King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian

He was named Sham for the sun, this golden-red stallion born in the Sultan of Morocco's stone stables. Upon his heel was a small white spot, the symbol of speed. But on his chest was the symbol of misfortune. Although he was swift as the desert winds, Sham's pedigree would be scorned all his life by cruel masters and owners.

This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara. to the royal courts of France, and finally to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned Godolphin Arabian, whose blood flows through the veins of almost very superior thoroughbred. Sham's speed — like his story — has become legendary.

Children's Literature

For young readers who love horses, King of the Wind has long been a classic alongside Marguerite Henry's many other beloved horse stories such as Misty of Chincoteague. This one is the tale based on fact, of a swift and spirited Arabian horse sent by the Sultan of Morocco as a gift to Louis XV of France. Unfortunately, Sham (named for the sun), and his young groom Agba are undervalued by the French and end up in England, where they endure some grueling adventures before the Arabian's true value is understood. Readers will find it fascinating that this horse was an ancestor of many famous thoroughbreds, including Man o'War. Children today may find the style a bit ornate and the story rather too heart-rending, but it's still an absorbing tale with a triumphant finish. First published in 1948 and winner of the 1949 Newbery Medal, King of the Wind has been reissued as part of a Marguerite Henry Library in a deluxe edition that is essentially the same as the one in print for so long, but with a few useful additions. The original expressive monochrome watercolors by Wesley Dennis are included, and Henry's publisher at Rand McNally has contributed his personal recollections. These features and a King of the Wind Scrapbook with photographs and manuscript notes make it a useful addition to a library and an attractive gift for a thoughtful young horse-lover. 2001 (orig. 1948), Simon and Schuster, $21.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft