Acclaimed biographer Peter Ackroyd vibrantly resurrects the legendary epic of Camelot in this modern adaptation. The names of Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, Galahad, the sword of Excalibur, and the court of Camelot are as recognizable as any from the world of myth. Although many versions exist of the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory endures as the most moving and richly inventive. In this abridged retelling the inimitable Peter Ackroyd transforms Malory's fifteenth-century work into a dramatic modern story, vividly bringing to life a world of courage and chivalry, magic, and majesty. The golden age of Camelot, the perilous search for the Holy Grail, the love of Guinevere and Lancelot, and the treachery of Arthur's son Mordred are all rendered into contemporary prose with Ackroyd's characteristic charm and panache. Just as he did with his fresh new version of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, Ackroyd now brings one of the cornerstones of English literature to a whole new audience.

Recounting the final days of Arthur, this thirteenth-century French version of the Camelot legend, written by an unknown author, is set in a world of fading chivalric glory. It depicts the Round Table diminished in strength after the Quest for the Holy Grail, and with its integrity threatened by the weakness of Arthur's own knights. Whispers of Queen Guinevere's infidelity with his beloved comrade-at-arms Sir Lancelot profoundly distress the trusting King, leaving him no match for the machinations of the treacherous Sir Mordred. The human tragedy of The Death of King Arthur so impressed Malory that he built his own Arthurian legend on this view of the court - a view that profoundly influenced the English conception of the 'great' King.

The Alliterative Morte Arthure - the title given to a four-thousand line poem written sometime around 1400 - was part of a medieval Arthurian revival which produced such masterpieces as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sir Thomas Malory's prose Morte D'Arthur. Like Gawain, the Alliterative Morte Arthure is a unique manuscript (held in the library of Lincoln Cathedral) by an anonymous author, and written in alliterating lines which harked back to Anglo-Saxon poetic composition. Unlike Gawain, whose plot hinges around one moment of jaw-dropping magic, The Death of King Arthur deals in the cut-and-thrust of warfare and politics: the ever-topical matter of Britain's relationship with continental Europe, and of its military interests overseas. Simon Armitage is already the master of this alliterative music, as his earlier version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (2006) so resourcefully and exuberantly showed. His new translation restores a neglected masterpiece of story-telling, by bringing vividly to life its entirely medieval mix of ruthlessness and restraint.

Parts one and two of Lancelot cover Lancelot s boyhood and his admission to Arthur s court, where he falls immediately in love with Guenevere. The adventures and quests which follow, including his friendship with the tragic Galehaut, take us to the point where he becomes a companion of the Round Table. --Book Jacket.

Matters Arthurian have been a theme in literature since the Middle Ages. King Arthur, Excalibur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the Quest for the Holy Grail are now part of popular culture. Here are 19 works that employ the Arthurian legends, ranging from early epic poems to 19th and 20th century novels and stories, showing how these myths and legends continue to enjoy new life: LE MORTE D’ARTHUR, by Sir Thomas Malory IDYLLS OF THE KING, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson THE PLEASAUNCE OF MAID MARIAN, by Oscar Fay Adams MERLIN’S YOUTH, by George Parker Bidder MERLIN AND KENTIGERN: A LEGEND OF TWEEDDALE, by J. S. Blackie PARZIVAL, by Wolfram von Eschenback MERLIN, by Mortimer Collins SIR LANCELOT DU LAKE, by Thomas Deloney THE RETURN FROM THE QUEST, by Oscar Fay Adams THE FORTUNATE ISLAND, by Max Adeler AT THE PALACE OF KING LOT, by Oscar Fay Adams THE LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS, by James Knowles THE STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS OF THE ROUND TABLE, by Howard Pyle KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND, edited by Rupert S. Holland SIR GAWAIN AND THE LADY OF LYS, by Anonymous KING ARTHUR’S KNIGHTS, by Henry Gilbert A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT, by Mark Twain THE SWORD, THE KING, AND NAOMI WASHINGTON, by John Gregory Betancourt ARTHUR’S GRAVE: THE EPITAPH, by Ernest Rhys Wildside Press’s MEGAPACK® Ebook Series If you enjoy this ebook, don't forget to search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see more of the 300+ volumes in this series, covering adventure, historical fiction, mysteries, westerns, ghost stories, science fiction -- and much, much more!

