Lancelot and Guinevere

Arthurian Characters and Themes #4

by Lori J. Walters (Editor)

Beginning with an introduction that examines the portrayal of the characters of Lancelot and Guinevere from their origins to the present day, this collection of 16 essays-five of which appear here for the first time-puts particular emphasis on the appearance of the two characters in medieval and modern literature. Besides several studies exploring feminist concerns, the volume features articles on the representation of the lovers in medieval manuscript illuminations (18 plates focus on scenes of their first kiss and the consummation of the adultery), in film, and in other visual arts. A 200-item bibliography completes the volume.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jonathan Gill]

A Casebook with over a dozen essays looking at the depiction of two of the most famous characters in the King Arthur mythos. The Introduction (by Lori J. Walters) is a very impressive view of the development of poets' and critics' views of the characters from medieval to modern times.

The opening essay, "The Presentation of The Character of Lancelot: Chretien to Malory", is absolutely brilliant, and well-worth the trouble of finding the book at a library. Many of the other essays, unfortunately, require specialist knowledge of particular tales from medieval romance to find meaningful. The obligatory modern emphases in scholarship, including film adaptation and feminist criticism, are included.