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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
by
When the young Arthur pulls the embedded sword from the stone, his future as the King of England is foretold. This imaginative retelling of the classic legends recounts the story of Arthur's formation of the Knights of the Round Table, his securing of the enchanted sword Excalibur, his wooing of the Lady Guinevere and many other beloved Arthurian tales.
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Leather Bound, Illustrated Edition, 437 pages
Published
June 28th 2016
by Sterling
(first published November 1903)
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Showing 1-30
Note: this book inspires brave deeds and noble speech.
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was written in the 1800's, yet the feel and pace of this book was so modernly refreshing. I finished it in less than a week. It's not as complicated as Shakespeare to read, and I found myself gasping aloud when something happened that I had not expected- there are countless plot twists. Each chapter had me engrossed more and more. And, I feel compelled to say that the Catholicism found th ...more
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was written in the 1800's, yet the feel and pace of this book was so modernly refreshing. I finished it in less than a week. It's not as complicated as Shakespeare to read, and I found myself gasping aloud when something happened that I had not expected- there are countless plot twists. Each chapter had me engrossed more and more. And, I feel compelled to say that the Catholicism found th ...more
to be honest I struggled with this
read some passages absentmindedly just because I wanted to be done with it.
the story is good and might be enjoyable for some.
read some passages absentmindedly just because I wanted to be done with it.
the story is good and might be enjoyable for some.
May 16, 2016
Lesle
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
no-longer-own,
read-in-2016
Extremely detailed, readable, filled with an enchanting, and chivalry version of the story of King Arthur and His Knights. Howard Pyle tells the story starting from the beginning through almost all the notable Knights. You can feel his love for the legends as they come through the pages. The morals are detailed at the end of most of the major books, like making a symbolism of Excalibur and the sheath of truth and faith. The Knights of the Round Table had to prove they were high-minded, honorable
...more
Oct 20, 2012
Amalie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arthurian,
young-adult-13-to-18
Due to Howard Pyle being reproduced by multiple people, there might be some confusion. This is called "The Story of King Arthur and His Knights". It's divided into 6 sections.
Arthur and Guinevere
Lancelot
Tristam and Iseult
Elaine the Fair
Sir Galahad
The Passing of Arthur
Each of these sections carries sub-sections/chapters.
This version is certainly the most comprehensive for kids without or less with Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle and more on the great adventures of the Knights of the Round Ta ...more
Arthur and Guinevere
Lancelot
Tristam and Iseult
Elaine the Fair
Sir Galahad
The Passing of Arthur
Each of these sections carries sub-sections/chapters.
This version is certainly the most comprehensive for kids without or less with Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle and more on the great adventures of the Knights of the Round Ta ...more
Feb 08, 2019
Jennifer
marked it as did-not-finish
DNF (for now) at 51%
This is a book that I've been "currently reading" since August, meaning that I've been reading the chapters here and there for 5-6 months. For now, seeing this book on my currently reading shelf when I've barely touched it since school started is just stressing me out lol.
I think I'll go back to reading a chapter here and there when school ends and for now, I won't rate this book.
This is a book that I've been "currently reading" since August, meaning that I've been reading the chapters here and there for 5-6 months. For now, seeing this book on my currently reading shelf when I've barely touched it since school started is just stressing me out lol.
I think I'll go back to reading a chapter here and there when school ends and for now, I won't rate this book.
I Finished!!!!!
It only took almost a year but a finished.
I've attempted to read Pyle before , but his 'Robin Hood' was rather dry and I moved on to other things (AKA I'll have to catch up on Robin Hood later).
Pyle really seems to get into his element with Arthur and it shows. Nearly everything is fun. Pyle pops in with notes here and there explaining moral and his prayers for the reader, with makes me want so badly to learn about him. Interestingly I noticed Pyle has a thing for raven haired, bl ...more
It only took almost a year but a finished.
I've attempted to read Pyle before , but his 'Robin Hood' was rather dry and I moved on to other things (AKA I'll have to catch up on Robin Hood later).
Pyle really seems to get into his element with Arthur and it shows. Nearly everything is fun. Pyle pops in with notes here and there explaining moral and his prayers for the reader, with makes me want so badly to learn about him. Interestingly I noticed Pyle has a thing for raven haired, bl ...more
To whosoever withdrew the mighty holy sword, Excalibur, magically held together by an ultra-powerful sealing magic cast by the wizard Merlin, into a rock, will be crowned as King and granted the prestigious privilege to lead and rule over Brittania. To a young boy named Arthur, whose aristocratic knightly conducts and virtues had enabled him to be bestowed with such honorable position, a duty and responsibility so burdensome shall also be carried out, and the ultimate task was this: to maintain
...more
Whew! I finally finished this book. I've been trudging through for over 4 months. I HATED reading this book. I thought that it was boring and the language was hard to understand. I gave it 3 stars because, although I didn't like reading it, I like having read it. The legend of King Arthur is such a big part of our literary heritage, and I'm glad to learn a little more about the character of Arthur.
