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Pyle's King Arthur #1
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
This title is suitable for children aged 10 to 13 years old. This imaginative retelling of the classic Arthurian legends recounts the story of Arthur's formation of the Knights of the Round Table, his securing of the enchanted sword Excalibur and his wooing of the Lady Guinevere. Included as well are the legends of Sir Pelleas, the story of Sir Gawaine's pursuit of the White Hart and tales of Merlin the magician, Morgana Le Fay, the Lady of the Lake and many others. One of the best-loved classics of children's literature, "The Story of King Arthur and His Knights" is magnificently illuminated with artwork of Howard Pyle that brings the pomp and pageantry of Camelot magically to life. This exquisite full-colour edition features an elegant bonded-leather binding, a satin-ribbon bookmark, distinctive stained edging and decorative endpapers. It's a book that will be cherished by readers of all ages.
437 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1903
883 people are currently reading
11542 people want to read
About the author
Howard Pyle
760 books315 followersHoward Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists and Wyeth family artists of the Brandywine region by Pitz. Some of his more famous students were N. C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover, Elenore Abbott, Ethel Franklin Betts, Anna Whelan Betts, Harvey Dunn, Clyde O. DeLand, Philip R. Goodwin, Violet Oakley, Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle, Olive Rush, Allen Tupper True, and Jessie Willcox Smith.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books, frequently with medieval European settings, include a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating the now stereotypical modern image of pirate dress. He published an original novel, Otto of the Silver Hand, in 1888. He also illustrated historical and adventure stories for periodicals such as Harper's Weekly and St. Nicholas Magazine. His novel Men of Iron was made into a movie in 1954, The Black Shield of Falworth.
Pyle travelled to Florence, Italy to study mural painting during 1910, and died there in 1911 from a kidney infection (Bright's Disease).
His sister Katharine Pyle was also a writer and illustrator. Their mother was the children's author and translator M.C. Pyle.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists and Wyeth family artists of the Brandywine region by Pitz. Some of his more famous students were N. C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover, Elenore Abbott, Ethel Franklin Betts, Anna Whelan Betts, Harvey Dunn, Clyde O. DeLand, Philip R. Goodwin, Violet Oakley, Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle, Olive Rush, Allen Tupper True, and Jessie Willcox Smith.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books, frequently with medieval European settings, include a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating the now stereotypical modern image of pirate dress. He published an original novel, Otto of the Silver Hand, in 1888. He also illustrated historical and adventure stories for periodicals such as Harper's Weekly and St. Nicholas Magazine. His novel Men of Iron was made into a movie in 1954, The Black Shield of Falworth.
Pyle travelled to Florence, Italy to study mural painting during 1910, and died there in 1911 from a kidney infection (Bright's Disease).
His sister Katharine Pyle was also a writer and illustrator. Their mother was the children's author and translator M.C. Pyle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
January 27, 2014
Note: this book inspires brave deeds and noble speech.
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was written in the 1800's, yet the feel and pace of this book was so modernly refreshing. I finished it in less than a week. It's not as complicated as Shakespeare to read, and I found myself gasping aloud when something happened that I had not expected- there are countless plot twists. Each chapter had me engrossed more and more. And, I feel compelled to say that the Catholicism found throughout this medieval world was so delightful to read. Unlike Ivanhoe, this book has the Church present but it doesn't bash her.
Howard Pyle's art at the introduction of each chapter was, alone, something to die for. His artwork flowed perfectly with his writing.
Five stars. Definitely would reread.
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was written in the 1800's, yet the feel and pace of this book was so modernly refreshing. I finished it in less than a week. It's not as complicated as Shakespeare to read, and I found myself gasping aloud when something happened that I had not expected- there are countless plot twists. Each chapter had me engrossed more and more. And, I feel compelled to say that the Catholicism found throughout this medieval world was so delightful to read. Unlike Ivanhoe, this book has the Church present but it doesn't bash her.
Howard Pyle's art at the introduction of each chapter was, alone, something to die for. His artwork flowed perfectly with his writing.
Five stars. Definitely would reread.
February 8, 2017
Extremely detailed, readable, filled with an enchanting, and chivalry version of the story of King Arthur and His Knights. Howard Pyle tells the story starting from the beginning through almost all the notable Knights. You can feel his love for the legends as they come through the pages. The morals are detailed at the end of most of the major books, like making a symbolism of Excalibur and the sheath of truth and faith. The Knights of the Round Table had to prove they were high-minded, honorable, a gentleman, and full of valor. The Knights were the best of the best in King Arthur's Kingdom. All of the Knights swore the Pentecostal Oath that embodied the Code of Chivalry. Which I had lost the words in memory but, realized how much I love the Oath.
We all should take the oath to remind us how to become a better human and how to treat others in our lives:
“ I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, and refute sexism in all its guises, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.”
This was the covenant of their Knighthood. They would be gentle to the weak, courageous to the strong, defend the helpless and all women should be held sacred. They would be merciful to all men, true in friendship, and faithful in love. This was their Oath and each Knight would take the Oath on the Cross of his Sword.
