Where to start withThe Princess Bride
2 versions · originally a book, 1973
Themes: True Love, Good vs Evil, Revenge, Friendship, Courage.
Start with The Princess Bride (William Goldman, 1999) — the book. The Princess Bride exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1973; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Princess Bride is a meta-fictional fairy tale that masterfully subverts classic romantic tropes through sharp wit and adventurous spirit.
✦ Most fans start here
The Princess Bride (1999)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Princess Bride
William Goldman · Book · 1999
The 1999 edition of The Princess Bride offers the quintessential literary experience, providing the original satirical depth and narrative framing that defines William Goldman’s unique, cult-classic storytelling style.
1987 film
The Princess Bride
Rob Reiner · Film · 1987
The 1987 movie adaptation by Rob Reiner brings the story to life with iconic visual humor and charm, perfectly capturing the whimsical, cracked fairy tale tone for new audiences.
Common questions
Should I read The Princess Bride book before watching the 1987 movie?
You can enjoy either version independently. The 1987 movie is a direct adaptation of The Princess Bride book, so reading the source material first provides deeper context, while watching the film first offers a visual interpretation of the story written in 1973.
Is The Princess Bride 1999 book edition different from the original?
The 1999 edition of The Princess Bride is a reprint of the original 1973 novel. While the physical publication date differs, the core narrative and text remain consistent with the original work written by William Goldman.
What order should I experience The Princess Bride adaptations?
There is no required sequence for consuming The Princess Bride. You may start with the 1987 movie or the original 1973 book. Both versions stand alone, allowing you to choose your preferred medium to experience the story first.
Is The Princess Bride movie a faithful adaptation of the book?
The 1987 movie adaptation of The Princess Bride remains true to the spirit and plot of the 1973 book. While the medium changes from text to film, the movie captures the essential story beats and characters established in the original source material.