Subject
Arthur, King -- Legends Books
Best books
Thomas Malory
Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1
"Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1" by Sir Thomas Malory is a prose compilation completed around 1470. This Middle English work weaves together tales of the legendary King Arthur, from his conception to his death. It chronicles Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table, including their quest for the Holy Grail and the legend of Tristan and Iseult. Written apparently in prison, Malory rearranged and modified French and English sources to create a complete Arthurian saga that became one of literature's most influential retellings of the legend.
Thomas Malory
Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2
"Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2" by Sir Thomas Malory is a Middle English prose compilation completed around 1470. This legendary work weaves together tales of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table. Malory compiled and reworked material from French and English sources to create a complete story of Arthur's life, incorporating the quest for the Holy Grail and the legend of Tristan and Iseult. Apparently written while imprisoned, it remains one of the most influential works of Arthurian literature.
James Knowles
The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights
"The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights" by Sir James Knowles is a collection of Arthurian tales adapted from Sir Thomas Malory's original works, likely written in the mid-19th century. This volume seeks to popularize the legends surrounding King Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table, setting the stage for a rich exploration of chivalry, valor, and adventure during a mythical time in Britain. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the ancient context of Merlin's prophecies, the rise of King Arthur, and the overarching theme of rightful leadership. The narrative begins with King Vortigern attempting to build a castle thwarted by mysterious forces, leading to the discovery of Merlin, who foretells the rise of Arthur. As Arthur grows in secrecy, unaware of his royal lineage, the story establishes his destiny to unite Britain, culminating in significant events like the extraction of the sword from the stone, which marks him as the true king. Amid prophecies, battles, and the emergence of noble knights, the opening lays a foundation for the rich tapestry of legends that follow.
Unknown
Tales of King Arthur and the Round Table, Adapted from the Book of Romance
"Tales of King Arthur and the Round Table," adapted from the Book of Romance by Andrew Lang et al., is a collection of Arthurian legends likely written in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases the enchanting tales of King Arthur, his noble knights, and the mythical elements surrounding them, including the legendary sword Excalibur and the quest for the Holy Grail. The stories explore themes of chivalry, bravery, and the intricate relationships between the characters, particularly King Arthur and his closest comrades. At the start of the collection, the narrative introduces the chaotic state of Britain after the death of King Uther Pendragon, highlighting the quest to find a rightful king. It presents the monumental moment when Arthur, at that time unaware of his lineage, pulls the sword from the stone, thus proving his right to the throne. The opening chapters also depict Arthur's counsel with Merlin, the enchanting sword Excalibur, and the beginning of the famed Round Table, setting the stage for the epic adventures and trials that will define the lives of Arthur and his knights. The rich tapestry of characters and events promises readers an engaging journey through romance and heroism.
Howard Pyle
The Story of King Arthur and his Knights
"The Story of King Arthur and His Knights" by Howard Pyle is a children's novel published in 1903. This American adaptation of Arthurian legends follows Arthur from his youth pulling a sword from an enchanted anvil through his rise to kingship. The tale weaves stories of winning the magical Excalibur, courting Lady Guinevere, and the adventures of knights including Merlin, Sir Pellias, and Sir Gawaine. Pyle combines romance, battle, and courtly intrigue in his retelling of Britain's legendary king and his Round Table.
Thomas Bulfinch
The Age of Chivalry
"The Age of Chivalry" by Thomas Bulfinch is a historical account that was likely written in the late 19th century. The work examines the legendary and historical figures of the medieval era, specifically focusing on the myths and stories surrounding King Arthur, his knights, and the concept of chivalry. It serves as a compilation of tales that illuminate the ideals of bravery, loyalty, and honor that characterized the knightly tradition, showcasing figures like Arthur and his companions alongside commentary on the evolution of these legends. The opening of "The Age of Chivalry" sets the stage by delving into the context of the medieval period, detailing the decline of Roman rule and the rise of chivalric ideals. It introduces key themes such as the nature of knighthood and the societal structure of the time, including the training of knights and the importance of chivalry as a moral code. The text begins with a description of the turbulent environment post-Rome and frames the ideals of chivalry as a response to the lawlessness of the age, ultimately leading to the legendary tales of King Arthur. The discussion of significant characters like Merlin, and the portrayal of Arthur as he rises to power, establishes a foundation for the exploration of stories that blend history and myth throughout the book.