Each chapter is more or less a story on its own. The beginning of each chapter started out so bori ...more
Each chapter is more or less a story on its own. The beginning of each chapter started out so bori ...more
The book "King Arthur and his Knights" by Howard Pyle is a very fast read book. The Diction used in the book is not complex at all and the story is fairly easy to follow; If one looses track of the plot at one part in the book they can pick it back up again very quickly because of the format. This book is written to were there is a set of short stories, however there is still an overall plot. I would rate this book four out of five stars because of the format. Each of these short stories are mos
...more
This is a classic epic that generation upon generation has been introduced to in one way or another. This book by Howard Pyle is the most complete glimpse into the world of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It is a bit dated in Pyle's writing style, despite the fact that it was written in the 20th century, however, I suspect, it is a well executed attempt at writing in the style of Middle English. The stories are compelling. The characters are fresh yet familiar. Something I recomm
...more
What I liked most about Pyle's Arthur stories was that despite being a young persons' or children's book, it doesn't ever read like he's writing down to children-the stories have 'morals' too, like children's books but they are only the tiniest bit preachy not too much (like some others). I enjoyed reading these but couldn't help thinking about how even entertainment or a search for adventure involved things like jousting in which someone invariably got hurt and quite badly, at times.
What can I say about this book?
First of all, I'm a non-native speaker so, in the beginning, I found the book difficult to read because of the old English words: thee, art, thou, hath etc. But I got some help with some of those words and the other ones you can simply figure it out in the context. After some time I was reading a "modern English" book.
Second, I really enjoy reading it and was involved with the stories of King Arthur, Merlin, Sir Pellias and Sir Gwaine. The story, at the beginning, ...more
First of all, I'm a non-native speaker so, in the beginning, I found the book difficult to read because of the old English words: thee, art, thou, hath etc. But I got some help with some of those words and the other ones you can simply figure it out in the context. After some time I was reading a "modern English" book.
Second, I really enjoy reading it and was involved with the stories of King Arthur, Merlin, Sir Pellias and Sir Gwaine. The story, at the beginning, ...more
I was curious and it was available...it was fine. They didn't have much regard for women and as for the knights, they were kind of a twisted type of chivalry...all mixed up with pride and a quick temper.
Book one of a four book cycle by Pyle, Arthur's familiar early exploits are featured, and the work is then padded with descriptions of various adventures of knightly heroism. The book contains the introduction and adventures/tragedies of prominent Arthurian figures (e.g. Merlin, Nimue, Morgana Le Fay, Guinevere), though Pyle conveys none of the melancholy that should accompany Arthurian tragedy. Pyle's prose is not quite what it is in his Robin Hood tellings but, at times, reaches the same heigh
...more
Pyle's retelling is delightful, although I can't help but be struck by the feeling that it's his pseudo-medieval prose, more than anyone's, that the Monty Python team are spoofing in The Holy Grail, which is kind of odd since he's an illustrator from Delaware.
It's finally over!!!
Phew! That was a long read aloud with the kids. I think next time I will stick to something more digestible and more focused on King Arthur himself. But, that said, I am glad to have read it.
I absolutely loved this book. Being in 7th grade when I read it, the old language they used were at times a bit confusing and made me have to reread some parts, but overall I understood it. I'd heard very few things of King Arthur before I read it, but regardless it was easy to jump into. The author switching to second person occasionally made me feel like I was back in kindergarten listening to my teacher tell me a story, which was very relaxing and made me want to continue. It wasn't a chore t
...more
Every once in a great while, we are reminded of a part of ourselves that has grown faint or blurred by time. Reading Howard Pyle's stories of the Arthurian legend brought into clear focus what must have been at least a partial contribution to my childhood desires to right wrongs, and to protect those who could not protect themselves. But beyond physical action, there is a kind of true devotion and honor to these knights sorely lacking in many modern heroes. In fact, if they were to be pitted aga
...more
Howard Pyle captured me with the tales of Robin Hood, so I bought up all of the tales of Arthur and his knights (several books). This is my first foray into these tales, and it was a treat for me to finally acquaint myself with the famous knights and their deeds.
