King Arthur

This historical study asks whether a real figure stands behind the medieval King Arthur and how the legend grew. John and Caitlin Matthews review proposed identities, from a Roman officer named Artorius to Dark Age war leaders in Britain, and weigh the early notices in saints' lives, Nennius, and the Welsh tradition. They then follow Arthur's companions - Merlin, Guinevere, the knights - as later writers attach them to the core story, and they track the legend through Geoffrey of Monmouth, the French romances, Malory, and modern retellings. The book is a survey of sources and candidates rather than a single biographical narrative.

24 colour plates plus maps. Boundin blue cloth boards with photograph of tapestry pasted on cover and gilt titles on spine. Dark orange endleaves. Dark orange slipcase.