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Knights and knighthood -- Fiction Books
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Mark Twain
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1889. When Hank Morgan, a Connecticut engineer, receives a blow to the head, he awakens in medieval England during King Arthur's reign. Using his modern knowledge, he poses as a powerful magician and becomes the king's chief adviser. Hank attempts to modernize the past and implement democratic reforms, but faces opposition from Merlin, the nobility, and the Church in this satirical tale about progress, power, and conflicting eras.
Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué
Undine
"Undine" by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque is a romantic fairy tale novel written in the early 19th century. The story follows Undine, a water sprite, and her encounters with humans, particularly focusing on her relationship with Sir Huldbrand of Ringstetten. The narrative delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for a soul, addressing the nature of humanity through the lens of supernatural elements. The beginning of "Undine" introduces the idyllic setting of a picturesque cottage by a lake, where a fisherman lives with his aged wife. Their life is disrupted by the arrival of a knight, Sir Huldbrand, who is seeking shelter. During their evening together, they discuss the strange and whimsical personality of their adopted daughter, Undine, who is portrayed as a beautiful yet mischievous water spirit. The narrative hints at the mysteries surrounding Undine's origin, her connection to the water, and the potential for deeper magical and romantic entanglements as the knight becomes captivated by her charm. As the evening unfolds, Undine's enchanting presence foreshadows the challenges and adventures that lie ahead for both her and Sir Huldbrand.
Walter Scott
Ivanhoe: A Romance
"Ivanhoe: A Romance" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in December 1819. Set in 1194 England, it tells the story of Saxon knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe, disinherited for his loyalty to Norman King Richard the Lionheart and forbidden love for Lady Rowena. The novel weaves together tournaments, outlaws, and deep divisions between Jews and Christians, Normans and Saxons. Scott's vivid portrayal of medieval England sparked widespread fascination with chivalry and the Middle Ages, influencing how generations would imagine figures like Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The White Company
"The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel published in 1891. Set during the Hundred Years' War in 1366-1367, it follows young Alleyne as he leaves his sheltered abbey life to discover the world. Joining a band of English archers called the White Company, he becomes squire to the valiant Sir Nigel Loring and falls in love with his daughter Maude. Their journey takes them through England, France, and Spain in a campaign to restore a king, leading to battles, captures, and tests of courage.
Walter Scott
The Talisman
"The Talisman" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1825. Set during the Third Crusade, it follows Sir Kenneth, a Scottish knight who encounters a mysterious Saracen emir on the road to a hermit's cave. As Richard the Lionheart lies ill and tensions flare among Christian leaders, Kenneth becomes entangled in court intrigue, assassination plots, and stolen banners. With his identity concealed and honor at stake, he must navigate the complex relationship between Richard and the legendary Sultan Saladin while pursuing his forbidden love for Lady Edith.
Joanot Martorell
The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc
"The White Knight: Tirant Lo Blanc" by Joanot Martorell and Martí Joan de Galba is a chivalric romance published in 1490. This tale follows Tirant, a knight from Brittany, as he embarks on adventures across Europe before the Byzantine Emperor summons him to defend Constantinople against Ottoman invaders. Praised by Cervantes as a "treasure of enjoyment," the novel stands apart from typical romances with its earthy realism, sensuous characters, and satirical edge—perhaps even rewriting history to reverse Byzantium's tragic fall.
Howard Pyle
Men of Iron
"Men of Iron" by Howard Pyle is a novel published in 1891. Set in 15th-century England, it follows young squire Myles Falworth on his journey to knighthood and his quest to restore his father's honor. Through rigorous training under the Earl of Mackworth, jousting tournaments, and service in France, Myles must prove himself worthy of becoming a knight. His ultimate challenge awaits: confronting a powerful family enemy who destroyed his father's reputation through false accusations of treason.
T. (Tobias) Smollett
The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves
"The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves" by Tobias Smollett is a novel likely written in the mid-18th century. This tale follows the protagonist, Sir Launcelot Greaves, who aspires to become a knight-errant, embarking on a quest to uphold virtue and justice, echoing the themes of chivalry and adventure present in romantic literature. The opening of the novel begins with four travelers seeking refuge from a storm in a public house along the northern road from York to London. As they gather in the kitchen, their vibrant personalities become apparent, particularly that of Captain Crowe, an impetuous sailor, and his nephew, Tom Clarke, a compassionate young lawyer. They engage in anecdotes showcasing their camaraderie and individual quirks—Crows’ impulsive nature contrasting with Clarke's law-talk and sensitivity to others’ plights. The chapter introduces Ferret, a cynical character with a penchant for contradiction, who stirs tension and dissatisfaction among the group while hinting at the overarching themes of societal critique and the exploration of morality and human nature that will unfold throughout the narrative.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses
"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical novel first serialized in 1883. Set during England's Wars of the Roses, it follows young Richard Shelton as he uncovers dark secrets about his father's murder. Suspecting his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley, Dick is forced to flee and join a mysterious band of outlaws who strike with black arrows. Swept into civil war, he must rescue his beloved Joanna, seek justice, and navigate treacherous allegiances in a land torn by conflict.
Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Nigel
"Sir Nigel" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical novel published in 1905–06. Set during the opening years of the Hundred Years' War, it follows young Nigel Loring, a knight serving King Edward III, as he seeks to prove his honor and win his lady's hand. To earn her favor, Nigel vows to complete three heroic deeds, leading him through dangerous missions, sea battles, and castle sieges across England, France, and Brittany. The novel serves as a prequel to Doyle's earlier work "The White Company."
Walter Scott
Ivanhoe; ossia, Il ritorno del Crociato
"Ivanhoe; ossia, Il ritorno del Crociato" by Walter Scott is a historical novel published in 1819. Set in 12th-century England, it follows the Saxon knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe, disinherited for his loyalty to Norman King Richard the Lionheart. As Richard remains captive after the Third Crusade, tensions simmer between Saxons and Normans, Jews and Christians. Through tournaments, outlaws, and dangerous rivalries, Ivanhoe navigates a divided realm where chivalry and betrayal intertwine, and where his forbidden love and allegiances threaten everything he holds dear.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses
"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical adventure novel first serialized in 1883. Set during England's Wars of the Roses, it follows young Richard Shelton as he uncovers the truth about his father's murder. Suspected by his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley, Dick joins a band of forest outlaws who mark their targets with black arrows. His quest for justice intertwines with rescuing the disguised heiress Joanna Sedley, sweeping them both into the greater conflict between warring factions.
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