Question H

[Jonetta]

The author again infuses a bit of fact with fiction in this story. In addition to Alfred being based on a true character, were you aware of the history of the Glastonbury Cross prior to reading this book?

[Jonetta]

I was unaware of the desire to continue the Arthurian legend and the hopes around his return that spawned the need for fakery. I learned something.

[Charlene]

I was completely unaware of the expectations for "the once and future king" other than that Arthur was called this. I did wonder, from time to time, why the English rejected their monarchs so regularly but had no idea Arthur was expected as a messianic figure.

The government's knowledge and resort to the fakery was unexpected, but seeing a character like Jarvis manipulating such things and blaming the French during Napoleon's time made for compelling reading.

[Lauren]

I teach a course on Myth & Legend and my college and we discuss the Arthurian Legends and whether or not King Arthur was a real person.

There are some fantastic books and documentaries that present all the evidence (including the Glastonbury Cross - which was definitely forged by monks), and reveal that most of the information we accept as true about Arthur (Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin, etc) comes from Sir Thomas Mallory's Le Morte D'Artur, and that the real King Arthur (if he even existed) would have been a 5th century chieftain not a medieval knight.

[Lauren]

If anyone is interested the 3rd book in Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death series also deals with the Arhturian theme and the Glastonbury connection -

[Jonetta]

Thanks for this, Lauren! I'd always believed King Arthur a myth until this story:)

[Veronica]

Lauren wrote: "If anyone is interested the 3rd book in Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death series also deals with the Arhturian theme and the Glastonbury connection - "

I still have to get back to this series. I'm waiting for word on the daughter's progress with the fifth book though.

I wasn't aware of the Glastonbury cross prior to reading this book. I can't really blame the common folks for wishing for Arthur's return what with Prinny the Ninny on the throne.

[Lauren]

Veronica wrote: "I still have to get back to this series. I'm waiting for word on the daughter's progress with the fifth book though."

It's taking her FOREVER and I really want to know what happens because of the darn cliffhanger at the end of book #4!

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

I have taken history courses in University but have not looked into the Arthurian Legend. After reading this book though, I will be looking into it.