<div>Since <i>The Book of Three</i> was 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. 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 become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain.<br><br>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. <i>The Black Cauldron</i> was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, <i>The High King</i>, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."<br><br>Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series to a new generation of young readers. Jackets have been handsomely redesigned while retaining the original art of Caldecott Medal-winning artist Evaline Ness. Each retypeset volume now includes a pronunciation guide prepared by Lloyd Alexander. A companion book of short stories, The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, is also available in hardcover for the first time in twenty years.<br><br>In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.<br></div>