The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

By William Goldman

William Goldman's modern fantasy classic is a simple, exceptional story about quests—for riches, revenge, power, and, of course, true love—that's thrilling and timeless.

Anyone who lived through the 1980s may find it impossible—inconceivable, even—to equate The Princess Bride with anything other than the sweet, celluloid romance of Westley and Buttercup, but the film is only a fraction of the ingenious storytelling you'll find in these pages. Rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin that's home to “Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Release date: Oct 8, 2007
• ISBN: 9780156035422

William Goldman

William Goldman has been writing books and movies for over forty-five years. He has won two Academy Awards (for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men) and three Lifetime Achievement awards in screenwriting. His novels The Princess Bride and Marathon Man, are also published by Bloomsbury. He lives in New York City.

Reviews for The Princess Bride

[oddbird26-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite books ever, and I don't use "favorite" lightly. The first time I read this, it was on a 13 hr car trip, and I don't think I put the book down once. For someone who usually tries to sleep away long car trips, that's saying something.If you love the movie, you'll love the book even more. It has everything there, but more. More adventure, more fleshing-out of the characters you love, more humor. The only thing I've heard people complain about are Goldman's comments. If you're more interested in the adventures, then by all means, skip over anything in italics. Personally, I think that most were pretty funny, and I was 10 the first time I read it. If anything, I thought the introduction was a little long, but I thought his comments within the story were pretty funny. Supposedly, 4 pages cut about packing hats, 2 pages about unpacking them, and so on - I thought it was funny that Morgenstern had written about that! Even rereading it now for the umpteenth time, I still find them funny. If you're enjoying the humor in the story, by all means, don't miss the italics. Overall: This is one of the best fun, fantasy books I've ever read. Light, fun read, but with a very satirical, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor throughout. Definitely one you have to read at least once.

[starknits_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Inconceivable! In surprised how close the movie that i love is to the book!

[gilroy_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Having adored the movie for many years, I thought I'd go back and read the book it was based on. There's claim it's an abridgement, but not so much...Overall, I rate this a very good story, very enjoyable. I was surprised that the audio was only 3 and a half hours long. I expected longer. Perhaps I didn't expect a 3 hour book to be distilled down to a 90 minute movie. Could have fit much of it in... I loved finding out more about the backgrounds of Fezik and Inigo. It adds so much more to the characters.One difference from the movie but still making it fun: The zoo of death is instead of the pit of despair.

[jbd1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've probably seen the movie a hundred times, but somehow I'd never actually picked up the book before. Not surprisingly, I found it a thoroughly amusing read.

[fmrox · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love, love, love the movie so I had to get the book. Ah......!

[codonnelly · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Before The Princess Bride was a beloved movie, there was the novel by William Goldman. If you’re an aficionado of the film, you’ll probably be surprised by the differences in the book. Wesley’s and Buttercup’s storyline is only a small portion of the plot. In fact, I would say the protagonist of the book is its narrator, the fictionalized version of its author, William Goldman.

A short disclaimer before my review: This entire book is fictional. Of course, you say, it’s a novel about a princess bride! But trust me; there will be moments while you’re reading when you completely forget this fact. Much of the narration is incredibly worldly and mundane. At times, you can quite easily fall into the trap of believing that S. Morgenstern was a real author, that the country which Goldman visits to do his research actually exists, and that there really was an original text that he was studying. I will say that Goldman’s method of narration, a sort of chronicle of accounts, makes the novel incredibly unique. Unfortunately, it also diminishes what I felt should have been the crowning glory of the novel, and that’s the Princess Bride tale.

Mr. Goldman spends much of the book elucidating on his love for S. Morgenstern’s True Love and High Adventures, more commonly known as The Princess Bride. He prattles on for chapters about how he came to be the author of the English abridgement of the tale, which he titled The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure, the ‘Good Parts’ Version. Many more chapters pass by until we finally arrive at the story itself. But, of course, Goldman cannot abridge a tale without adding even more of his personal commentary throughout. I would have found the narrator’s annotations amusing if they did not interrupt the narrative so often. When I’m immersed in a story, particularly a fantasy, I do not appreciate being pulled out of it so abruptly.