The tales of the dashing King Arthur, Wizard Merlin, Queen Guinevere, and the noble Knights of the Round Table as they battle and romance their way through enchanted Camelot is a thrilling adventure of the glorious age of Chivalry and Honor!
We all should take the oath to remind us how to become a better human and how to treat others in our lives:
“ I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, and refute sexism in all its guises, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.”
This was the covenant of their Knighthood. They would be gentle to the weak, courageous to the strong, defend the helpless and all women should be held sacred. They would be merciful to all men, true in friendship, and faithful in love. This was their Oath and each Knight would take the Oath on the Cross of his Sword.
The tales of the dashing King Arthur, Wizard Merlin, Queen Guinevere, and the noble Knights of the Round Table as they battle and romance their way through enchanted Camelot is a thrilling adventure of the glorious age of Chivalry and Honor!
June 25, 2022
Having realized a little while ago that all my love and understanding of Arthurian legend comes mostly from Mary Stewart's books, followed by a lot of weird stuff written largely post 1995, I thought I'd try one of the "classics" of the . . . genre? Milieu? Whatever.
This was QUITE enjoyable, and a lot different from what I was expecting. I recognized how a number of the stories about the more obscure Knights of the Round Table were recast as being about Arthur or Gawain in more recent stories.
Also, a large part of the book can be summed up thusly:
Everyone: Sir Peleas! NO!
Sir Peleas: YES.
This was QUITE enjoyable, and a lot different from what I was expecting. I recognized how a number of the stories about the more obscure Knights of the Round Table were recast as being about Arthur or Gawain in more recent stories.
Also, a large part of the book can be summed up thusly:
Everyone: Sir Peleas! NO!
Sir Peleas: YES.
Read
June 27, 2024I would have liked this better if there had been a bit more focus on grand adventures and less focus on knights going -
July 17, 2018
to be honest I struggled with this
read some passages absentmindedly just because I wanted to be done with it.
the story is good and might be enjoyable for some.
read some passages absentmindedly just because I wanted to be done with it.
the story is good and might be enjoyable for some.
May 10, 2023
My “first date” with the Arthurian legends was through Roger Lancelyn Green, and I must admit I was intrigued. This was soon followed by Sir James Knowles’ version, which made my heart sing with its rich language. But Howard Pyle’s retelling of these stories surpassed them both. I could not get enough of it. I listened to the audiobook in the evening and then found time the next day to read the same chapters over again. The last chapter (though I knew exactly what was coming) made me cry with its beauty. So glad Pyle wrote three more volumes!
Everything about this book spoke to my heart. I’ll be writing a more detailed review on my blog soon.
Everything about this book spoke to my heart. I’ll be writing a more detailed review on my blog soon.
July 9, 2024
Good, engaging storytelling. Arthur and Camelot are so woven into our consciousness that there were few surprises but an orderly set of stories fills in blanks.
October 1, 2024
As soon as I finished The Boy's King Arthur: Sir Thomas Malory's History of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, I began this. I was so glad that I had it as I am currently loath to leave Camelot! I am also glad that there are so many versions of these legends, ones that are similar as well as ones that veer off in different directions.
Howard Pyle (1853 – 1911) was born to an American Quaker family. He was a prolific writer who authored and illustrated over 24 books, mostly for young people, including the four part series, which told the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the famous ‘Round Table’, Merlin, Camelot, and so much more.
This first volume was my introduction to Mr. Pyle and his beautiful artistry and poetic style of writing. It was enchanting! He seemed to capture the dream-like quality of that far-away time and place which was the whole purpose of the legend: escape!
Once upon a time there was a truly magical place where a Mighty Great King ruled, and his name was Arthur. He had a beautiful Queen named Guinevere, an unconquerable sword called Excalibur, a wonderful wizard named Merlin to advise him, valiant knights who loved him and were (mostly) faithful to him and Life consisted of having Adventures. What kind of Adventures? Usually knights on horseback battling other knights to uphold Right and put down Wrong. The rest of the time, people went a-Maying, or had big banquets, or marriages or other wonderful times.
But there were clouds on the horizon too, as clouds there must be. Arthur’s sister, Morgana le Fay, was jealous of him and used her powers in various ways to begin to undermine the peaceful harmony of Camelot.
A most enjoyable read. I eagerly move on to The Story of the Champions of the Round Table!
Howard Pyle (1853 – 1911) was born to an American Quaker family. He was a prolific writer who authored and illustrated over 24 books, mostly for young people, including the four part series, which told the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the famous ‘Round Table’, Merlin, Camelot, and so much more.
This first volume was my introduction to Mr. Pyle and his beautiful artistry and poetic style of writing. It was enchanting! He seemed to capture the dream-like quality of that far-away time and place which was the whole purpose of the legend: escape!
Once upon a time there was a truly magical place where a Mighty Great King ruled, and his name was Arthur. He had a beautiful Queen named Guinevere, an unconquerable sword called Excalibur, a wonderful wizard named Merlin to advise him, valiant knights who loved him and were (mostly) faithful to him and Life consisted of having Adventures. What kind of Adventures? Usually knights on horseback battling other knights to uphold Right and put down Wrong. The rest of the time, people went a-Maying, or had big banquets, or marriages or other wonderful times.