The "King Arthur Premium Collection: 10 Books of Legends & The History Behind The King of Camelot" presents an exceptional anthology that traverses the extensive landscape of Arthurian legend through a varied tapestry of narrative styles and perspectives. This collection stands as a monumental consolidation of myth, legend, and historical speculation, offering readers an in-depth exploration of the chivalric values, romantic adventures, and moral quandaries emblematic of the Arthurian ethos. The anthology strategically includes seminal works that have shaped the Arthurian tradition, including but not limited to the romantically poetic to the rigorously historic, thus reflecting the multifaceted nature of King Arthurs legacy across centuries. The contributing authors and editorsHoward Pyle, Richard Morris, James Knowles, T. W. Rolleston, Thomas Malory, Alfred Tennyson, and Maude L. Radfordare distinguishable not only for their individual contributions to literature but also for their collective embodiment of the cultural, historical, and literary movements that have sustained the Arthurian legend. Their backgrounds, ranging from medieval scholarship to poetry, enrich the collection with a depth that invites readers to explore the legend of King Arthur through lenses that are at once diverse and cohesive, aligning to form a comprehensive understanding of the mythos that continues to captivate the imagination. This anthology is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the multifarious narratives of King Arthur and his court. It serves not only as an educational journey through the annals of Arthurian legend but also as a monumental exploration of the human condition through the lens of myth. For scholars, enthusiasts, and new readers alike, this collection offers a unique opportunity to engage with the rich tapestry of tales and analyses that make up the Arthurian world, inviting a dialogue between the past and present, myth and history, across a spectrum of literary craftsmanship.

The 'KING ARTHUR - Ultimate Collection: 10 Books of Myths, Tales & The History Behind The Legendary King' is a rich tapestry of narrative adventure and literary exploration, bringing together an eclectic mix of tales about the iconic British leader and the chivalric order of the Round Table. This anthology showcases a remarkable diversity in storytelling, with works ranging from classic Arthurian legends to reinterpretations that breathe new life into ancient narratives. The compilation illuminates the enduring appeal of King Arthurs saga, spotlighting its influence on various literary styles and epochs, and the extraordinary depth with which these authors delve into the legends moral and ethical quandaries stands as a testament to its thematic richness and complexity. The contributing authors and editors, including figures like Howard Pyle and Alfred Tennyson, are rooted in dramatically different historical and cultural backgrounds, offering readers a panoramic view of the Arthurian legends evolution across time. Their collective works underscore significant movements within literature, from medieval romance to Victorian poetry, revealing how each period reimagined the Arthurian world to reflect contemporary concerns and values. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a dialogue across centuries, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of the Arthurian legends. 'Readers seeking a comprehensive yet deeply nuanced exploration of the King Arthur mythos will find this collection invaluable. It is an enlightening journey through the ages, offering a unique opportunity to experience the myriad ways in which these timeless stories have been told and retold. By encompassing a broad spectrum of perspectives, styles, and themes, this anthology enriches our understanding of King Arthur's legend, inviting us to reconsider our notions of heroism, leadership, and morality. This collection is indispensable for enthusiasts of mythic literature, providing both an educational resource and a wellspring of inspiration that rekindles the magic and mystery of Arthur's world for a new generation.'

Out of dark and violent centuries, legends of a great leader arose. King Arthur became one of the most famous figures in British literature. During the Dark Ages, Britain was without a king and the land was divided. Death and destruction reigned over the land as power-hungry overlords armed themselves and fought against their fellow countrymen. Evelyn Wolfson examines both legend and historical fact surrounding King Arthur and the Dark Ages in the British Isles.