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Summary
Summary
A retelling of four Arthurian legends, "The Sword in the Stone," "Excalibur," "The Lady of the Lake," and "The Last Great Battle," which feature Merlin, King Arthur, and other familiar figures.
Author Notes
Sir Thomas Malory, 1405 - 1471 Sir Thomas Malory's works (consisting of the legends of Sir Lancelot, Sir Gareth, Sir Tristram, and the Holy Grail, as well as the stories of King Arthur's coming to the throne, his wars with the Emperor Lucius, and his death) are the most influential expression of Arthurian material in English. The author's sources are principally French romances; his own contributions are substantial, however, and the result is a vigorous and resonant prose. "Le Morte d'Arthur," finished between March 1469 and March 1470, was first printed in 1485 by William Caxton, the earliest English printer.
Malory is presumed to have been a knight from an old Warwickshire family, who inherited his father's estates about 1433 and spent 20 years of his later life in jail accused of various crimes. The discovery of a manuscript version of "Le Morte d'Arthur" in 1934 in the library of Winchester College, supported the identification of Malory the author with Malory the traitor, burglar, and rapist. It showed that many of the inconsistencies in the printed text were traceable to the printing house rather than to the author. The most reliable modern version, therefore, is one like Eugene Vinaver's that is based on the Winchester manuscript.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (5)
Publisher's Weekly Review
The creators of the Caldecott Medal-winning Saint George and the Dragon gracefully present three Arthurian legends, adapted from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. Presented in an elegantly designed volume that recalls illuminated manuscripts, the retellings benefit from Hyman's India ink-and-acrylic compositions, framed by elegant gold-leaf borders (which also encompass the text), and floral decorations that vary with each story. (A concluding artist's note credits their inspiration as the 16th-century Italian Farnese Hours and the 14th-century English Luttrell Psalter.) Hodges crystallizes the main events into fluid prose. In the first and strongest of the three chronicles ("The Sword in the Stone"), she tells of how young Arthur fulfills Merlin's prophecy ("Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king born of all England") and how he comes to possess Excalibur. In the subsequent tales ("Excalibur" and "The Lady of the Lake"), the author introduces characters fast and furiously, but Hyman's full-page and panel illustrations help to clarify the events. A coy portrait of Guinevere, for instance, substantiates Merlin's claim that "this lady will bring you grief" and facing blood-red panels lay out the battle scene as Mordred and Arthur race toward each other from across the gutter, "a hundred thousand knights lying dead around [them]." The holly vines that frame this last episode make subtle reference to the tale's Christian roots. A compelling introduction to the Arthurian legend. All ages. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Based on an early manuscript of Sir Thomas Malory+s Le Morte d+Arthur, this retelling of the legend of King Arthur proceeds from his birth until he is taken away to Avalon at the end of his life. Intricate borders and romantic art illustrate the formally written three chapters. This solid introduction to Arthurian lore will encourage readers to learn more. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6, younger for reading aloud. Undertaking a seemingly impossible task, Hodges distills the many tales of Arthurian legend into a brief but coherent story in three parts. The Sword in the Stone tells of Arthur's early years under the guidance of Merlin, ending with his acceptance of Excalibur and its scabbard and his ascension to the throne. Excalibur involves the treachery of Morgan le Fay, who twice stole the magic sword and scabbard, and Mordred, who undermined the ideals of the Round Table. The Lady of the Lake describes Arthur laying siege to Lancelot's castle, fighting Mordred to the death, and, mortally wounded, being taken to Avalon. An appended author's note discusses her source, Sir Thomas Malory's collection of the legends of King Arthur. Hodges offers children a compact book written with the dignity and spirit of Arthurian tradition, giving meaning and context to the hundreds of tales of knightly deeds that can be found in larger collections as well as picture-book editions. Hyman's illustrations include dramatic acrylic paintings of scenes in the story, ornate initial letters for the text, and elaborate yet graceful seasonal borders on each page. Illuminated with heraldic colors and gold in the glorious tradition of medieval bookmaking, this beautiful volume offers a well-designed introduction to the well-loved tales. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-6-This is a straightforward, expertly streamlined retelling of three popular Arthurian legends: "The Sword in the Stone," "Excalibur," and "The Lady of the Lake," based on the Winchester College manuscript of Sir Thomas Malory's work. With its fairly simple vocabulary and succinct style, the lyrical narrative can be enjoyed if read independently or in a group setting. The truly distinguishing feature of this book is Hyman's detailed, colorful acrylic artwork, which works so well at conveying the action of the stories. In keeping with the feel of a medieval illuminated manuscript, each page has an attractive, elaborate border partially painted with gold ink that glows with all the richness of gold leaf. The initial letter of each tale is beautifully embellished, also contributing to the antique style of the book. Pair this with the author and illustrator's Saint George and the Dragon (Little, Brown, 1984) for another exemplary look at British legends, stunningly illustrated.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A perfectly beautiful small volume by the wizardly team of Hodges and Hyman. What is magical about this retelling of three stories in the Arthurian legend is that the language is simple and lucid enough for young children without diluting the power of the telling. Hodges bases her text on the Winchester manuscript of Sir Thomas Malory, and Hyman credits both the Luttrell Psalter and the Farnese Hours with her inspiration. No matter: what young readers will see is each page bordered in illuminations of flowers, strawberries, holly, and each picture reflecting the tale as it is told in images as rich and limpid as the text. The first tells of Arthur's parentage and birth, and his pulling of Excalibur from the stone, and his coronation. The second of his marriage to Guinevere, the treachery of Morgan le Fay, and the power of Excalibur. The third recounts Arthur's last battle and his journey to Avalon. A wonderful addition to the inexhaustible riches of Camelot. (author's note) (Folklore. 6-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
