The Prince Commands

~ A Novel by Andre Norton

Andre was buried with a copy of this book (her first solo work)
along with a copy of Three Hands for Scorpio (her last solo work)

prince commands 1983 48058 x

Pictured is 1983 Paperback

~~Being Sundry Adventures of Michael Karl, Sometime Crown Prince & Pretender to the Throne of Morvania~~ 

 

Synopsis ~

Write-up from the rear flap of the "Ralestone Luck" dustjacket ~

This spirited story for boys might be called “Graustark” for the younger reader. Its background is the mythical kingdom of Morvania. Brought up in America by private tutors and a stern military guardian, Karl, the hero, knows nothing of his past or parentage. He is just beginning to discover the pleasures of an average American boyhood, when he is abruptly informed that he is to cross the ocean and assume the throne of Morvania, to which he is the heir apparent. He makes the journey with great reluctance.
Arrived in Morvania, he finds the kingdom seething with intrigue. His train is held up by the spectacular bandit chief, “The Werewolf,” a situation from which young Karl extricates himself successfully. Then, in the course of events, he makes the surprising discovery that the treacherous, dishonest nobles are plotting together to despoil the country and that his cousin, the rightful heir, far from being dead, as supposed is very much alive. He therefore joins forces with his cousin, encounters numerous thrilling adventures, and plays a big part in the events which end in his relative’s coronation. Especially colorful is the romantic background of the strange bandits led by “The Werewolf,” with their awe-inspiring disguises. The whole novel is ably written, swift and surprising in action, resourceful in its imaginative qualities – a story unique in boys’ literature.

 

Write-up from the back of the TOR paperback edition ~

Raised in America, Michael Karl learns at eighteen that he is heir to the throne of Morvania, a Bulkan kingdom threatened by revolution and the by the sinister Werewolf, a mountain marauder of more than human reputation whose followers may be less than human.
The moment he arrives in Morvania, Michael Karl is plunged into seething plot and counterplot, and deadly danger. His death would greatly benefit some very powerful adversaries.
Michael embarks on a desperate, thrilling scheme. If it succeeds, the future Morvania will be changed for the good.
If it fails, Michael will die….
“Andre Norton is a superb storyteller with a narrative pace all her own.” – New York Times

 

Write-up from a fan ~

Eighteen-year-old Michael Karl Raised in isolation on a large private estate on the US wonders why he has so many restrictions. Then he gets visitors from the Balkan kingdom of Morvania. He is informed that his cousin Urlich Karl, the rightful King is missing and presumed dead, and that Michael Karl must go to Morvania to take the Throne. He just wants to be free and resists this imposition but gives in and is transported to Morvania. His train taking him to the capital is waylaid by bandits led by the legendary rebel known as The Werewolf. This bandit leader is rumored to have killed the King and Michael, in desperation, makes a daring escape and meets Frank Ericson, an American journalist who is writing a book about Morvania. Ericson hides Michael at a Duke's house. One day Michael discovers secret passages between the house and the Castle. In the passage he hears members of the royal council plotting to seize power and that the traitorous councilmen are in league with communists who want to take over. He informs Ericson and the Duke and another ally about the plot and his is enlisted into the royal forces and goes to war against the traitors. He is told that his cousin is still alive and will fight with them, but where is he? Who is the Werewolf and where does he stand in this conflict? And win or lose, what does the future hold for Michael Karl? Quite an adventure! Plot twists abound and courage is tested, and secrets are slowly revealed. Good read. ~ PG

 

Reviews ~

Kirkus Reviews ~ Issue: June 15th, 1934
A Graustark type of tale, in which a boy, brought up in ignorance of his royal blood, is spirited off to become the ruler of a virtually unknown Balkan principality. On the way, he is captured by bandits, and falls into a series of exciting and hair-raising adventures. A familiar formula -- but good reading.

 

Various reviews ~ For more info and other listings see Articles Over the Years

2020 by Judith Tarr

 

Dedications and Acknowledgements ~

Author's Note
Once, some few years ago, a boy begged a story of me. It was to be of "sword fights and impossible things." I complied as best I could with this imaginary tale of Courts and Castles, Crown Princes and Communists. The telling of it was not in days, or weeks, but in months. However, I fulfilled my promise.
Here, John, is your story of “impossible things."

 

Bibliography of English Editions ~

  • (1934) Published by Appleton–Century, HC, LCCN 34003730, $2.00, 268pg ~ illustrated by Kate Seredy - (1) at the base of page (269)
  • (1983) Published by TOR, PB, 0-523-48058-X, 978-0-523-48058-9, $2.95, 255pg ~ cover by Tom Kidd
  • (2012) Published by Premier Digital Publishing, eISBN 978-1-937957-55-1, DM, $3.99, 177pg ~ cover by Kib Prestridge
  • (2014) Published by Open Road Media, eISBN 978-1-497656-57-4, DM, $3.99, 255pg ~ cover by Kib Prestridge

 

Non-English Editions ~

  • (1937) Published in Copenhagen, Denmark; by Glydendalske Boghandel, OCLC: 60953554, 88pg ~ Danish title Varulven [Warewolf]

 

Russian Omnibus Editions ~

  • (1995) Published in Moscow, by Sigma Press and Zelenograd, by Zelenogradskaya Books, 5-859-49035-6, HC, 416pg ~ cover by Peter Andrew Jones ~ Russian title Принц приказывает [Prince Orders]

Contains:

    • "The Opal-eyed Fan" as "A fan with eyes from opal" ~ translation by D. Arseniev, pp. 3-220
    • "The Prince Commands" as "The Prince orders" ~ translation by D. Arseniev, pp. 220-414

 

Ukrainian Omnibus Editions ~

  • (2018) Published in Kyiv, Ukraine by Globe (Fanzine), no ISSBN, HC, 724pg ~ cover by Rodney Matthews ~ Ukrainian title …Все кошки серы [...All Cats Are Sulfur] ~ Limited to 10 copies

Contains:

    • "Moustrap" as "The Mousetrap" ~ translation by L. Deutsch, pp. 7-13
    • "All Cats are Gray" as "... All cats are sulfur" ~ translation by E. Drozd, pp. 14-21
    • " Gifts of Asti" as ~ translation by N. Rezanova, pp. 22-34
    • "Nine Threads of Gold" as "Nine Golden Threads" ~ translation by I. Togoyeva, pp. 35-65
    • "Long Night of Waiting" ~ translation by L. Deutsch, pp. 66-77
    • "London Bridge" ~ translation by N. Rezanova, pp. 78-90
    • "Velvet Shadows" ~ translation by N. Rezanova, pp. 91-282
    • "The Prince Commands" as "The Prince orders" ~ translation by D. Arseniev, pp. 283-416
    • "Star Man's Son" as "The Son of Star Man" ~ translation by V. Fedorov, pp. 417-574
    • "Ralestone Luck" ~ "Luck of the Railstones" ~ translation by V. Shcherbakova, pp. 575-722

View the Original contract

View the 1981 TOR contract

View the 1984 Contract amendment

For information on editions currently available visit the Book Store

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Interior Illustrations;

View the embedded image gallery online at:
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