The novel is also certainly not a relaxing read. Goldman’s narration is pompous and annoying at times. His opinions about various subjects, particularly his ex-wife and son, grated on me a lot. He also blathers on in circles, name-drops famous authors, directors, and celebrities, and relates banal stories that aren’t even relevant to the plot. To put it simply, Goldman the narrator is not a pleasant person.

The tale itself is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve seen the movie. There are a few select scenes in the book that weren’t included in the screenplay, but almost everything else, particularly the dialogue, is verbatim, which I enjoyed. I also appreciated reading more about how Buttercup and Wesley fell in love, as well as some added background information about the other characters, including Inigo and Fezzik.

If the novel only consisted of the Princess Bride tale, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more. Unfortunately, since this is not the case, I really struggled to get through it. I often wondered if I would have liked the novel more if I had not seen the movie prior to reading it. Anyhow, I really did not see the hype, and I finished the novel on a rather disappointed note.

[breic-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Glacial. Deliberately annoying narrator. Occasionally funny. The movie is so much better. > There have been five great kisses since 1642 BC, when Saul and Delilah Korn's inadvertent discovery swept across Western civilization. (Before then couples hooked thumbs.) And the precise rating of kisses is a terribly difficult thing, often leading to great controversy, because although everyone agrees with the formula of affection times purity times intensity times duration, no one has ever been completely satisfied with how much weight each element should receive. But on any system, there are five that everyone agrees deserve full marks. Well, this one left them all behind.> This has gone longer than I planned, so I'm going to repeat the Morgenstern paragraph I interrupted; it'll read better. Over and out.

[montzaleew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Princess Bride by William Goldman and read by ROB REINER, what could be better than that! I loved the movie which was so corny and funny that I think is certainly a classic by now. I have watched it a hundred times and all my kids have grown up with it and one of my grown sons has a shirt with a 'My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die" name tag on the tee. It is too funny. What is funny is that everyone knows what it means when he wears it! The book is just as great if not better, and with Rob Reiner reading it is keeps the great hilarity going. The giant rats, the craziness, the love story, the sword play, the silliness just goes on. It was refreshing to hear. I normally don't listen to books because I read so fast, I can have six books or more finished in the time it takes to finish an audio but I wanted to hear it. So, I rented it from the library and played it around the house. I don't regret it at all. I giggled and giggled. I read the book YEARS ago but it had been soooo long ago so I just wanted to 'read' it again. Thanks Mr Goldman for the funny book and Mr Reiner for keeping it that way!

[belles007-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fun read, just make sure you read the "good parts" version.

[cossette28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Andrea BarelleAugust 2, 2008Book ReviewEDCI 4120/5120Summer, 2008Goldman, W. (1973). The princess bride. Florida: Harcourt, Inc.GRADE LEVELS: 6-12CATEGORY: FANTASY, FICTION, ROMANCEREAD-ALOUDS: pages 3-5; 25-26; 94-99; 179-180; 225-227; 300-304; 333-337; 391-392; 421-422; 490-493.SUMMARY: This book follows the story of a young woman named Buttercup. She falls in love with Wesley, the young man who works on her farm. Wesley leaves the farm to go off and find his fortune. Buttercup receives word that he is dead. During the time that he was gone, Prince Humperdink was trying to persuade Buttercup to marry him. She refused until she thought that Wesley was dead. She was made a princess of her own land and taught how to act. Buttercup then goes to live at the palace before the wedding. She is then kidnapped by thieves hired by Humperdink. He wanted to have a reason to start a war. Buttercup is rescued by Wesley, disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts. He finally reveals himself and they run off into the fire swamp. Humperdink catches up to them and Buttercup returns with him to save Wesley’s life. Humperdink tries to kill Wesley but the two thieves he defeated earlier in the book save him. In the end, Humperdink is left alone with his cowardice and Wesley and Buttercup live happily ever after. THEMES: The theme of chivalry is huge in this book. It deals with love conquering all, but also the elements of honor, truth, revenge, wisdom, and common sense. Wesley’s kindness for not killing two of the three kidnappers is repaid later when they save him. Wesley and Buttercup’s love is not breakable. Humperdink is left alone in the end to deal with the repercussions of his actions. There is so much trust, honor, and faith going on in the book that the idea of chivalry is presented very well.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1.Do you think that modern day chivalry and heroics exist? Why or Why not?2.Why doesn’t Wesley reveal himself right away to Buttercup?3.Is there only one hero in this book? Who? Why? Or why not? READER RESPONSE: I absolutely loved this book! I have loved the movie since I was little and finally decided to read the book. The book did have way more detail and there were something explained that the movie didn’t go in to so it was well worth my time. I feel like if I was doing a unit on chivalry or something similar that this book would work very well. I think the students would like the book a great deal. It would also be a good book to use in discussing modern day heroics. On the down side, the book is quite long and it could be hard for students to get through in the places where the author spent pages describing things. However, it would be worth it.

