Legends of King Arthur and His Warriors

by John Matthews, R.J. Stewart, Richard Hook (Illustrator)

Legends of King Arthur & his Warriors

Genres: Arthurian, History, Historical, Mythology

1 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

John Matthews is an historian, folklorist and author. He has been a full time writer since 1980 and has produced over ninety books on the Arthurian Legends and Grail Studies, as well as short stories and a volume of poetry. He has devoted much of the past thirty years to the study of Arthurian Traditions and myth in general. His best known and most widely read works are ‘Pirates’ (Carlton/Atheneum), No 1 children’s book on the New York Times Review best-seller list for 22 weeks in 2006, ‘The Grail, Quest for Eternal Life’ (Thames & Hudson, 1981) ‘The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Wisdom’ (Element, 1994) and ‘The Winter Solstice’ (Quest Books, 1999) which won the Benjamin Franklin Award for that year. His book ‘Celtic Warrior Chiefs’ was a New York Public Library recommended title for young people.

Reviews

[David]

While accuracy does not seem to be a problem, organization definitely is. There is some useful information in the book, but it is presented in slices, or perhaps hacks, as the weapons of the time produced on inadequate helmets.

[William Wilson]

I am not certain about the quality of all the historical arguments in this book, for some seem to be on rather shaky ground. For example, the authors presume King Arthur to have been a real historical figure without presenting adequate evidence. Despite this detraction, the best aspect of this work is the attempt to interpret Arthur and his knights from a historical and mythological perspective, utilizing post-roman Britain and ancient Celtic cultural memories as the context of its interpretations. This approach places Arthur (if he existed) back in his own time and in his own cultural context: 6th-century Britain. The fruits of these reinterpretations are best seen in several retellings of Arthurian legends that seem to have been regressed to their Migration-Period antecedents. Sporting fascinating and artful retellings of various Arthurian legends, such as "The Beheading Game," and beautiful illustrations by Richard Hook, the Warrior of Arthur is well worth the price of admission.

[Robert Jr.]

The book was a bit dry. It tried to position the Arthurian legend in a historical context and from where its elements and characters, particularly Arthur, came. Only a few stories are retold placed firmly in Celtic roots with the Mabinogion being the prime source of these. I liked the full color plates painted by Richard Hook. I can't really recommend this unless you're really into Arthurian legend and its roots in actual history and ancient culture.

[Emillie Ewing]

I really liked the layout of this book. It switches between realism, using facts and historical knowledge, and then tells a story or Folk tale not based in fact. It switches between these 6 times throughout the book. I thought it was an enjoyable way to approach Arthurian legend. For me, it was a really good read.

[Fussnik]

I read this over and over again, usually at the same time as the Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart. gives a new take, and a double take, on the Arthur story. love it love it.

[Regan]

It was okay - -not what I was expecting. Mostly just the legends around Merlin and a few short stories.