Books with title Le Morte D'Arthur

Le Morte d'Arthur (originally spelled Le Morte Darthur, Middle French for "The Death of Arthur") is a reworking by Sir Thomas Malory of existing tales about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table. Malory interpreted existing French and English stories about these figures and added original material (e.g., the Gareth story). Malory's actual title for the work was The Whole Book of King Arthur and His Noble Knights of the Round Table (The Hoole Book of Kyng Arthur and of His Noble Knyghtes of The Rounde Table), but after Malory's death the publisher changed the title to that commonly known today, which originally only referred to the final volume of the work.Le Morte d'Arthur was first published in 1485 by William Caxton and is today one of the best-known works of Arthurian literature in English. Until the discovery of the Winchester Manuscript in 1934, the 1485 edition was considered the earliest known text of Le Morte d'Arthur and that closest to Malory's translation and compilation. Modern editions are inevitably variable, changing spelling, grammar and pronouns for the convenience of readers of modern English. Many modern Arthurian writers have used Malory as their principal source.

King Arthur is one of the most famous names in history, although his existence is considered more legend than historical fact. Despite that, his name still evokes visions of fantasy, chivalry, bravery, and more even today, and Arthur remains a pop culture fixture around the globe. Of course, Arthur, Lancelot, and all of the other figures were made famous in various Arthurian Legends written by writers from Chretien de Troyes to present movie directors. . Arthur came to embody the ideals of the Middle Ages: strength, chivalry, bravery, and more. Along the way, his Excaliber sword, the Holy Grail, his queen, and more have all become household words. Others still search for the seeds of truth in the Knights of the Round Table, and the historical figure that inspired the Arthurian tales. One of the most famous is Le Morte d'Arthur, an enormous work that covers the twilight of Arthur and his death.

First published in 1485, during England's War of the Roses, "Le Morte d'Arthur" or "The Death of Arthur" combines all of the known legends of King Arthur into one creative text. Beginning with the birth of Arthur and telling the tale of his rise to become the head of the Knights of the Round Table and the husband of Guinevere, we also learn of Lancelot, Arthur's most venerated knight. Many of the other knights' stories are told with varying degrees of respect for the code of chivalry they are to abide by, including the quest for the Holy Grail. The decline of the Round Table is brought about by opposing forces within, of which the adulterous affair of Guinevere and Lancelot plays a destructive role. Treachery reveals this forbidden passion to Arthur, and his revenge leads to his death. This comprehensive telling of Arthurian legend reflects both medieval chivalry and the fractious social unrest characteristic of Malory's time, of which he was literally a prisoner, in a work that is both monumental and enduring.

First published in 1485, during England's War of the Roses, "Le Morte d'Arthur" or "The Death of Arthur" combines all of the known legends of King Arthur into one creative text. Beginning with the birth of Arthur and telling the tale of his rise to become the head of the Knights of the Round Table and the husband of Guinevere, we also learn of Lancelot, Arthur's most venerated knight. Many of the other knights' stories are told with varying degrees of respect for the code of chivalry they are to abide by, including the quest for the Holy Grail. The decline of the Round Table is brought about by opposing forces within, of which the adulterous affair of Guinevere and Lancelot plays a destructive role. Treachery reveals this forbidden passion to Arthur, and his revenge leads to his death. This comprehensive telling of Arthurian legend reflects both medieval chivalry and the fractious social unrest characteristic of Malory's time, of which he was literally a prisoner, in a work that is both monumental and enduring.