[maowangvater · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Buttercup, the most beautiful maiden in Florin, is engaged to Prince Humperdinck. Alas, poor Buttercup still pines for her true love, Westley, who’s been captured at sea by the Dread Pirate Rodgers. When she confesses this to Humperdinck, he nobly offers to search for Westley, and if he’s found, she may marry Westley instead of him. In truth, although the heir to the kingdom is a true born aristocrat, he’s a cad. He loves war and hunting and has no interest in either Buttercup or marriage. He loves hunting and killing so much that he’s built a Zoo of Death, filled with fierce and frightening beasts that he regularly engages with in deadly fights. And it’s always the non-human beast that dies. So, he’s delighted when, just before their wedding, Buttercup is kidnapped by foreigners, and taken her across the sea to Guilder. He thinks it’s a wonderful excuse to start a war with Guilder! Presented as an abridgement of “my favorite book in all the world” by the author who claims that as a boy, sick in bed with pneumonia, his father read it to him, this is a delightful metafictional romp through the clichés of romantic adventure stories and the author’s own memoirs. The characters are delightful and involved in impossibly tragical situations of danger and despair that are rapidly transformed into scenes of extreme silliness.

[bettesbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Iconic romance, adventure of the 1980’s, I think I liked the book more than the film. A favorite with my family.127

[ilikeike-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my second pick for our book club (metafiction). I'd never read the book even though I loved the movie, obviously. I was worried that it might be different from the movie and I would feel major bias and not love it like it deserved, but the movie was an excellent adaptation and tracked well with the book--many things were verbatim. The only reason this gets a 4-star instead of a 5-star is the fat-shaming and the misogyny. There is a part of the book that doesn't make it into the movie about the author's overweight son, and man does the author constantly criticize the kid for his weight. It was hard to read. He also complains about his wife a lot and she seems to be more caricature than fleshed-out human, and of course there's the characterization of Buttercup that is totally great in some places and then falls short in others. There's even a seen where both Westley and Inigo tell Buttercup to just do as she's told, like she's a child. It was infuriating, honestly.Despite these shortcomings I still love this book (and movie): the adventures, the humor (which is even more abundant in the book with the whole metafiction part that's left out), and the romance.

[narilka · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Growing up The Princess Bride was one of my favorite movies. It still is easily in my top 10 favorites, maybe top 5. Even to this day I'll sometimes say movie quotes in conversation (usually "have fun storming the castle" to someone about to tackle a difficult task.) I remember trying to read the book as a kid and failing miserably to get past the introduction. I was too young to appreciate or understand the satire and ended up returning the book to the library choosing instead to stick with the movie. I really don't know why it took me so long to read this book as an adult. For anyone who has no idea what this book is about, here it is described in it's own words:"Has it got any sports in it?""Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles.""Sounds okay," I said...The framing of the book, a story within a story, is absolutely brilliant and the writing hilarious. The satirical tone reminds me of Pratchett at times. It plays on a lot of common tropes that were less common back when the book was written in 1973. At some point in the middle of the story the tone shifts, many of Morgenstern's asides that I was loving go away and the humor darkens. It's still enjoyable, just be ready.I read the deluxe hardback version of the 30th Anniversary edition. The book is absolutely gorgeous. It's printed on parchment looking paper and illustrated. It also has an extra addition to the story at the end titled Buttercup's Baby. I'm not sure when this was added to the book but it's fun for fans to see what happens after everyone rides off into the sunset.In the end I prefer the movie over the book. You can't beat nostalgia.

