King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

"King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" by Sir Thomas Malory is a collection of Arthurian legends written in the late 15th century. The book explores the themes of chivalry, honor, and adventure through the iconic figures of King Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table. It recounts the legendary tales of their quests, romances, and battles, centering on the heroic ideals of a bygone era. The opening of this work establishes the backdrop of Arthurian legend, highlighting the overarching significance of King Arthur as a chieftain whose story evolved into a grand narrative of kingship, romance, and adventure. Merlin foretells Arthur’s birth and his destined role as the true king of Britain, foreshadowing the future challenges and battles he will face. It depicts King Vortigern’s attempts to solidify his reign, which only lead to the rise of Arthur, ultimately setting the stage for the legendary tales of valor and the establishment of the Round Table—a symbol of equality and brotherhood among knights. The prologue engagingly threads the historical influences, underlining the rich tapestry of myth and history that surrounds Arthur and his fellowship. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Thomas Malory was an English writer, the author of Le Morte d'Arthur, the classic English-language chronicle of the Arthurian legend, compiled and in most cases translated from French sources. The most popular version of Le Morte d'Arthur was published by the famed London printer William Caxton in 1485. Much of Malory's life history is obscure, but he identified himself as a "knight prisoner", apparently reflecting that he was either a criminal, a prisoner-of-war, or suffering some other type of confinement. Malory's identity has never been confirmed. Since modern scholars began researching his identity the most widely accepted candidate has been Sir Thomas Malory of Newbold Revel in Warwickshire, who was imprisoned at various times for criminal acts and possibly also for political reasons during the Wars of the Roses. Recent work by Cecelia Lampp Linton, however, presents new evidence in support of Thomas Malory of Hutton Conyers, Yorkshire.