I loved reading of heroic adventures and men with a strong sense of honor. Also, for someone who usually roots for a happy ending, it's fun (although not very suspenseful) to read along and know that the heroes will always eventually suc ...more
I loved reading of heroic adventures and men with a strong sense of honor. Also, for someone who usually roots for a happy ending, it's fun (although not very suspenseful) to read along and know that the heroes will always eventually suc ...more
The book, The story of King Arthur and his Knights by Howard Pyle is written filled with violence, romance, conspiracy, and death. It uses a lot of vivid details, like a movie projected into your head while reading. Any reader will feel awed and sorrowed for the characters who were mainly impacted by the conflict. The story is third-person narrated, and each chapter, the narrator changes from character to share their opinions of what's going on. As long as a reader have a sense for time apprecia
...more
Mar 17, 2015
Heidi
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-to-kids-at-bedtime
It was a fun read-aloud with the old fashioned words and syntax, and fun to share classic legends with my kids. We all had fun trying to speak like the knights. I was a bit surprised that Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad did not enter the story, but apparently they are covered in other volumes. My sons (11 and 4 years old) really enjoyed this book, but my daughter (8 years old) hated it. I don't think the one dimensional female characters turned her off, but simply that she had no interest in jousti
...more
This was a well written book, besides all the language used that people now days don't use. The legend is really interesting. It talks about the life of Arthur Pendragon and how he became king at such a young age, and how he created his court of knights. It also talks about the adventures that King Arthur had, and the adventures that some of his knights had. The book is very detailed and the writing is very powerful. The Author even said he was going to make another book about it at the end. I r
...more
The Story of King Arthur and his Knights is the first in the series including, The Story of the Champions of the Round Table, The Story of Lancelot and his Companions and, finally, The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur. it comprises the entire Arthurian legend. i read all of these books when i was around 10, and i recommend them, as they say, to children of all ages. his language certainly SOUNDS authentic. the narrative is detailed and gripping and the illustrations, Pyle's own, beau
...more
Jan 05, 2015
Janie Tyler
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
started-reading-not-finished
I couldn't get past the language! If you enjoy over-the-top Old English writing styles to remind you that you are reading a medieval story of King Arthur & his knights, then this is your book! I personally feel the Old English was too much & could have been played down in such a way to make the reading more fluid without giving way entirely to the medieval writing style, but that's just me. I love Arthurian lore, & wish I had the patience to sift through all the junk to get to the ac
...more
Mar 03, 2013
Krisette Spangler
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
classics
The kids and I just finished reading these tales together. It was much more enjoyable than the Sir Thomas Mallory version. Hank was disappointed that Sir Lancelot doesn't make it into these stories, so we'll have to continue on with the next book in the series.
Oct 14, 2016
Chris Whisonant
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
were-read-in-2016
Enjoy reading Howard Pyle's Arthurian stories. Need to get books 2 & 3 now that I've read 1 & 4... lol
Shockingly, this is my first time reading one of the traditional King Arthur tales. Up until now, I gleaned all of my knowledge through cultural osmosis and the Disney animated movie "The Sword in the Stone." I was familiar with names like Sir Launcelot, Sir Gawain, the Round Table, and Excalibur, but I didn't really know how all of those stories fitted together and who did what to whom. So, having obtained a beautifully bound copy of this book from a friend, I gave it a go.
The stories are full ...more
The stories are full ...more
"So may God grant us to come together at another time with such happiness and prosperity that you may have a free and untroubled heart to enjoy the narrated history of those excellent men which I shall then set before you. Amen."
After I've read these sentences, I felt like a child whose grandpa had just finished the story-telling session beside the fireplace. This was a light and wonderful collection of stories bedight with sorcery and swordplay. The pacing of the stories are quick enough not to ...more
After I've read these sentences, I felt like a child whose grandpa had just finished the story-telling session beside the fireplace. This was a light and wonderful collection of stories bedight with sorcery and swordplay. The pacing of the stories are quick enough not to ...more
Pallid retelling, in cod Middle English and sanitized for sensitive young readers, of several Arthurian narratives. These stories can't be killed easily, but Pyle sure tries to suck the life out of them, mainly by generally making all the knights flatly noble, unless suffering under enchantments, but also by excising any problematic sexual content. The worst vandalism, perhaps, is done to the story of Pelleas and Ettard, in which the Lady of the Lake's giving to Pelleas of a magical gift she doe
...more
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| The Courtship of Arthur and Guenevere | 2 | 3 | Dec 17, 2018 08:55PM |
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Howard Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists a ...more
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists a ...more
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“Yea, he who is a true king of men, will not say to himself, 'Lo! I am worthy to be crowned with laurels;' but rather will he say to himself, 'What more is there that I may do to make the world the better because of my endeavors?”
—
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“And, indeed it is a very pleasant thing for to ride forth in the dawning of a Springtime day. For then the little birds do sing their sweetest song, all joining in one joyous medley, whereof one may scarce tell one note from another, so multitudinous is that pretty roundelay; then do the growing things of the earth smell the sweetest in the freshness of the early daytime—the fair flowers, the shrubs, and the blossoms upon the trees; then doth the dew bespangle all the sward as with an incredible multitude of jewels of various colors; then is all the world sweet and clean and new, as though it had been fresh created for him who came to roam abroad so early in the morning.”
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