Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte Darthur," completed around 1470, is one of the grandest legends of all time. These Arthurian legends of love and adventure were compiled by Malory and printed by the first English printer, William Caxton, in 1485.
It is said that the Malory edition had many errors and was "carelessly prepared." Given the fact that Malory searched many cultures for many versions of these tales of chivalry, romance, evil and magic, the text was probably roughly written and printed without sophistication on an inadequate press. Particularly this could be true since he collected the stories on scraps of paper while studying in the British library. (He was being held prisoner of Britain but received special privileges.)For more than 500 years, this book has been the wellspring of many story versions about King Arthur. In 1934 a manuscript was discovered in Winchester, England, varying somewhat from the Malory edition. This manuscript now in the British Library is highly referenced in later publications as is "Le Morte Darthur."
Two books that are fascinating versions of the King Arthur stories are: "Le Morte Darthur" edited by R.M. Lumiansky (Collier Books) and "Arthur the King: The Themes Behind the Legends" collected by Graeme Fife (Sterling Publications). The Lumiansky - a hefty 750 pages - claims to have corrected many of the inconsistencies of the Malory and Winchester editions, one of which was the difficult prose not easily read by ". . . non-specialized modern readers." Lumiansky's style has preserved the general 15-century linguistic patterns by substituting modern equivalents of words, spellings and paragraphing. Lumiansky says he has retained the tone and style Malory had attempted. Critics agree.
Graeme Fife traces the development of Arthurian literature from its emergence. He examines the themes of chivalry, courtly love, hunting, heraldry and pageantry and enhances them with photographs, sketches and examples of manuscripts in calligraphy.
John Steinbeck's "The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights," written in 1976, has become a classic. Taken from the Winchester manuscript, those of Malory and many other versions, this is an especially good read for young adults.
"The Once and Future King' (1939) and "Book of Merlyn: The True Last Chapter of the Once and Future King" both by T.H. White, are also excellent choices with many references.
Editions of King Arthur for children, too, give reference to the Malory and Winchester work. One that is the nucleus for the others is "The Story of King Arthur and His Knights" written by Howard Pyle. It was first published in 1903. It has remained in print for the entire 93 years. Pyle's "Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur," even though a lesser-known book, is also of great value.
Every year there are new publications printed for young readers about Arthurian accounts. "The Sword in the Stone," for example, was taken from the T.H. White book, adapted by Walt Disney studios and made into a full-length movie in 1963.
Following are a few new editions, some with limited text and others with much reading and sharing. Naturally, all of them are my favorites!
"King Arthur and the Round Table" (Morrow) adapted and illustrated by Hudson Talbot is a gorgeous book as is his exquisite "Excalibur."
"The Legend of King Arthur" (Running Press) retold by David Bortgenicht and illustrated by Luigi Galante, Simone Boni and Francesca D. O'Hari, is an over-size book with colorful four-color paintings, many of which are double spreads.
"Arthur and the Sword" (Atheneum) combines the simple text with pictures that resemble stained glass. This dashing work is by Robert Sabuda well-known for "The Christmas Alphabet" and "The Christmas ABCs," intricate pop-up books.
Michael Morpurgo's "Arthur High King of Britain" (Harcourt) is 137 pages of pure wonder! It begins in our own century, when a half-drowned boy is saved by no other than King Pendragon, high king of Britain. Michael Foreman's wonderful art enhances the text. This is a wonderful read-a-chapter-a-day book. "King Arthur and the Legends of Camelot" (Viking) retold by Molly Perham and illustrated by Julek Heller is an other good read-aloud.
"King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" (Candlewick) is a cartoon-style book bringing detail to the forefront. A very simplistic look for some but lots of fun for the young reader.
Most of the books end with the reference for which Sir Thomas Malory is famous:
I pray you all, gentlemen and gentlewomen who read this book of Arthur and his knights from the beginning to the ending, pray for me while I am alive that God will send me good deliverance. And when I am dead, I pray you all to pray for my soul!
Marilou Sorensen is professor emerita of education at the University of Utah.