The book introduces the reader to the stories about King Arthur and his knights and the lovers Tristan and Isolt that flourished in the Scandinavian countries-in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden-in the Middle Ages and in early modern times. The versions of the Arthurian legend that were popular in the North were translations of mostly French literature. Although they were similar to their sources in many respects, the stories nonetheless underwent change in order to appeal to a culturally quite different audience in the North.

King Arthur was a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries AD. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and his historical existence is debated and disputed by modern historians. The sparse historical background of Arthur is gleaned from various sources, including the Annales Cambriae, the Historia Brittonum, and the writings of Gildas. Arthur's name also occurs in early poetic sources such as Y Gododdin. Arthur is a central figure in the legends making up the so-called Matter of Britain. The legendary Arthur developed as a figure of international interest largely through the popularity of Geoffrey of Monmouth's fanciful and imaginative 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain).[4] In some Welsh and Breton tales and poems that date from before this work, Arthur appears either as a great warrior defending Britain from human and supernatural enemies or as a magical figure of folklore, sometimes associated with the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. How much of Geoffrey's Historia (completed in 1138) was adapted from such earlier sources, rather than invented by Geoffrey himself, is unknown. Although the themes, events and characters of the Arthurian legend varied widely from text to text, and there is no one canonical version, Geoffrey's version of events often served as the starting point for later stories. Geoffrey depicted Arthur as a king of Britain who defeated the Saxons and established an empire over Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Norway and Gaul. Many elements and incidents that are now an integral part of the Arthurian story appear in Geoffrey's Historia, including Arthur's father Uther Pendragon, the wizard Merlin, Arthur's wife Guinevere, the sword Excalibur, Arthur's conception at Tintagel, his final battle against Mordred at Camlann, and final rest in Avalon. The 12th-century French writer Chrétien de Troyes, who added Lancelot and the Holy Grail to the story, began the genre of Arthurian romance that became a significant strand of medieval literature. In these French stories, the narrative focus often shifts from King Arthur himself to other characters, such as various Knights of the Round Table. Arthurian literature thrived during the Middle Ages but waned in the centuries that followed until it experienced a major resurgence in the 19th century. In the 21st century, the legend lives on, not only in literature but also in adaptations for theatre, film, television, comics and other media. reference : Wikipedia

Rediscover the legend of Excalibur, King Arthur, and the Knights of the Round Table in this Scribner Classics keepsake edition of Sir Thomas Malory’s enchanting Arthurian legend. This collectible edition of King Arthur features text reset in the original typeface and illustrations newly reproduced from N. C. Wyeth’s original canvases, bringing a beloved classic tale to a whole new generation of readers.

Welcome to the legendary realm of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2, where chivalry, honor, and betrayal intertwine in a captivating narrative that brings the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to life. This epic volume delves deeper into the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend, exploring the heroic deeds and tragic fates of its iconic characters. In this volume, you will encounter the valiant knights, including the noble Lancelot, the tragic Guinevere, and the enigmatic Merlin, as they navigate the complexities of loyalty, love, and the pursuit of honor. The dramatic quests and noble battles illustrate the virtues and vices that define their fates, culminating in the heart-wrenching conflicts that threaten the very foundation of Camelot. The central themes of Le Morte d'Arthur revolve around the ideals of chivalry, the nature of heroism, and the consequences of betrayal. Malory masterfully portrays the internal and external struggles of his characters, inviting readers to reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by those who strive for greatness in a world rife with challenges. The tone of this volume is both grand and somber, with moments of intense action juxtaposed against reflective passages that delve into the characters' inner lives. Malory's poetic prose and vivid imagery create an immersive experience, drawing readers into the emotional depth of the Arthurian saga. Since its publication in the 15th century, Le Morte d'Arthur has been hailed as a foundational work of English literature, inspiring couantless adaptations and interpretations. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of timeless themes and its rich character development, which continue to resonate with audiences today. This volume appeals to a diverse readership, from lovers of epic tales and historical fiction to those intrigued by the mythos of Arthurian legend. Its blend of adventure, romance, and moral complexity invites readers to engage deeply with the narrative and its characters. As you journey through Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2, you will find yourself swept away by the grandeur and tragedy of Arthur’s kingdom. Malory’s profound insights into the human experience make this volume a cherished addition to any literary collection. In conclusion, Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2 is more than just a tale of knights and quests; it is a poignant exploration of honor, love, and the human condition that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes. Whether you are revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, prepare to be enthralled by the magic of Malory's storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to experience the epic journey of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2. Immerse yourself in the world of Camelot and uncover the enduring legacy of its legendary heroes—grab your copy now and join the adventure that has inspired generations!

Thomas Malory did not invent the stories of Arthur, King of Britain, but it is fair to say that he reinvented them. Although the legends were already hundreds of years old by the fifteenth century, the contemporary stories of Arthur in Malory’s day were primarily French. The French had added many of the elements familiar to modern readers, among them Lancelot, and the search for the Holy Grail. Malory combined, edited, and added some of his own material to the stories available to him, and in the process created a uniquely British work. (It was his printer Caxton who gave it a French name.) Le Morte d’Arthur is the source material for almost all modern retellings of King Arthur and his knights, from Hollywood movies and musicals to Nobel-prize winning writers. Malory’s identity is still in some dispute, as there are several men of various spellings of the name to choose from. Sir Thomas Malory from Newbold Revel in Warwickshire is the most popular choice, but his life of crime—he was a rapist and serial thief at the minimum—seems to be at odds with the acts of chivalry and moral code present in this book. It is known from the author’s own notes that he wrote the book while in prison; perhaps he was trying to make amends for his crimes. Regardless, the result was to give new life to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.