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The Trials of Arthur
This book is an alternative armchair adventure that chronicles the exploits of one of the most outrageous men of our time--a nature lover, a profane mystic, who parties with his druidical knights, the Warband, while preaching of personal freedom from atop a motorcycle.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 3, 2013
Having been active on the pagan scene myself for getting on towards 25 years, I've long been aware of Arthur Pendragon, and although I've never met the man personally I've always had the sense that he was a bit of a prat. And an exceptionally arrogant one at that! I mean, what kind of inflated ego or deranged mind would dare to proclaim himself to be the reincarnation of the Once and Future King? Actually this book surprised me - Arthur acknowledges that he must seem a bit of a lunatic. How could he not? That aside, he also comes across as deeply committed to his causes, be they access to Stonehenge, the road protest movement, environmentalism, freedom of religious expression and the like. Boisterous, opinionated, earthy and yes, a bit arrogant, but beneath all the bluster he comes across as really quite likeable. Maybe not the kind of guy you'd want to invite round for a polite social occasion, but essentially a good, well meaning and decent man.
Where the book scores highly is in the insight it provides into the road protest movement of the 1990's, the Stonehenge exclusion zone and counter culture generally. Littered with Bikers, Druids and New Age travellers with exotic names like the Orc, Mog Ur Kreb Dragonrider, Steve the Bard and the Whippet, The Trials of Arthur is always an entertaining read. The characters may seem strange to muggles, but nonetheless they are passionately and sincerely dedicated to a better way of life. You may not agree with them, or even understand their way of thinking, but you'll be hard pressed not to like them.
The writing style is quirky and unpolished, much like Arthur himself, and some of his anecdotes definitely have a personal spin on them, which might not accord precisely with the public record of events! But throughout it's entertaining, heartfelt and quite an eye opener for anyone who might think that the alternative culture is just a bunch of scruffy layabouts with skinny dogs on bits of string. Open your mind and experience life lived on the fringes of 'civilised' society. Definitely worth a read!
Where the book scores highly is in the insight it provides into the road protest movement of the 1990's, the Stonehenge exclusion zone and counter culture generally. Littered with Bikers, Druids and New Age travellers with exotic names like the Orc, Mog Ur Kreb Dragonrider, Steve the Bard and the Whippet, The Trials of Arthur is always an entertaining read. The characters may seem strange to muggles, but nonetheless they are passionately and sincerely dedicated to a better way of life. You may not agree with them, or even understand their way of thinking, but you'll be hard pressed not to like them.
The writing style is quirky and unpolished, much like Arthur himself, and some of his anecdotes definitely have a personal spin on them, which might not accord precisely with the public record of events! But throughout it's entertaining, heartfelt and quite an eye opener for anyone who might think that the alternative culture is just a bunch of scruffy layabouts with skinny dogs on bits of string. Open your mind and experience life lived on the fringes of 'civilised' society. Definitely worth a read!
March 24, 2012
The rightful King of Britain
In our modern age of fast food and even faster lives, we have lost touch with much that makes us who we are, or who we used to be, before industrialisation stamped its iron boot on the land and its people. Before our enslavement to the age of technology and time restrictions, our outlook was very different. I imagine that most people when they first see King Arthur Pendragon, will have an instant reaction and not a good one. We are taught what to believe in, and right from wrong, in our civilised society. Arthur doesn’t fit into these teachings at all. This man with a beard, carrying a sword and walking about proclaiming himself to be a king, well he can’t be, can he? When we think of the classic image of King Arthur, the one we read about, or perhaps watch in numerous films, from Knights of the Round Table to Excalibur, we see a man of high ideals and virtues. A man walking his talk, willing to put himself in front of any threat to his people. He is always portrayed as a flawed man, but an honest and true one. He carries his sword into battle and rides his horse towards his destiny.
Our modern day Arthur Pendragon and yes that is his real name, changed by deed poll many years ago, has the same traits which we admire in the old tales of Arthur and his knights. Yes our Arthur rides a motor bike and used to ride with biker gangs. He was once a soldier and a good one serving his country and being offered a commission. If we take a moment to reflect on the famous ‘Once and future king’ we will realise that beneath that Hollywood gloss lurks a Dark Age monarch who would have had to have been a fearless fighter, tough and loyal riding into battle with his band of knights, wild and rough around the edges. This then could very well be a description of our modern King and yes he does have his knights, The loyal Arthurian Warband, all sworn to truth, honour and justice and all raised under the sword Excalibur. He even has the sword, but I won’t spoil that story, for that you will have to read the book.
Arthur Pendragon’s story is a unique tale of modern daring, adventure and one of fighting for what is right, all too often in the face of unjust laws, rules and petty politics. Is every word written in this book a fact? I wouldn’t think so and I don’t think it matters. What does matter, is that here we have a modern myth for our times, a legend worthy of Malory. The heart of a legend is not to be found within it pure truth, but in its ability to inspire those who come in contact with it and Arthur’s modern legend is just that, nothing short of inspirational. His battle cry of “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” Is also the stuff of legend. But don’t think for one minute that this is simply a book full of stories isolated from the people of Britain, for nothing could be further from the truth. Along with Arthur’s story, is a catalogue of his war on injustice and this is backed up by facts and dates. These include his numerous court appearances and jail time, spent because of his refusal to back down when confronted by anything he believes in his heart to be wrong. He is a true man of his people, for his people. A warrior King.
