As my time in England winds down, it's only fitting that I finish the way I started: with a trilogy on King Arthur. Back in 2011, it was Bernard Cornwell's excellent historical fiction/fantasy take on Arthur (briefly reviewed here); Now, it's Rosemary Sutcliff's King Arthur Trilogy.
The three books (with brief overviews) of the trilogy are as follows:
The Sword and the Circle
Shows how Arthur was begotten, tutored by Merlin, rose to become King of Britain, and created the Round Table; the high age of Camelot, this features many famous knights and tales, like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Tristan and Iseult.
The Light Beyond the Forest
The golden age wanes as many of the knights embark on the quest for the Holy Grail.
The Road to Camlann
All is brought to naught as Lancelot and the Queen's love is exposed, Morded turns the traitor, and the king falls in the Battle of Camlann.
Sutcliff is the rare author who has done multiple books on Arthur. Recently, I attempted to read Sutcliff's adult historical fiction take on Arthur (discussed here), but thought the trilogy discussed today (for children, and a classic telling) would suit me better. I was correct; I loved this. She follows Malory's account of the legend rather closely, but tells it in a way that is easier to follow, more connected, and suitable for young adults. It is long- 650 pages- but the length allows her to be complete and engaging than, say, Lancelyn Green's King Arthur account (reviewed here). In the end, if you want an Arthurian account suitable for you or your kids, and faithful to the 'original,' these books are for you.
Rating: A
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