Subject
Knights and knighthood -- Poetry Books
Best books
Edmund Spenser
Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I
"Spenser's The Faerie Queene, Book I" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This opening book follows the Redcrosse Knight on a quest embodying the virtue of Holiness. Separated from his lady Una through deception, the knight falls into captivity and despair. Una perseveres through countless dangers to rescue him, leading to his recovery and ultimate test: defeating a dragon. Written as allegory praising Queen Elizabeth I, the poem explores virtue through knights' adventures while operating on multiple symbolic levels.
Alfred Tennyson Tennyson
Idylls of the King
"Idylls of the King" by Baron Alfred Tennyson Tennyson is a cycle of twelve narrative poems published between 1859 and 1885. This retelling of the Arthurian legend follows King Arthur's attempt to create a perfect kingdom, from his rise to power through his tragic downfall. The work chronicles Arthur's knights, his love for Guinevere, her betrayal, and the kingdom's collapse at the hands of the traitor Mordred. Written in blank verse, these elegiac narratives explore individual knights' deeds while Arthur remains the central linking figure throughout.
Edmund Spenser
The Faerie Queene — Volume 01
"The Faerie Queene — Volume 01" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This monumental allegorical work follows knights on quests to embody different virtues—Holiness, Temperance, and Chastity. Each knight faces temptations, enchantments, and monsters while pursuing their noble purposes. Written to praise Queen Elizabeth I and "fashion a gentleman" in virtuous discipline, the poem weaves together romance, adventure, and moral allegory across thousands of stanzas, creating one of the longest and most ambitious works in English literature.
Lodovico Ariosto
Orlando Furioso
"Orlando Furioso" by Ludovico Ariosto is an epic poem published in its complete form in 1532. This sweeping tale unfolds during the war between Charlemagne's Christian paladins and invading Saracen forces. The story follows multiple interwoven plots: the knight Orlando's destructive descent into madness after his beloved Angelica elopes with another, and the romance between warrior Bradamante and Saracen Ruggiero. Featuring sorcerers, sea monsters, flying horses, and even a journey to the Moon, this vast work blends chivalric ideals with fantasy, humor, and tragedy.
Unknown
La Chanson de Roland : Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier
"La Chanson de Roland: Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier" is an epic poem written in the early medieval period, likely composed before the first crusade. The poem recounts the tale of the legendary knight Roland, a loyal warrior of Charlemagne, as he faces treachery and battle in defense of Christendom against the Saracens. It explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of betrayal, focusing heavily on the conflicts between Roland, his peers, and the treacherous figure of Ganelon. The beginning of the poem introduces the historical backdrop of Charlemagne's campaign in Spain and sets the stage for the treachery that unfolds as King Marsile of the Saracens seeks to deceive Charlemagne through a false offer of loyalty. At the heart of the narrative is Roland, who eventually earns the responsibility to command the rear guard of the French army. Despite the contrasting counsel of his comrades, Roland's pride and determination lead to the ensuing conflict, where honor and loyalty clash with the harsh reality of war. This opening establishes a rich tapestry of characters, tension, and impending tragedy, promising a dramatic narrative driven by themes of valiant sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Edmund Spenser
Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2) : $b Books I-III
"Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2): Books I-III" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1590. This monumental work of over 36,000 lines follows knights on quests that examine different virtues—Holiness, Temperance, and Chastity. Written in Spenser's invented verse form, the Spenserian stanza, the poem operates as elaborate allegory, praising Queen Elizabeth I while aiming to "fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle discipline." Each knight faces trials, temptations, and perils in adventures filled with monsters, wizards, and enchantments.