But there were clouds on the horizon too, as clouds there must be. Arthur’s sister, Morgana le Fay, was jealous of him and used her powers in various ways to begin to undermine the peaceful harmony of Camelot.
A most enjoyable read. I eagerly move on to The Story of the Champions of the Round Table!
June 16, 2022
Maude Radford Warren's King Arthur and His Knights is actually very similar to The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights by James Knowles (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...). Being that both books are retellings of the Arthurian Saga, that much is to be expected, of course, but if you choose to read only one, I highly recommend Maude Radford Warren's version.
Many of the stories of Arthur and his knights related by both authors are in fact strikingly similar, and so much so, that at times one may feel a serious case of déjà vu creeping in. Even the dialog seems to be suspiciously identical in some cases. Yet there are at least two very clear reasons why Warren tells these time honored tales somewhat better than Knowles.
For starters, Knowles' prose is written in a much older style, with grammar, syntax and even numerous old English spellings that are often closer to Shakespeare than to the much more easily decipherable late nineteenth century works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for example. Warren's King Arthur is much more palatable because her writing is not only the familiar early twentieth century variety of English, but the tales are told in a very simple, straightforward fashion that really makes the text genuinely accessible to modern audiences. To be sure, as a voracious reader of Grail Lore, I certainly can't complain about reading old English. It's all perfectly clear to me in most cases, but certainly does take a bit more time and effort to digest.
In fact, Knowles' book is probably more than twice as long as Warren's, and the former naturally includes more material, but what really impressed me most about the latter version was the way Ms. Warren managed to personalize the characters and situations - particularly in the ending, which is told in a much more evocative fashion than I recall having read in the Knowles book. Seriously! Not only were the dialog and story details more interesting than in Knowles' version, but in more than one instance, Maud Radford Warren's words even brought tears to my eyes - something that I do not recall experiencing when reading Knowles.
All in all, this is a great book. If you have even a passing interest in medieval folklore, or the King Arthur legend, I highly recommend this version of the saga. It's well written, easy to read and highly engaging. Although told in more or less modern prose, it should be noted that if you're used to reading stuff by George R. R. Martin or the like, you almost certainly will not have the same experience reading this book. King Arthur and His Knights is NOT a modern styled medieval soap opera full of sex, gore and twenty-first century style easy morality, with characters that are suddenly and unceremoniously offed for the sake of keeping the narrative interesting.
Rather, these are the time-honored tales of King Arthur and his knights of the legendary Round Table. No more, no less. Maude Radford Warren's skillful retelling of the Arthurian Saga is accessible to anyone, young or old, and that's a very, very good thing. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series is of course stellar stuff, written for a modern audience spoiled by blockbuster movies and big budget HBO series, with gratuitous nude scenes and all that, but I'll take a good retelling of the story that started it all any old day.
For without these wonderful tales, there might not even be a Martin, much less a Tolkien. And even the Star Wars saga might have turned out quite a bit differently. Naturally, I love all the assorted myths and legends of mankind, old or new, but this story of a good king, his magical sword and his legendary realm of a bygone era has certainly been around for a long, long time. And even if it doesn't take place in a galaxy far, far away, it will no doubt still be influencing writers for countless years to come. So, here's to the future as well as the past. Here's to King Arthur. And Maude Radford Warren too, of course. She did a better than average job of retelling these wonderful old stories.
Many of the stories of Arthur and his knights related by both authors are in fact strikingly similar, and so much so, that at times one may feel a serious case of déjà vu creeping in. Even the dialog seems to be suspiciously identical in some cases. Yet there are at least two very clear reasons why Warren tells these time honored tales somewhat better than Knowles.
For starters, Knowles' prose is written in a much older style, with grammar, syntax and even numerous old English spellings that are often closer to Shakespeare than to the much more easily decipherable late nineteenth century works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, for example. Warren's King Arthur is much more palatable because her writing is not only the familiar early twentieth century variety of English, but the tales are told in a very simple, straightforward fashion that really makes the text genuinely accessible to modern audiences. To be sure, as a voracious reader of Grail Lore, I certainly can't complain about reading old English. It's all perfectly clear to me in most cases, but certainly does take a bit more time and effort to digest.
In fact, Knowles' book is probably more than twice as long as Warren's, and the former naturally includes more material, but what really impressed me most about the latter version was the way Ms. Warren managed to personalize the characters and situations - particularly in the ending, which is told in a much more evocative fashion than I recall having read in the Knowles book. Seriously! Not only were the dialog and story details more interesting than in Knowles' version, but in more than one instance, Maud Radford Warren's words even brought tears to my eyes - something that I do not recall experiencing when reading Knowles.
All in all, this is a great book. If you have even a passing interest in medieval folklore, or the King Arthur legend, I highly recommend this version of the saga. It's well written, easy to read and highly engaging. Although told in more or less modern prose, it should be noted that if you're used to reading stuff by George R. R. Martin or the like, you almost certainly will not have the same experience reading this book. King Arthur and His Knights is NOT a modern styled medieval soap opera full of sex, gore and twenty-first century style easy morality, with characters that are suddenly and unceremoniously offed for the sake of keeping the narrative interesting.
Rather, these are the time-honored tales of King Arthur and his knights of the legendary Round Table. No more, no less. Maude Radford Warren's skillful retelling of the Arthurian Saga is accessible to anyone, young or old, and that's a very, very good thing. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series is of course stellar stuff, written for a modern audience spoiled by blockbuster movies and big budget HBO series, with gratuitous nude scenes and all that, but I'll take a good retelling of the story that started it all any old day.
For without these wonderful tales, there might not even be a Martin, much less a Tolkien. And even the Star Wars saga might have turned out quite a bit differently. Naturally, I love all the assorted myths and legends of mankind, old or new, but this story of a good king, his magical sword and his legendary realm of a bygone era has certainly been around for a long, long time. And even if it doesn't take place in a galaxy far, far away, it will no doubt still be influencing writers for countless years to come. So, here's to the future as well as the past. Here's to King Arthur. And Maude Radford Warren too, of course. She did a better than average job of retelling these wonderful old stories.
June 6, 2023
Due to Howard Pyle being reproduced by multiple people, there might be some confusion. This is called "The Story of King Arthur and His Knights". It's divided into 6 sections.
Arthur and Guinevere
Lancelot
Tristam and Iseult
Elaine the Fair
Sir Galahad
The Passing of Arthur
Each of these sections carries sub-sections/chapters.
This version is certainly the most comprehensive for kids without or less with Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle and more on the great adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. This contains almost all the Arthurian characters, other than Fisher King. The story of the "Sword in the Stone" repeats here. After Arthur, it was once again done (but not the same sword) by Sir Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot and Elaine.
I'm so glad this had the story of Tristam and Iseult which has many elements used in the forbidden love story of Lancelot and Guinevere by Sir Thomas Malory.
Really, I think this was never there in Geoffrey of Monmouth's version, the beginning of the tales of Arthur. In other words, perhaps there had never been an affair between Sir Lancelot and Guinevere.
This version more favours that legend, though they had been very close, they never committed adultery. It is simply a villainous plot of the Knights, Mordred and Agravain. Then Mordred is not fathered by King Arthur. This book has no incest or adultery mentioned.
Also, there are some beautiful illustrations!
Arthur and Guinevere
Lancelot
Tristam and Iseult
Elaine the Fair
Sir Galahad
The Passing of Arthur
Each of these sections carries sub-sections/chapters.
This version is certainly the most comprehensive for kids without or less with Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle and more on the great adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. This contains almost all the Arthurian characters, other than Fisher King. The story of the "Sword in the Stone" repeats here. After Arthur, it was once again done (but not the same sword) by Sir Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot and Elaine.
I'm so glad this had the story of Tristam and Iseult which has many elements used in the forbidden love story of Lancelot and Guinevere by Sir Thomas Malory.
Really, I think this was never there in Geoffrey of Monmouth's version, the beginning of the tales of Arthur. In other words, perhaps there had never been an affair between Sir Lancelot and Guinevere.
This version more favours that legend, though they had been very close, they never committed adultery. It is simply a villainous plot of the Knights, Mordred and Agravain. Then Mordred is not fathered by King Arthur. This book has no incest or adultery mentioned.
Also, there are some beautiful illustrations!
February 20, 2013
Whew! I finally finished this book. I've been trudging through for over 4 months. I HATED reading this book. I thought that it was boring and the language was hard to understand. I gave it 3 stars because, although I didn't like reading it, I like having read it. The legend of King Arthur is such a big part of our literary heritage, and I'm glad to learn a little more about the character of Arthur.
Each chapter is more or less a story on its own. The beginning of each chapter started out so boring! Some night would ride off on some ridiculous quest and get into duels because someone insulted his knighthood or said their lady was more beautiful than his. For me, the story started picking up about halfway through each chapter and I got interested. But then as soon as that chapter was over, the next chapter would start and it would be boring again.
One thing I loved about this book was the illustrations. I think they were ink drawings and they were incredibly detailed and beautiful.
All, in all, good book. I'm glad that I read it, and I'm glad that I'm done reading it.
Each chapter is more or less a story on its own. The beginning of each chapter started out so boring! Some night would ride off on some ridiculous quest and get into duels because someone insulted his knighthood or said their lady was more beautiful than his. For me, the story started picking up about halfway through each chapter and I got interested. But then as soon as that chapter was over, the next chapter would start and it would be boring again.
One thing I loved about this book was the illustrations. I think they were ink drawings and they were incredibly detailed and beautiful.
All, in all, good book. I'm glad that I read it, and I'm glad that I'm done reading it.
December 17, 2025
This became post-reading for me as I didn’t get it pre-read with my son last year! This is a worthy book I am glad I went back and read though and my son loved watching me read it and was remembering and recounting all of his favorite parts! I really fell in love with so many of the stories! I always love when a missing puzzle piece of my education gets put into place and this was one of them.
August 15, 2020
This book series — The Great Illustrated Classics — are a nice way to introduce your children (and possibly, yourself) to the classics (despite their age). In this particular version of the Arthurian legend, it takes you through the discovery of King Arthur in the first three or four chapters (what the Disney classic movie, "The Sword in the Stone" retells) through the formation and demise of "the Round Table." Good work - my 8, 6, and 4 year old children were into it!
This is extra: I would advise reading these books with your children on a couch or somewhere you can all sit together, not while they are going to bed. There is one illustration per two pages, and my kids loved them. So, if I read to them while they are in their beds, they all want to hold the book individually and look at every single picture! : ) Needless to say, this book took forever. I learned they can look at the pictures all they want if we are sitting together on a couch - and no one needs to hold the book!
This is extra: I would advise reading these books with your children on a couch or somewhere you can all sit together, not while they are going to bed. There is one illustration per two pages, and my kids loved them. So, if I read to them while they are in their beds, they all want to hold the book individually and look at every single picture! : ) Needless to say, this book took forever. I learned they can look at the pictures all they want if we are sitting together on a couch - and no one needs to hold the book!
May 8, 2014
I thought that this book was pretty good. I admired King Arthur and his knights, and I enjoyed all of the jousting and fighting. I also really liked the fact that the knights valued women, God, and justice so much. Overall, this was an easy and exciting read that didn’t have any down time. However, there were so many characters and the chapters were so separated into individual adventures that I thought this book lacked some cohesiveness. The stories and characters were great, but I wish the writing had been done a little bit differently.
February 29, 2020
Sem dúvida alguma um dos grandes contos da Humanidade! Tão grande que nem se sabe se afinal é apenas conto ou se tem fundo de verdade...Uma tradução excelente,uma escrita estupenda... Realmente ler este livro é sermos transportados para um mundo e época diferentes,rodeados de cavaleiros,magia e ensinamentos para a vida (leiam e entenderão o que quero dizer!)!Um livro para ser lido por todas as idades!E tenho a certeza que em cada idade que se leia,mais coisas se vão pensando e extraindo da leitura... Muito mais que um mero conto!
did-not-finish
February 8, 2019DNF (for now) at 51%
This is a book that I've been "currently reading" since August, meaning that I've been reading the chapters here and there for 5-6 months. For now, seeing this book on my currently reading shelf when I've barely touched it since school started is just stressing me out lol.
I think I'll go back to reading a chapter here and there when school ends and for now, I won't rate this book.
This is a book that I've been "currently reading" since August, meaning that I've been reading the chapters here and there for 5-6 months. For now, seeing this book on my currently reading shelf when I've barely touched it since school started is just stressing me out lol.
I think I'll go back to reading a chapter here and there when school ends and for now, I won't rate this book.
January 11, 2015
I Finished!!!!!
It only took almost a year but a finished.
I've attempted to read Pyle before , but his 'Robin Hood' was rather dry and I moved on to other things (AKA I'll have to catch up on Robin Hood later).
Pyle really seems to get into his element with Arthur and it shows. Nearly everything is fun. Pyle pops in with notes here and there explaining moral and his prayers for the reader, with makes me want so badly to learn about him. Interestingly I noticed Pyle has a thing for raven haired, black eyed women with coral lips---- nearly all the beautiful women of note ad described this way.
While not a straight narritive of the Arthurian saga, Pyle presents different stories in arches. I want to say he almost does them like fairy tales, but there is too much intertwining and continuity between them for that to be a apt description. Some things are out of the ususal order (Merlin's death for example) , which I'm not sure is intentional or not seeing Pyle continued his saga in 4 sequels (how 'Robin Hood' is his best known book I haven't a clue, since he spent much more time on Arthur).
For parents, there is some heavy violence carried over from the legend, but mostly its kept to tasteful level (the worst is short descriptions of swords cleaving through helms into the skull). Magic is present but minimal, Merlin is a wizard/sorcerer but makes ample mention of God (so he's not a pagan here), Morgan is also one but presented here as one boiling with vengeance. The lady of the Lake and other Faye are presented as magical creatures who use 'white magic' but all in a sort of heavenly/fairy tale way.
God is extolded in the best ways, and Pyle even illustrates the book himself. Though he has this weird habit of drawing Arthur (even in stories from his peach-fuzz youth) as a sort of grizzled 45 year old man. In fact almost all the knights are portrayed in this fashion even though they mostly fall in the 20-39 year old age range.
The only thing I dislike, is the Gawiane chapters at the end of the book seems overly rushed and lack Pyle's ususal attention to detail. One part has Gawain's, loose his temper (AGAIN) and strike a knight so hard it his sword cuts past the skull, leaving the man gargling for merchy on the ground. After his temper leads him to shamefully smack the mans wife into a bleading blackout, he carries the man to rest (cause he feels guilty) and...
Later they have dinner together and chat.
what?
Sir did you forget the gapping wound in your head with the probably swelling brain?
Anyone?
Unusually sloppy.
Of course when Gwen hears what a pompus jerk Gawain is being again, she says he's putting his calling to shame.
Course he hears her and presumably before they start fighting again, Pyle tells us Gawain will prove his noble nature and gentleness in the last chapter.
OK.
So King Arthur has this plot, and the end of it he gets saved by a particularly ugly but nice old lady. He promised her shed get to pick a knight from his court to marry.
Of course she picks Gawain because (no really these are her reasons): he's got an air of nobility, a gold circlet and an attitude.
XD
Everyone seems depressed because Gawain's has to marry her, and when he does he spends the day after the service in his chambers having a pity party. Eventually that night he realizes that he should probably do his husbandly duty and guiltily visits her in the dark. She of course is in no mood for that since he's been a jerk, and he appoligizes and goes to fetch the light she requests.
When he comes back, surprise! She's a smoking hot woman. She tells him she has to spend half the day as a hag and half the day as a hottie, and asks him how he'd like it?
Of course being an arrogent male, he says he wants her hottie side at night to himself.
Wrong answer,try again.
So he tries again.
Surprise I'm hot all the time and was just testing you!
What?????¿???????????
It would be the worst story ever had Pyle not included a lengthy note about how a man should take his duty as he would marriage. I see what he was aiming for, but he promised Gawaine would learn not to be a jerk. Something tells me his editior gave him a page limit, and that's why Gwaine shorts out here. My brother tells me that Gwaine resurfaces in the sequels so hopefully the breaking of Gawaine happens then.
Otherwise, best book of the year!!!!
I need to find book 2 now....
It only took almost a year but a finished.
I've attempted to read Pyle before , but his 'Robin Hood' was rather dry and I moved on to other things (AKA I'll have to catch up on Robin Hood later).
Pyle really seems to get into his element with Arthur and it shows. Nearly everything is fun. Pyle pops in with notes here and there explaining moral and his prayers for the reader, with makes me want so badly to learn about him. Interestingly I noticed Pyle has a thing for raven haired, black eyed women with coral lips---- nearly all the beautiful women of note ad described this way.
While not a straight narritive of the Arthurian saga, Pyle presents different stories in arches. I want to say he almost does them like fairy tales, but there is too much intertwining and continuity between them for that to be a apt description. Some things are out of the ususal order (Merlin's death for example) , which I'm not sure is intentional or not seeing Pyle continued his saga in 4 sequels (how 'Robin Hood' is his best known book I haven't a clue, since he spent much more time on Arthur).
For parents, there is some heavy violence carried over from the legend, but mostly its kept to tasteful level (the worst is short descriptions of swords cleaving through helms into the skull). Magic is present but minimal, Merlin is a wizard/sorcerer but makes ample mention of God (so he's not a pagan here), Morgan is also one but presented here as one boiling with vengeance. The lady of the Lake and other Faye are presented as magical creatures who use 'white magic' but all in a sort of heavenly/fairy tale way.
God is extolded in the best ways, and Pyle even illustrates the book himself. Though he has this weird habit of drawing Arthur (even in stories from his peach-fuzz youth) as a sort of grizzled 45 year old man. In fact almost all the knights are portrayed in this fashion even though they mostly fall in the 20-39 year old age range.
The only thing I dislike, is the Gawiane chapters at the end of the book seems overly rushed and lack Pyle's ususal attention to detail. One part has Gawain's, loose his temper (AGAIN) and strike a knight so hard it his sword cuts past the skull, leaving the man gargling for merchy on the ground. After his temper leads him to shamefully smack the mans wife into a bleading blackout, he carries the man to rest (cause he feels guilty) and...
Later they have dinner together and chat.
what?
Sir did you forget the gapping wound in your head with the probably swelling brain?
Anyone?
Unusually sloppy.
Of course when Gwen hears what a pompus jerk Gawain is being again, she says he's putting his calling to shame.
Course he hears her and presumably before they start fighting again, Pyle tells us Gawain will prove his noble nature and gentleness in the last chapter.
OK.
So King Arthur has this plot, and the end of it he gets saved by a particularly ugly but nice old lady. He promised her shed get to pick a knight from his court to marry.
Of course she picks Gawain because (no really these are her reasons): he's got an air of nobility, a gold circlet and an attitude.
XD
Everyone seems depressed because Gawain's has to marry her, and when he does he spends the day after the service in his chambers having a pity party. Eventually that night he realizes that he should probably do his husbandly duty and guiltily visits her in the dark. She of course is in no mood for that since he's been a jerk, and he appoligizes and goes to fetch the light she requests.
When he comes back, surprise! She's a smoking hot woman. She tells him she has to spend half the day as a hag and half the day as a hottie, and asks him how he'd like it?
Of course being an arrogent male, he says he wants her hottie side at night to himself.
Wrong answer,try again.
So he tries again.
Surprise I'm hot all the time and was just testing you!
What?????¿???????????
It would be the worst story ever had Pyle not included a lengthy note about how a man should take his duty as he would marriage. I see what he was aiming for, but he promised Gawaine would learn not to be a jerk. Something tells me his editior gave him a page limit, and that's why Gwaine shorts out here. My brother tells me that Gwaine resurfaces in the sequels so hopefully the breaking of Gawaine happens then.
Otherwise, best book of the year!!!!
I need to find book 2 now....
November 11, 2018
To whosoever withdrew the mighty holy sword, Excalibur, magically held together by an ultra-powerful sealing magic cast by the wizard Merlin, into a rock, will be crowned as King and granted the prestigious privilege to lead and rule over Brittania. To a young boy named Arthur, whose aristocratic knightly conducts and virtues had enabled him to be bestowed with such honorable position, a duty and responsibility so burdensome shall also be carried out, and the ultimate task was this: to maintain and defend the peaceful state of the country of England, as well as bring forth the dream of long-standing unification and fellowships with the other neighboring states, making it a reality through effervescent display of chivalry and gallantry. Howard Pyle's pristine medievalesque writing tonality, adding a layer of refined classical touch and influence to his text, engrossingly rich in poetical sounding elements. In spite of its old, ostensibly outdated language, due to the author's previously mentioned narrative style, nonetheless, it was an absolutely integral key device for the manuscript, auxiliary to help it achieve for itself a fairytale-like literary effect. Pyle's take on the renownedly well-known legend was also supplemented by rigorous, artistic, and grandiose illustrations, which have assisted the readers in keeping their active imaginations aligned with the world and era, in which the saga was set in. School-aged children, as well as younger readers, may also find a boundless delectation with this book because of its facile, easy-to-follow plotting, spellbindingly predictable outline, and clear-cut quixotic adventures and battle scenes, reaching for an unblemished tale, full of wonders to satiate their little, curious minds. Lastly, aside from being only a fun-filled reading material to vanquish boredom while waiting for the passing of time, this fantasy novel could also become as good introductory point as any other versions of Arthurian legend retellings available to this day, for those of you looking to study an essentially fundamental piece of European history, which had left quite impactful heroic code of ethics, rooted deep inside the subconscious mindsets of its current people, incorporated into their everyday morality standards.
May 24, 2020
My sister says that this is one of my niece's favorite books and as such I chose to read it to break-up my one directional reading lately of journals, arcs and other nonfiction.
I haven't had a chance to read much of the Arthurian cycle but due to my deep study of mythoi I can already tell that this particular retelling is quite an anemic insult to the original cycle. As a result the events that are presented in the book are just the barest minimal salute to main events in the Arthurian lore if even that, the characters have been ironed into nothingness and the rich detail of fantasy has been but all evaporated up. It is truly sad that this is a beginner book and one considered a Classic. What this means is that the duplicitous conceiving of Arthur, the quest of the Holy Grail, the claiming of the Seat Perilous, the battle of the two wryms, the challenge of the Green Knight, the infamous affair, the hope of the entombed Merlin and so much more are missing
Something that I have to give props to, though, is that even though it is an introductory book for those who haven't read the deeper Classics this one is a lot more friendlier to the portrayal of certain members such as Guinevere and Launcelot while Guinevere's only awful deeds are how she is portrayed to a disguised Arthur. There is basically almost no sexual immorality in the book but instead a lot more battling and bloodshed so for those who are looking for a clean read there is a middle ground if you want to see it as such.
The illustrations are definitely not some of the best either. Most of the times the faces of the characters are some type of mangling and I notice that there is a lot more black used than is normal.
All in all my niece may enjoy this particular retelling and so may other younger audience or those who just need a quick read. But otherwise if you want adventure, courtly love, a story of morals and all the fantastical complexities known to Arthur this is one book to steer clear from.
I haven't had a chance to read much of the Arthurian cycle but due to my deep study of mythoi I can already tell that this particular retelling is quite an anemic insult to the original cycle. As a result the events that are presented in the book are just the barest minimal salute to main events in the Arthurian lore if even that, the characters have been ironed into nothingness and the rich detail of fantasy has been but all evaporated up. It is truly sad that this is a beginner book and one considered a Classic. What this means is that the duplicitous conceiving of Arthur, the quest of the Holy Grail, the claiming of the Seat Perilous, the battle of the two wryms, the challenge of the Green Knight, the infamous affair, the hope of the entombed Merlin and so much more are missing
Something that I have to give props to, though, is that even though it is an introductory book for those who haven't read the deeper Classics this one is a lot more friendlier to the portrayal of certain members such as Guinevere and Launcelot while Guinevere's only awful deeds are how she is portrayed to a disguised Arthur. There is basically almost no sexual immorality in the book but instead a lot more battling and bloodshed so for those who are looking for a clean read there is a middle ground if you want to see it as such.
The illustrations are definitely not some of the best either. Most of the times the faces of the characters are some type of mangling and I notice that there is a lot more black used than is normal.
All in all my niece may enjoy this particular retelling and so may other younger audience or those who just need a quick read. But otherwise if you want adventure, courtly love, a story of morals and all the fantastical complexities known to Arthur this is one book to steer clear from.
November 25, 2016
سمعت وقرأت الكثير عن الملك آرثر وسيفه السحري المشهور إكسكاليبور ، بالإضافة إلى فرسان الطاولة المستديرة.
جاءت هذه القصص جميلة ومُمتعة ومُختصرة تحكي عن قصة الطفل الذي أصبح ملكاً لبريطانيا إثر مُعجزة تفوق الخيال ، وتحكي أيضاً عن مغامراته مع فرسانه الشجعان بعد تتويجه ملكاً.
جاءت هذه القصص جميلة ومُمتعة ومُختصرة تحكي عن قصة الطفل الذي أصبح ملكاً لبريطانيا إثر مُعجزة تفوق الخيال ، وتحكي أيضاً عن مغامراته مع فرسانه الشجعان بعد تتويجه ملكاً.
July 2, 2020
Good reading for kids. Not bad for adults either.
July 11, 2024
I pre-read this book because I plan to read it with my son for school soon and I enjoyed it much more than I expected to. The way the dialogue is so richly worded makes the stories all the more interesting. There are a few parts I would edit, such as those that contain graphically bloody descriptions, so I definitely recommend pre-reading this before reading with your younger aged children.
One of my favorite parts is when the author breaks from the narrative story to speak directly to his reader. He shares some sound wisdom we can all gain from…
(in reference to Merlin)
“The wisdom he possessed in great measure was the cause of his own undoing. Which I hope you will take that story unto heart. That those gifts that of mind or person that God assigned to you may not be so misused by you or others that they become the means of compassing your own downfall. For it shall not excuse you in any wise that, as you journey forward in your life, you shall find many men who, like Merlin, have been endowed by the grace of God with very great gifts of talent which they might very easily use to the great benefit of mankind, but which they so misuse as to bring the greater ruin upon themselves and the greater harm unto other men. Therefore, seek to guard yourself well, not only against sin, but against folly and weakness likewise.”
I also admire and appreciate the knights oath:
“I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.”
If you are studying The Middle Ages or your child has an interest in knights, I would recommend adding this to your book list.
One of my favorite parts is when the author breaks from the narrative story to speak directly to his reader. He shares some sound wisdom we can all gain from…
(in reference to Merlin)
“The wisdom he possessed in great measure was the cause of his own undoing. Which I hope you will take that story unto heart. That those gifts that of mind or person that God assigned to you may not be so misused by you or others that they become the means of compassing your own downfall. For it shall not excuse you in any wise that, as you journey forward in your life, you shall find many men who, like Merlin, have been endowed by the grace of God with very great gifts of talent which they might very easily use to the great benefit of mankind, but which they so misuse as to bring the greater ruin upon themselves and the greater harm unto other men. Therefore, seek to guard yourself well, not only against sin, but against folly and weakness likewise.”
I also admire and appreciate the knights oath:
“I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.”
If you are studying The Middle Ages or your child has an interest in knights, I would recommend adding this to your book list.
January 24, 2024
This collection of Arthurian legends was quite the uneven experience. The book contains stories about King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. There are stories here that everyone knows like the legend of the sword in the stone and the Lady of the Lake. Interestingly enough, the sword in the stone and the sword from the Lady is not the same sword, despite both being wielded by King Arthur. Only the latter is actually his magic sword, Excalibur, which must be one of the greatest names for a sword ever. Anyways, there are some stories here that are entertaining as they follow the structure of a classical fairy tale, others however, are middling, mediocre and downright a slog. Most of the encounters all end the same way in King Arthur or a knight facing of a knight that wants to fight for honor. When there is some sort of trick or challenge to overcome, these encounters are fairly enjoyable. Unfortunately, a lot of these encounters are simply the protagonist overcoming their enemy simply for being better in combat. It was a decent read as it is mostly an okay book, but it is definitely not a great one.
October 31, 2022
Well that took me long enough to read. 😂 I enjoyed it! Not my favorite Pyle book, but it was good.
(Lower star rating is due to magic content).
(Lower star rating is due to magic content).
September 17, 2025
Great stories inspiring courage! One theme remained with me through it all: when a good king reigns all his people truly live.
October 1, 2021
This book was a slog to get through. I disliked the author's writing style; it made what should have been a fascinating retelling of legends boring. Rather than storytelling and interesting dialogue, it was almost completely exposition, which made the book really dry. Also I believe the author was trying to make the reader like the characters, but they weren't well-written. They were also written as people with mostly negative/bad traits but the author tried to present it positively, which I found problematic. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
May 30, 2016
What I liked most about Pyle's Arthur stories was that despite being a young persons' or children's book, it doesn't ever read like he's writing down to children-the stories have 'morals' too, like children's books but they are only the tiniest bit preachy not too much (like some others). I enjoyed reading these but couldn't help thinking about how even entertainment or a search for adventure involved things like jousting in which someone invariably got hurt and quite badly, at times.
September 3, 2020
Still one of the best stories ever written for children and young people, and my favourite retelling of the Arthurian legend. A delight to read to my kids at bedtime. Pyle's illustrations are beautifully elegant, whimsical, and refined in style. Revisiting this series again for the first time since childhood.
August 7, 2023
Waylon says this one has everything a good book should have, a good plot, betrayal, a plot twist, and cool characters. King Arthur was his favorite character, tied for my favorite was Morgana Le Fay and Vivien.
May 16, 2018
I freaking enjoyed everything in this book, starting from the simple narration to the illustrations.
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