In this, the first volume of the Chronicles of Prydain, a young pig keeper named Taran and a warrior named Gwydion set out to battle the Horned King. In The Black Cauldron (Holt, 1965; Dell, 1985, pap.), Taran and Prince Gwydion plan to destroy the Black Cauldron of the Lord of the Land of Death. The Black Cauldron was a John Newbery Medal Honor Book, 1966. In The Castle of Llyr (Holt, 1966; Dell, 1985, pap.), Taran and Prince Gwydion rescue the obstreperous Princess Eilonwy, who was kidnapped by the wicked Chief Steward. In Taran Wanderer (Holt, 1967; Dell, 1985, pap.), Taran has grown into a young man, journeying throughout Prydain in search of his true identity. In the final volume of the series, The High King (Holt, 1968; Dell, 1985, pap.), Taran plays a leading role in the final struggle of the people of Prydain against the Lord of the Land of Death. The High King won the John Newbery Medal, 1969, and was a finalist for the National Book Award, 1969. Coll and His White Pig (1965), The Truthful Harp (1967), and The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain (1973) are also set in the land of Prydain. Recommended.