A Companion to Arthurian Literature: 149

“This is a volume which will be of particular use to students and scholars of English-though it will be equally useful, no doubt, to readers from other traditions who need a quick, but scholarly and exhilarating, introduction largely to the English-language Arthur.” (Arthuriana, 21 January 2011)

“A must for anyone interested in the many aspects of the Arthurian legend, the book includes abundant references (including to primary sources) that will serve both those approaching this material for the first time and those pursuing complete knowledge of the subject.” (CHOICE, 2009)

“If the coverage is impressive, it is matched by the content…. Any library that covers English literature and popular culture will find this a very worthwhile and popular acquisition for a range of student, academic and other interested readers.” (Languages and Literature, Autumn 2009)

This companion is a complete guide to the canon of Arthurian literature, from its earliest beginnings to contemporary manifestations of Arthur in film and media. Leading scholars review Arthurian legends and their transformations across time, from language to language, text to film, medieval to modern.

Beginning with the debate about the “historical” Arthur and his Celtic origins, this volume chronicles the transmission and reception of the legend throughout Britain and Europe. Arthurian legends from medieval to Victorian literature are surveyed and the iconography of Arthurian themes in art is explored. The symbolic role of Arthur in modernist literature ushers in the twentieth century, while feminist and fantasy fiction bring Arthur into post-imperial contexts. Finally, the companion highlights the rebirth and legacy of the Arthurian legend in contemporary film and digital media.

Part of Wiley-Blackwell’s popular Companions to Literature and Culture series, this expansive volume enables a rich understanding of the many forms of Arthurian literature and why the legend lives on.