Howard Pyle
The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur
"The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur" by Howard Pyle is a novel published in 1910. This final installment of Pyle's Arthurian series weaves together three legendary tales: the trials of Sir Geraint and his faithful wife Enid as jealousy and misunderstanding threaten their marriage, Sir Galahad's sacred quest to achieve the Holy Grail, and the tragic death of King Arthur himself. Together, these stories bring Pyle's reimagining of Camelot's greatest heroes to a powerful close.
Thomas Malory
The Boy's King Arthur Sir Thomas Malory's History of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table
"The Boy's King Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory is a collection of tales from Arthurian legend, written in the late 19th century. This edited version for young readers retains the adventures of King Arthur and key knights of the Round Table, such as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gareth, and Sir Tristram, presenting their chivalric quests and trials in a manner suitable for a younger audience. The stories explore themes of honor, bravery, and the quest for the Holy Grail. At the start of this work, we are introduced to the origins of King Arthur, detailing his secretive upbringing and eventual rise to kingship after pulling the sword from the stone. The narrative reveals how Arthur, initially unaware of his royal blood, is chosen by divine providence to unite the kingdom after the death of Uther Pendragon. As Arthur becomes king, the foundation of the Round Table is laid, symbolizing the camaraderie and noble pursuits of his knights, setting the stage for epic adventures that will unfold throughout the book.
Sidney Lanier
Knightly Legends of Wales; or, The Boy's Mabinogion Being the Earliest Welsh Tales of King Arthur in the Famous Red Book of Hergest
"Knightly Legends of Wales; or, The Boy's Mabinogion" by Sidney Lanier is a collection of ancient Welsh tales centered around the legendary figure of King Arthur, likely written in the late 19th century. This compilation aims to bring forth the earliest tales of the Mabinogion, presenting action-packed adventures and chivalric themes catering specifically to a young audience. With vibrant characters such as King Arthur and the noble knights of his court, the book invokes a sense of wonderment and honor through its classic narratives. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the context of the Mabinogion, emphasizing its roots in the 14th-century manuscript known as The Red Book of Hergest. Lanier provides an engaging introduction that underscores the significance of these tales, presenting them as fragments of Welsh culture that shape notions of heroism and chivalry. In the narrative, we meet King Arthur resting in his chamber, where his companions, including Owain and Kai, engage in storytelling—a ritual that sets the stage for the legendary adventures and moral dilemmas that will unfold throughout the book. This lively start entices readers with a taste of Arthurian legend, promising an exploration of the fascinating interplay between bravery, magic, and the age-old quest for honor.
Howard Pyle
The Story of the Champions of the Round Table
"The Story of the Champions of the Round Table" by Howard Pyle is a novel published in 1905. This collection of Arthurian legends follows the adventures of three legendary knights: Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Percival. From a young man's first glimpse of knighthood to battles with sorceresses and visions of the Holy Grail, these tales weave together honor, love, tragedy, and chivalric valor in King Arthur's court. Pyle brings medieval romance to life through stories of transformation, loyalty, and destiny.
Howard Pyle
The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions
"The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions" by Howard Pyle is a novel published in 1907. This Arthurian tale follows the legendary knight Sir Launcelot through a series of adventures alongside fellow Knights of the Round Table. From a shameful cart ride to rescue Queen Guinevere, to young Gareth's journey from kitchen boy to valiant knight, to encounters with mysterious ladies and fountains, these interconnected episodes explore themes of honor, love, and chivalry in King Arthur's court.
Beatrice E. (Beatrice Elizabeth) Clay
Stories from Le Morte D'Arthur and the Mabinogion
"Stories from Le Morte D'Arthur and the Mabinogion" by Beatrice E. Clay is a collection of retellings of classic Arthurian and Welsh legends written in the early 20th century. This anthology delves into the adventures and legendary tales surrounding the iconic figure of King Arthur, his knights, and notable characters like Merlin, Morgan le Fay, and Sir Lancelot. Through these stories, readers will explore themes of chivalry, honor, and the quest for truth, making it a fascinating read for those interested in mythology and epic tales. At the start of the compilation, the introduction establishes the legendary status of King Arthur and his forebears through a historical lens, highlighting the blend of myth and history surrounding his character. It details the arrival of Arthur into the world, the machinations of Merlin, and the political unrest among the lords after King Uther's death. As Arthur pulls the sword from the stone, a series of events unfolds that leads to his recognition as the true king, his founding of the Round Table, and initial battles against those who question his authority, setting the stage for the rich tapestry of adventures that will ensue throughout the narratives.
Recently surfaced classics