The White Dragon
Anne McCaffrey's The White Dragon (1978) is an epic fantasy and dragon fantasy novel. The story is set in Pern. It deals with life on other planets, space colonies, dragons and Non-Classifiable.
Open Library readers give it an average of 4.3 out of 5 from 21 ratings, and 105 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 40 editions across 5 languages.
At about 468 pages, most readers finish it in 8–9 hours.
About The White Dragon
On the planet Pern, which was colonised hundreds of years ago by Earth folk looking for a more agrarian lifestyle, "dragons" help humans to fight a deadly Thread that falls from a neighbouring planet as it cycles past once every couple of hundred years. When dragons hatch, each gold (the Queen), bronze, blue or green dragon makes a telepathic connection with a child, and they beome inseparable. Naturally, lads destined to inherit and rule the semi-autonomous Holds cannot be part of this Thread-fighting life, but when young Lord Jaxom sees the struggle the last small egg is having, he can't help himself and runs to its assistance. The poor little runt is white and nobody expects it to live long, so Jaxom is allowed to keep Ruth.
Awards & lists
- ✦Hugo Awards 1979 — Best Novel (nominee)
- ✦Locus Awards 1979 — Best Novel (nominee)
Quick answers
Who wrote The White Dragon?
The White Dragon was written by Anne McCaffrey and first published in 1978.
What genre is The White Dragon?
It is usually shelved as Epic Fantasy and Dragon Fiction.
How long is The White Dragon?
The median edition has 468 pages, about 8–9 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
What books are similar to The White Dragon?
Readers who like it often enjoy A Clash of Kings, Grendel and The Eyes of the Dragon.
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