Synopses & Reviews
Steinbeck's only work of fantasy literaturein a deluxe edition with a foreword by Christopher Paolini, New York Times
bestselling author of Eragon
, Eldest
and Brisingr
Malorys Le Morte dArthur was the first book that John Steinbeck truly enjoyed reading as a child. Fascinated by Arthurian tales of adventure, knighthood, honor and friendship, in addition to the challenging nuances of the original Anglo-Saxon language, Steinbeck set out to render these stories faithfully and with keen animation for a modern audience. Here then is Steinbecks modernization of the adventure of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring the icons of Arthurian legendincluding King Arthur, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, the incomparable Queen Guinevere, and Arthur's purest knight, Sir Lancelot of the Lake.
These enduring tales of loyalty and betrayal in the time of Camelot flicker with the wonder and magic of an era past but not forgotten. Steinbeck's retelling will capture the attention and imagination of legions of Steinbeck fans, including those who love Arthurian romances, as well as countless readers of science fiction and fantasy literature.
This edition features a new foreword by Christopher Paolini, author of the number-one New York Times bestselling novels Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr. It also includes the letters John Steinbeck wrote to his literary agent, Elizabeth Otis, and to Chase Horton, the original editor of this volume.
Review
"Steinbeck embellishes Malory's spare language with a richness of detail that transforms the vision, makes it no one's but Steinbeck's."
-John Gardner, The New York Times Book Review
Synopsis
A modern retelling of the legendary Arthurian tales from one of the twentieth century?s greatest writers Morte d?Arthur was one of the first books that John Steinbeck enjoyed reading as a child, and it became a favorite story to read to his own children. Here now is Steinbeck?s only work of fantasy literature?his modernization of Malory?s adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, who together took the oath of knightship, swearing never to use violence without good purpose, to be merciful, to protect women, and never to fight for an unjust cause or personal gain. Here are the iconic and legendary tales of King Arthur, Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, Merlin, and Morgan le Fay. Christopher Paolini, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novels Eragon and Eldest, has written a new foreword offering a fresh and young perspective on this classic.
This is a book sure to capture the attention and imagination of a wide audience, including the legions of Steinbeck fans, those who love the legendary adventures of King Arthur and his Knights, as well as the countless fans of science fiction and fantasy literature, and everyone who loves Paolini?s bestselling novels.
Synopsis
Steinbeck's only work of fantasy literature-in an illustrated deluxe edition John Steinbeck's retelling of Malory's beloved Arthurian stories will capture the attention and imagination of legions of Steinbeck fans, including those who love Arthurian romances, as well as countless readers of science fiction and fantasy literature. Featuring the icons of Arthurian legend-including King Arthur, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, the incomparable Queen Guinevere, and Arthur's purest knight, Sir Lancelot of the Lake-these enduring tales of loyalty and betrayal in the time of Camelot flicker with the wonder and magic of an era past but not forgotten.
About the Author
John Steinbeck (19021968) is the author of
The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, Of Mice and Men, and many other American classics. He was one of the most prolific and influential authors of his generation and received a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962.
Christopher Paolini is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Eragon and Eldest.
Table of Contents
The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights Foreword
Introduction
I. Merlin
II. The Knight with the Two Swords
III. The Wedding of King Arthur
IV. The Death of Merlin
V. Morgan Le Fay
VI. Gawain, Ewain, and Marhalt
VII. The Noble Tale of Sir Lancelot of the Lake
Appendix