The Arthur of the English
The Arthurian Legend in English Life and Literature
Distributed for University of Wales Press
The English think of Arthur as their own—stamped on the landscape in scores of place-names, echoed in the names of their princes even today. Yet if the English had anything to do with a historical Arthur, it was as his bitterest enemies and hi-jackers of the British heritage.
This book, which brings together the work of leading international scholars, is the first comprehensive treatment of Arthurian literature in the English language to the end of the Middle Ages and traces the process by which the Arthurian legends were assimilated to become an important part of the English cultural heritage. Literary studies are interspersed with chapters on the political and social manifestations of the Arthurian legend, the influence of continental romance tradition, and the mediaeval legacy to later centuries of English literature.
This revised edition includes a new chapter dealing with questions of production, circulation and readership of the Arthurian tales.
The Arthur of the English is the second volume in a series entitled Arthurian Literature in the Middle Ages published in association with the Vinaver Trust. The Arthur of the Welsh (1991) inaugurated the series, The Arthur of the Germans was published in 2000, and further volumes dealing with the French and Iberian traditions are in preparation.
“The various contributors are authoritative. Each section is clearly written. Altogether the volume serves both as an introduction to the field of Arthurian literature in the English language and a good reference guide, thus meeting the high standard set by The Arthur of the Welsh. Given the continuing interest in the Arthurian legend, this reviewer cannot imagine a public or college library without these volumes.” –Choice
“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
“It will be of most use to advanced undergraduates requiring an accessible introduction to the study of Middle English Arthuriana, and to specialists in other fields who would profit from well-informed synoptic treatments of texts and contexts in this area, un-freighted by minutiae.” –English Studies
“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
Literature and Literary Criticism: British and Irish Literature
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