King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

Excellent overview and adaptation of the Arthurian myths based on Mallory's version, and prepared for younger readers but not condescending or sanitized for them. I read this as a bedtime story for my daughter over the past several months, one chapter a night when we did bedtime stories. I used it as an opportunity to talk about history and myth with her, concepts like chivalry and the role of the Church. Reading aloud, I grew a keener appreciation for the depth of classical storytelling and how the literature built upon earlier stories and formed foundational elements of culture. The Arthurian stories truly are the "Matter of Britain," as they speak to the departure of Rome, the decline of Romano-British culture, the arrival of the Saxons, and interplay of the Britons and Celts across the ages. The way in which early Christian culture provided a sanctifying skein to a pagan past. Whether one likes old stories or not, one should at least be familiar with them, and take them as they are. RL Green's membership in The Inklings further informs the richness of this book. One note, the epilogue, which relates some of the voluminous folklore surrounding Arthur's death and return adds an eerie coda to the story, especially the final mini-story, almost included like an afterthought, but in many ways a miniature ghost story, a bit terrifying an apocalyptic in implication.

Written for younger readers, Roger Lancelyn Green tells the essential stories of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Merlin, and the most prominent knights of the Round Table. As such, it is a condensed version of much larger medieval works, such as Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur. Green's writing style retains some of the Old-World sound but edited enough so as not to be much of a burden for today's readers. Moreover, Green smooths out some of the ambiguity of older versions (such as the origin of the sword Excalibur) and provides some helpful clarity (for example, Arthurian lore contain a number of ladies named Elaine so Green specifies which Elaine is referenced when such a character appears or is mentioned). I have read several versions of Arthurian lore, medieval & modern, including Le Morte D'Arthur (the unabridged version, twice over). I believe that Green does a masterful job in presenting the essential tales. In terms of age, I recommend it for teens (it may be a bit much for younger kids), but also for adults interested in a clear, condensed, & cohesive introduction to the legends.

I like that this is written on about a 5th grade level I think. While there are words some fifth graders won't understand, it's not too hard to read and is interesting.

I’m reading this with my daughter for school and mind you we haven’t finished but honestly this book is all over the place. Constant introduction of names and characters who randomly pop in and out and add nothing to the overall story. I feel like I’m in someone’s weird and incohesive dream. I gave it 5 stars because it came on time and in perfect condition. I generally love classics, of which this is considered but this is painful to read.

I am currently reading this book, and it is very good. I read the reviews on many other editions of the Arthurian legends, as well as some of the reviews on this one. I was looking for an edition that was faithful to the original sources, yet accessible and enjoyable to read. I would say that this is a good modern edition for the general reader. I would recommend it. I subsequently ordered the hardbound edition of this book.It is beautiful, well-made and well-designed. I would also recommend this edition. As a final note, It would be helpful if the book descriptions and reviews all matched the book being sold. Sometimes they don't, and it can be confusing. I don't remember having this problem with this particular book, but I noticed it when trying to get information and reviews on some of the others.

And we are enjoying it too!

This book for being Published back in the 90s came in incredible condition. The sellers really takes good care of their products. I have always been a fan of the children told King Arthur tales and this is wonderful book to add to my library.

I liked it, but I wish it had more to it... it felt like half of the Disney movie "The Sword in the Stone".... yet I know it had well beyond far more in it than the Disney movie did... I just wish that there was more to it all (stories, lessons, etc.)... with that being said I am still searching for a "version" with more to it (I was a history major and philosophy & anthropology minor in college, so take what I'm saying with AT {THE VERY} LEAST a grain of salt)....

Like all classical books, the language quality is excellent. A great way of cultivating the mind while enjoying a good read.

Who doesn't love the story of King Arthur, Merlin and all the knights - their adventures, excitement and danger. Full of thrills of a former time and with an overall theme of goodness and doing what is right. Although one the boys really want to read, girls also really enjoy the tales of this era in history.

Review of “King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table” ISBN: 9780141321011 This is one of the best introductory books on the stories related to King Arthur. The book was not an easy read as I have assumed it to be. There are many named characters whose names are difficult to remember. An added difficulty is that the author tried to retain the Middle English variety into his retelling of the stories. What it means is that the sentences are difficult to comprehend for an average Indian reader. But apart from all this, if we spent some good time figuring out some of the archaic words and the archaic sentence constructions, it is a worthy read. This edition of puffin classics has good paper quality and big enough fonts for a pleasant read.

Respect for the death of sir Lancelot.

Having read reviews which claim this book is written in language which is archaic, it left me wondering exactly what the reviewers were expecting. From their words, I was anticipating something between the King James Bible and Shakespeare. This book is nothing of the sort. The language is clear and fully comprehensible yet gives a flavour of yesteryear in the re-telling of the Arthurian Legend. Had other reviewers referred to Sir Thomas Malory's work, 'Le Morte d'Arthur' published in 1485 by William Caxton, I might have understood where they were coming from. Have no fear, this book is entirely suitable for children of ten years and upwards who will discover the tales exciting and memorable. Every child should be given the opportunity of uncovering the gems of British mythology as it forms part of who we are and why. It is a lead to studying British history and beyond. The tales have a good flow and are comprehensive. The book is also perfect for reading aloud. There are no colourful illustrations but there are plentiful woodcuts and the emphasis is placed on each story. I thoroughly recommend it.