Edmund Spenser
Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b Books IV-VII
"Spenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 2 (of 2): Books IV-VII" by Edmund Spenser is an epic poem first published in 1596. This continuation follows knights on quests examining virtues including Friendship, Justice, and others. Written in Spenser's invented Spenserian stanza, the allegorical work interweaves multiple storylines of separated lovers, tournaments, rescues, and trials. Knights pursue their beloveds through enchanted perils while fulfilling sacred quests. The poem operates on multiple levels, praising Queen Elizabeth I while exploring moral virtues through adventure and romance in a complex tapestry of English poetry.
de France Marie
Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret: Four lais rendered into English prose
"Guingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret: Four Lais Rendered into English Prose" by Jessie L. Weston is a collection of medieval romances likely written in the early 20th century. This work features four Breton lays that explore themes of chivalry, love, and the intertwining of the mortal and the supernatural. The main characters encompass brave knights and enchanting ladies, offering readers a glimpse into the rich folklore and moral lessons of Arthurian legend. The opening portion introduces the first lai, "Guingamor," where we meet the noble knight Guingamor, who is beloved by his uncle, the king. Despite his high regard, Guingamor faces temptation from the queen, who desires him passionately. As the story unfolds, Guingamor embarks on an adventure hunting a mythical white boar, leading him to a magical encounter with a maiden, which sets the stage for his challenges. This beginning hints at a narrative filled with dramatic choices focused on loyalty, honor, and the consequences of romantic entanglements in a fantastical realm.
Unknown
Torrent of Portyngale
"Torrent of Portyngale" by E. Adam is a Middle English romance composed around 1400. The tale follows young earl's son Torrent as he undertakes tortuous efforts to win the hand of Desonell, daughter of the King of Portugal, against her father's wishes. His quest demands extraordinary feats, including battles with five giants and a journey to Jerusalem, all in pursuit of love and marriage into the Portuguese royal family.
Olivier de La Marche
Le chevalier délibéré
"Le chevalier délibéré" by Olivier de La Marche is a French allegorical poem written in 1483. A knight named Acteur, in the autumn of his life, embarks on a quest to confront Death's invincible warriors before retreating to a monastery. Along his journey, he encounters allegorical figures and witnesses fateful duels involving the Burgundian rulers Philip the Good, Charles the Bold, and Mary of Burgundy. This melancholic work became a key text of Burgundian culture and the favorite book of Emperor Charles V.
Alfred Tennyson Tennyson
The Last Tournament
"The Last Tournament" by Alfred Tennyson is a narrative poem, part of his larger cycle titled "Idyls of the King," which reflects the legend of King Arthur and his knights. Written during the Victorian era, the poem captures the themes of chivalry, love, and the moral complexities faced by Arthur and his knights as they grapple with issues of loyalty, honor, and the nature of their code. The work centers around a tournament held in honor of a deceased child, during which ancient friendships are tested and personal sacrifices become evident. In "The Last Tournament," King Arthur and his knights prepare for a grand jousting event, spurred by a poignant connection to a child who has passed away. As the tournament unfolds, the complexities of love and loyalty come to the forefront, particularly through the interactions between Sir Tristram, Queen Isolt, and King Mark. Tensions rise as Tristram grapples with his feelings for both Isolt and the intertwined fate with Arthur and Lancelot. Amidst the jousting, themes of betrayal and the inevitable decline of honor among the knights emerge, highlighted by Tristram's tragic fate as he is fatally wounded by Mark. The poem closes on a melancholic note, with the realization of loss and the fading joy of camaraderie in Arthur's court, embodied by the heart-wrenching lament of Dagonet, Arthur's fool.
Katrina Trask
Under King Constantine
"Under King Constantine" by Katrina Trask is a historical novel written in the late 19th century, specifically in the 1890s. The book is set in a mythic era following the death of King Arthur and explores themes of chivalry, love, and the complexities of human relationships through the character of Lady Gwendolaine and the knights surrounding her, showcasing their lives and struggles as they navigate duty and desire in a world filled with both noble ideals and personal conflict. The story centers around Lady Gwendolaine, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with Sir Torm, against whom she feels increasingly drawn to the noble knight Sir Sanpeur. As Gwendolaine grapples with her emotions and loyalty to her husband, her journey leads to emotional awakening and self-discovery. Meanwhile, Sir Kathanal emerges as another character representing the ideals of knighthood as he seeks courage and valor through selfless acts. The narrative interweaves themes of honor and sacrifice, culminating in poignant moments that challenge the characters’ perceptions of love and loyalty, ultimately reinforcing the idea that true knighthood lies in selflessness and integrity.
Recently surfaced classics