Library Journal Review

This collection of five specials from the History Channel chronicles the rich world of Arthurian legend, medieval tournaments, and chivalric romance that continues to draw us back to a glorious past of knights and castles. Spanning a diversity of tales from Excalibur to the quest for the Holy Grail, the program introduces viewers to the fantastic exploits of the chivalrous Lancelot, beautiful Guinevere, and noble Galahad. But as these documentaries make abundantly clear, this world, originating with Geoffrey of Monmouth (c.1100-55) and Sir Thomas Malory (1405-71; Le Morte d'Arthur), is shrouded in such a degree of myth and lore that uncovering any historical authenticity of the idealized world of Camelot is all but impossible. VERDICT The information in the five specials is uneven in quality, and some of the art seems oddly out of place (conversations of fabled British leader Ambrosius are accompanied by images of the Persian king Darius III). Owing to the overall detail, expansive scope, and high-quality narration by Leonard Nimoy and Edward Herrmann, this collection has the potential to work in supporting both middle and high school history and literature curricula.-Brian Odom, Pelham P.L., AL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.