[soubhikiewiet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I honestly prefer the movie on this one. But how could I not give 4 stars to this classic?

I could have done without all the author's interruptions. I get that he is the revisor more than the author, but I don't need to know how many pages he cut due to his boredom with the history and satire of the original author. I just wanted to read the story I love so well in the movie.

That said, the story is all there, and it is wonderful.

[bravenewbks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Started this in the bath. Next thing you know, the water's cold, my toes are pruned, and I'm 200 pages in -- and hate having to put it down so I can wash up. Too fun.

I ran out of steam a little bit toward the end, but on the whole, very enjoyable.

[eesti23 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good to finally see what all the fuss was about. Received as the first book from the Blind Date with a Book Club. Overall quite an enjoyable story, although I didn't find the format as enjoyable. Looking forward to watching the film.

[zoewashburne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the few times that I can say the book and the movie are pure gold.

[razinha-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Filed under Books I Should Have Read Already. Underlined. Wonderful. This might well be the first book I've read that the movie is as good as, and vice versa. It helps that Goldman wrote the screenplay and that Reiner was so brilliant in reflecting the vision Goldman so delightfully crafted.I admit reading in the voices of the actors - who wouldn't?! Okay, I know one person who has never seen the movie (note to self: get him a copy!) Iconic.I can't gush enough over this. Why did it take me so long to read???

[antiquary_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is very unusual for me to find a film or recording of a story that is better than the original book, but this is one of the rare cases. The book is supposed to be the "good parts" version of a classic Florinese novel, as read by a Florinese immigrant to his son in America, and then found by the son for his own son --the middle son being identified with Goldman himself. The truth is that the good parts really are excellent, especially Westley's duel with Inigo and Inigo's final revenge on Count Rugen, but Goldman for some reason included some really heavy-handed humor about an old unhappily married couple unrelated to the main storyline and a few other tiresome patches. When he did the film script, being a genuinely good scriptwriter, he cut all the stupid patches, and what was left really is a "classic tale of true love and high adventure" and some very witty dialog.

[mindea_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I grew up watching this movie and absolutely love it. I thought it was about time to read it. I am not sure if I am biased towards the movie but I did find myself wishing I was watching the movie instead of reading the book! Loved learning a little more about the characters and the story line. I still liked the book, but LOVE the movie

[anguirus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great saterical story.

[librarylou · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant!

[kiernanmaire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love the movie, but adore the book.

The only book within a book I’ve read that has actually worked. A great adventure, but also hilarious commentary on society, publishing AND the film business. I will always have a massive crush on Mr. Goldman, and have to stop myself from emulating him in my own work. (I’m quite fond of the parenthetical aside, you see.)

[jamie_martin-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While The Princess Bride is of course a wonderful book in many ways, heartwarming and endearing, I've never really loved the story as much as the rest of the world. I'm glad to say I've read it, and I'm also quite glad it's over.

[e1da_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

pure delight

[yonitdm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great read!

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Chuckles, goofy grins and pure enjoyment.

[libbromus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Upon closing the final page of this book, I said to myself, "Jerk." That's for Mr. Goldman. The last few chapters are part of an unfinished sequel called "Buttercup's Baby." It's kind of doom and gloom. You know how in The Princess Bride when the minutes are ticking away to Buttercup's wedding and she's not worried one bit because she's confident her Westley will save her? And even during the ceremony itself (much abbreviated by the abominable Humperdinck) she is complacent to the last because she knows her Westley will save her? Well, I kept waiting for Goldman to save me; to whisk me off into a fantasy world where everyone is blissfully happy and lives ever after that way. A world where their friendships (all four of them, I mean - Bcup, W, Fezz, and Inigo) and loyalties and love grow into something so unshakeable and monolithic that my heart is on fire. Well, he's a tease and a spoil sport and frustratingly noncommittal. Maybe that's why he's divorced (or is that fiction also?)Anyway, in spite of the author, I still love this story very much and have already begun rewriting the ends (there are many) in my head. So there.

[eefa-6 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I loved the film. Couldn't finish the book because of the author - the inserts were intolerable. I don't really care if it is a fictional personae; it made the book unpleasant.