Two Questions

[moonstone-icons.livejournal.com]

I have two questions I hope you all can help me with.

1. Where can I find Arthurian Images (artwork and such) that I can use for a header for my LJ?

2. I'm a newbie to the Arthurian Legend and I'd like to know which book(s) do you recommend I start reading to learn more about it?

Thank you so much!

Comments

[custodianiseed.livejournal.com]

Well I'll pass on the first question due to my own ignorance.

As for the second, it depends on whether you're interested in the story aspect of it or 'the historial Arthur'. On either count I wholeheartedly recommend 'The Once and Future King' which is by T.H. White. But there are many, many fine books out there.

:o)

[witchylatina.livejournal.com]

I would do a google search for the images and by saving those you find; you'll be able to add to your LJ later. Here's one I found using google:

http://www.logoi.com/pastimages/img/king_arthur_3.jpg

For the second question, I would suggest that you start with Le Morte D'Arthur by Malory. It would be better that you start from the beginning and then work your way toward the modern interpretations. My favorite is "Mists of Avalon."

[coralonline.livejournal.com]

I'd also recommend "The Once and Future King" by White and "Mists of Avalon" by Marion Bradley.. I'd read White first, cause that one really gives you a good account of the whole legend (and the first part is just so hilarious =P).
"Mists of Avalon" is an amazing book you should definitely read, but I guess it's nice to know a bit more of the story before reading that one, so read White first =)

[coralonline.livejournal.com]

BTW, if you're ever able to watch the "Mists of Avalon" series (a short series of four episodes), you should definitely do so. Maybe better after you read the book.. although I saw the series first and still liked the book =)

[pharmakeus.livejournal.com]

The basis for TH White's book, le Morte Darthur was written by Thomas Malory in the late 15th century, and is basically the Essential Arthurian Collection. TH White is a good inroad to it, though, because it can be dense or slow reading if you aren't used to the style.

Tennyson also wrote The Idylls of the King and The Lady of Shalott, which are romantic poetic retellings of some of the stories. I love the Lady of Shalott because it is the poem Anne almost drowns reenacting in Anne of Green Gables.

I would also check out a translation of Chretien de Troyes' Romances (particularly the edition translated by David Staines). They are the French high-romance tales of the 14th century.

ALSO: Gawain and the Green Knight, which is one of the best Middle English poems ever written. If you get the Penguin version, they've translated it nicely. Good story about the Jolly Green Giant, growing up, and learning to laugh at yourself.

And, if you're very brave: PARZIVAL (in translation), by Wolfram von Eschenbach, which is an Old German retelling of one of the stories in Chretien's Romances. It's also the basis for Wagner's eponymous Opera.

Queen of Camelot

[(Anonymous)]

and i would recommend Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot! it is a page-turner. i really love it, because it is a version, where guinevere doesn't really betray arthur. if you don't like the "women are all evil. they are temptation"-sort-of-thing then definitely check it out. it portrays strong female characters (especially queen guinevere, of course)and has a great writing style. the romantic, epic and ledendary tale of king arthur, guinevere and the round table knights are all depicted most satifactory.
here is the summary of the plot:
Part I: The Child Queen
Guinevere recounts the story of her life: rivalry with Elaine, meeting Lancelot, marriage to Arthur — all set against a background of love, envy, ambition and betrayal in the violent world of 5th century Britain.

Part II: The High Queen
Guinevere weaves the threads of Mordred’s ambition, Lancelot’s guilt, Morgan’s devilry, Arthur’s courage and Gawaine’s revenge into a rich tapestry depicting the glorious era of the once and future King.

“McKenzie makes a quantum leap in defining the character of Guinevere as a real, flesh-and-blood woman . . . Guinevere . . . comes alive — a strong, resourceful and compassionate woman, accessible to modern folk.”

[theswordmaiden.livejournal.com]

If you want a very very early source for Arthurian Legend, definitely read The Mabinogi, translated by Patrick K. Ford.

In particular, there is a story in there about Culwch and Olwen, which has Arthur and his court. It is one of the earliest stories that ever mentions Arthur.

[access-identity.livejournal.com]

I don't know if you're interested, but I make a fanart of Arthur and his knights...
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/47282768/