slow, particularly during the more descriptive passages. However, this deliberate approach only heightens the readers' immersion into the medieval world, allowing them to savor every detail and fully appreciate the author's craftsmanship. Overall, Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair is a must-read for fans of medieval fantasy, lovers of lyrical prose, and those seeking a captivating tale that combines adventure, romance, and social commentary. Morris's vivid imagination and meticulous attention to detail make this book a true masterpiece deserving of a place among the great works of fantasy literature. First Page: CHILD CHRISTOPHER AND GOLDILIND THE FAIR by William Morris 1895 CHAPTER I. OF THE KING OF OAKENREALM, AND HIS WIFE AND HIS CHILD. Of old there was a land which was so much a woodland, that a minstrel thereof said it that a squirrel might go from end to end, and all about, from tree to tree, and never touch the earth: therefore was that land called Oakenrealm. The lord and king thereof was a stark man, and so great a warrior that in his youth he took no delight in aught else save battle and tourneys. But when he was hard on forty years old, he came across a daughter of a certain lord, whom he had vanquished, and his eyes bewrayed him into longing, so that he gave back to the said lord the havings he had conquered of him that he might lay the maiden in his kingly bed. So he brought her home with him to Oakenrealm and wedded her. Tells the tale that he rued not his bargain, but loved her so dearly that for a year round he wore no armour, save when she bade him play in the tilt yard for her desport and pride. So wore the days till she went with child and was near her time, and then it betid that three kings who marched on Oakenrealm banded them together against him, and his lords and thanes cried out on him to lead them to battle, and it behoved him to do as they would. So he sent out the tokens and bade an hosting at his chief city, and when all was ready he said farewell to his wife and her babe unborn, and went his ways to battle once more: but fierce was his heart against the foemen, that they had dragged him away from his love and his joy... Continue reading book >>

Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair By: William Morris (1834-1896)

In Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair, author William Morris delivers a captivating tale set in a vividly imagined medieval world. The story follows Christopher, a young nobleman, and Goldilind, a fair maiden, as they navigate a treacherous and tumultuous journey.

Morris expertly constructs a world that is both magical and grounded in reality. The detailed descriptions of landscapes, castles, and bustling cities transport readers to a bygone era, awakening all their senses. The author's rich language and poetic style bring life to the characters, making them feel like individuals who could walk off the pages and into the reader's world.

The development of Christopher and Goldilind's characters is truly remarkable. From the onset, readers witness the growth and maturity of these young protagonists as they face numerous challenges and confront their own limitations. Morris expertly showcases their inner struggles and their determination to overcome their fears and fulfill their destinies.

The book is also filled with an intriguing cast of supporting characters, each with their unique personalities and motivations. Whether it be the enigmatic Wood Sun or the cunning villain Wilful-wood, Morris crafts a wide array of individuals that contribute to the depth and complexity of the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Morris' ability to seamlessly blend the elements of fantasy and romance with political intrigue and social commentary. The enchanting magical elements exist side by side with the harsh realities of medieval society, creating a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Morris uses the plot to make subtle criticisms of the social and political norms of his time, shedding light on issues such as gender roles and the abuse of power.

At times, the pacing of the story may feel a bit slow, particularly during the more descriptive passages. However, this deliberate approach only heightens the readers' immersion into the medieval world, allowing them to savor every detail and fully appreciate the author's craftsmanship.

Overall, Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair is a must-read for fans of medieval fantasy, lovers of lyrical prose, and those seeking a captivating tale that combines adventure, romance, and social commentary. Morris's vivid imagination and meticulous attention to detail make this book a true masterpiece deserving of a place among the great works of fantasy literature.

First Page:

CHILD CHRISTOPHER AND GOLDILIND THE FAIR

by William Morris

1895

CHAPTER I. OF THE KING OF OAKENREALM, AND HIS WIFE AND HIS CHILD.

Of old there was a land which was so much a woodland, that a minstrel thereof said it that a squirrel might go from end to end, and all about, from tree to tree, and never touch the earth: therefore was that land called Oakenrealm.

The lord and king thereof was a stark man, and so great a warrior that in his youth he took no delight in aught else save battle and tourneys. But when he was hard on forty years old, he came across a daughter of a certain lord, whom he had vanquished, and his eyes bewrayed him into longing, so that he gave back to the said lord the havings he had conquered of him that he might lay the maiden in his kingly bed. So he brought her home with him to Oakenrealm and wedded her.

Tells the tale that he rued not his bargain, but loved her so dearly that for a year round he wore no armour, save when she bade him play in the tilt yard for her desport and pride.

So wore the days till she went with child and was near her time, and then it betid that three kings who marched on Oakenrealm banded them together against him, and his lords and thanes cried out on him to lead them to battle, and it behoved him to do as they would.

So he sent out the tokens and bade an hosting at his chief city, and when all was ready he said farewell to his wife and her babe unborn, and went his ways to battle once more: but fierce was his heart against the foemen, that they had dragged him away from his love and his joy... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fantasy
Literature

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Wikipedia – William Morris
Wikipedia – Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair

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