Description
Book SynopsisThe English think of Arthur as their own?stamped on the landscape in scores of place names and echoed in the names of their princes. This book, which brings together the work of leading international scholars, is the first comprehensive treatment of Arthurian legend in English life and literature. Literary studies are interspersed with chapters on the political and social manifestations of the Arthurian legend, the influence of continental romance tradition, and the impact of the medieval legacy to later centuries of English literature. This edition also includes a chapter dealing with questions of production, circulation, and readership of the Arthurian tales.
"This survey of English versions of the Arthurian legend provides a compendium of interesting and valuable information about King Arthur in English history and society during the Middle Ages ... well researched and comprehensive with intelligent interpretations of known facts ... It serves as an encyclopedia, a handy guide for student who wants an introductory synopsis of what is known about the legend before delving deeply into Arthurian research. Names, dates, and culture are linked in a straightforward manner. Notes are extensive. A useful reference bibliography includes bibliographies, texts in English and additional studies." -Literature and History Journal 'a compendium of interesting and valuable information...well researched and comprehensive with intelligent interpretations of known facts.' Literature and History 'Given the continuing interest in the Arthurian legend, this reviewer cannot imagine a public or college library without these volumes.' Choice 'Arthur of the English is the second volume to appear in a new and timely series of surveys that aim to bring the literary history of the field up to date. Arthur of the English achieves that aim perfectly...a reliable and well-informed guide.' Notes and Queries
Table of ContentsW.R.J. Barron, Introduction; Ceridwen Lloyd-Morgan, The Celtic Tradition, * W.R.J. Barron, Francoise le Saux, Lesley Johnson, Dynastic Chronicles; * James P. Carley, Interchapter A: Arthur in English History; * Catherine Batt, Rosalind Field, The Romance Tradition; * Karen Hodder, David Burnley, Lesley Johnson, Carole Weinberg, Dynastic Romance; * Maldwyn Mills, Elizabeth Williams, Flora Alexander, Rosamund Allen, W.R.J. Barron, Chivalric Romance; * Juliet Vale, Interchapter B: Arthur in English Society; * Gillian Rogers, Diane Speed, David Griffith, John Withrington, Folk Romance; * P.J.C. Field, Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte Darthur'; Chris Brooks, Inga Bryden, The Arthurian Legacy; * John Thompson, Postscript: Arthurian Literature and its Public.