Did I mention that Arthur is a Druid and spiritual warrior of peace, his sword only leaves its scabbard for ceremonial purposes, believes he is the reincarnation of ‘that’ King Arthur and was crowned King during a traditional coronation ceremony? No, well in that case you now have three more very good reasons to read this book. There are many stories concerning Arthur returning to Britain, when his people were in need. Given the royal leadership of this country and its government steeped in corruption and in-fighting, this is a ripe moment for our Once and future King. Given his example, courage, loyalty and genuine love of these lands, I hail Arthur Pendragon as my King.
In our modern age of fast food and even faster lives, we have lost touch with much that makes us who we are, or who we used to be, before industrialisation stamped its iron boot on the land and its people. Before our enslavement to the age of technology and time restrictions, our outlook was very different. I imagine that most people when they first see King Arthur Pendragon, will have an instant reaction and not a good one. We are taught what to believe in, and right from wrong, in our civilised society. Arthur doesn’t fit into these teachings at all. This man with a beard, carrying a sword and walking about proclaiming himself to be a king, well he can’t be, can he? When we think of the classic image of King Arthur, the one we read about, or perhaps watch in numerous films, from Knights of the Round Table to Excalibur, we see a man of high ideals and virtues. A man walking his talk, willing to put himself in front of any threat to his people. He is always portrayed as a flawed man, but an honest and true one. He carries his sword into battle and rides his horse towards his destiny.
Our modern day Arthur Pendragon and yes that is his real name, changed by deed poll many years ago, has the same traits which we admire in the old tales of Arthur and his knights. Yes our Arthur rides a motor bike and used to ride with biker gangs. He was once a soldier and a good one serving his country and being offered a commission. If we take a moment to reflect on the famous ‘Once and future king’ we will realise that beneath that Hollywood gloss lurks a Dark Age monarch who would have had to have been a fearless fighter, tough and loyal riding into battle with his band of knights, wild and rough around the edges. This then could very well be a description of our modern King and yes he does have his knights, The loyal Arthurian Warband, all sworn to truth, honour and justice and all raised under the sword Excalibur. He even has the sword, but I won’t spoil that story, for that you will have to read the book.
Arthur Pendragon’s story is a unique tale of modern daring, adventure and one of fighting for what is right, all too often in the face of unjust laws, rules and petty politics. Is every word written in this book a fact? I wouldn’t think so and I don’t think it matters. What does matter, is that here we have a modern myth for our times, a legend worthy of Malory. The heart of a legend is not to be found within it pure truth, but in its ability to inspire those who come in contact with it and Arthur’s modern legend is just that, nothing short of inspirational. His battle cry of “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” Is also the stuff of legend. But don’t think for one minute that this is simply a book full of stories isolated from the people of Britain, for nothing could be further from the truth. Along with Arthur’s story, is a catalogue of his war on injustice and this is backed up by facts and dates. These include his numerous court appearances and jail time, spent because of his refusal to back down when confronted by anything he believes in his heart to be wrong. He is a true man of his people, for his people. A warrior King.
Did I mention that Arthur is a Druid and spiritual warrior of peace, his sword only leaves its scabbard for ceremonial purposes, believes he is the reincarnation of ‘that’ King Arthur and was crowned King during a traditional coronation ceremony? No, well in that case you now have three more very good reasons to read this book. There are many stories concerning Arthur returning to Britain, when his people were in need. Given the royal leadership of this country and its government steeped in corruption and in-fighting, this is a ripe moment for our Once and future King. Given his example, courage, loyalty and genuine love of these lands, I hail Arthur Pendragon as my King.
July 3, 2012
I saw the author post a link in some group on Facebook for a mere 2 quid. Come to find out that offer was only for people in the UK. Since I'm in Sweden I have to go to Amazon.com for my Kindle books (which is stupid & irritating) but once at the US site the price was over $8.00 - I asked the author about that discrepancy but he did not respond. With the current exchange rate it should have been just a bit over $3.00. It hacked me off, so I paid the high price thinking to destroy this book in a review. I cannot.
This book was awesome from page one and never let up. It had me grinning so much my face hurt, with more than a few out loud laughs. The way he drew this modern-day King Arthur was just flat out perfect. So, instead slamming over the price, I'm saying it was well worth it, and I hope he gives us some other books. I'd even like to see the continuing adventures of this extremely likable King in Druid's clothing. Five Stars.
This book was awesome from page one and never let up. It had me grinning so much my face hurt, with more than a few out loud laughs. The way he drew this modern-day King Arthur was just flat out perfect. So, instead slamming over the price, I'm saying it was well worth it, and I hope he gives us some other books. I'd even like to see the continuing adventures of this extremely likable King in Druid's clothing. Five Stars.
May 29, 2012
Tells you more about the British character than any other book that comes to mind. One of my favourite books.
August 31, 2014
Excellent, very readable account of the fight for the freedom of stonehenge the people and the land
August 26, 2019
This brought back strong memories of squatting in the 90s as a student and visiting the road protests. It's a primary source for recent history.
June 14, 2020
A highly entertaining read. Although there is no denying the passion and determination of the man, reading between the lines, he would be very hard to tolerate for any length of time.
April 14, 2025
I expected it to be worse. However, don't expect much psychological insight, which naturally was what interested me to go into it, lol
June 2, 2014
Simply put: This book is one of the most influential books I've ever read. I'd probably have gone back to one name if I hadn't found this book.
It's the story of the modern-day King Arthur, founder of the Loyal Arthurian Warband (a legit druidic order), winner of Stonehenge's public accessibility. He used to be a biker.
I find myself unable to say much about this book other than: Go read it. Now. Especially if you wanna understand me.
It's the story of the modern-day King Arthur, founder of the Loyal Arthurian Warband (a legit druidic order), winner of Stonehenge's public accessibility. He used to be a biker.
I find myself unable to say much about this book other than: Go read it. Now. Especially if you wanna understand me.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews