“‘Our readers of that time,’ continued the necromancer in a grim voice, ‘have exactly three ideas in their magnificent noodles. The first is that the human species is superior to others. The second, that the twentieth century is superior to other centuries. And the third, the human adults of the twentieth century are superior to their young. The whole illusion may be labelled Progress, and anybody who questions it is called puerile, reactionary, or an escapist. The March of the Mind, God help them.’”
—The Book of Merlyn by T.H. White
Considered the “true last chapter of The Once and Future King,” The Book of Merlyn was written in 1941, but was published posthumously in 1977 after the writing was found among the original manuscript for The Once and Future King. The book explores human nature and war, and highlights White’s opposition both to the war and the direction of humanity in the 20th century.
I haven’t read the rest of the series. This book was recommended to me by my mentor during undergrad. I’m on my third read through, and it still remains one of my favorites. It’s funny, thoughtful, and interesting throughout the entire story. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in political theory, philosophy, or goofy wizards.