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Arthurian Anthologies
The Pendragon Chronicles: Heroic Fantasy from the Time of King Arthur
A collection of Arthurian short stories and short novels by such authors as John Steinbeck, Jane Yolen, Phyllis Ann Karr, and Andre Norton
417 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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About the author
Mike Ashley
277 books129 followersMichael Raymond Donald Ashley is the author and editor of over sixty books that in total have sold over a million copies worldwide. He lives in Chatham, Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 15, 2017
This is not a book for the timid.
As an anthology, one can't judge any part of it based on any other part of it, but it proves a legitimately difficult read, and speaking as someone who has made it through more than his fair share of Arthurian romance, that's saying a bit. Many of the writers therein felt that the best way to get their story across in contemporary fiction was to ape as closely as possible the clipped style of Malory himself, resulting in pompous, arrhythmic fiction.
The tragedy of this approach is that it doesn't really stack. There's no sense of these stories enriching what we already have. On some pages, this is justified: Steinbeck's "The Knight with Two Swords" is his translation of the original, and the tale of Jaufrey the Knight is a long-missing epic brought to light in 1853. On some pages, it reads like fan-fiction: "The King's Damosel" goes on for days with "Morte d'Arthur" cadence. The stories make very little attempt to build a connection with the reader. They come across as indulgences.
This book is one of my longer-lasting Unread - having finally gotten to it, I can see why; if I managed to open this book any time in the last twenty years, I can see myself not wholly interested. There are better stories in the Canon, modern without being modernized, which might have more than academic interest to their readers.
As an anthology, one can't judge any part of it based on any other part of it, but it proves a legitimately difficult read, and speaking as someone who has made it through more than his fair share of Arthurian romance, that's saying a bit. Many of the writers therein felt that the best way to get their story across in contemporary fiction was to ape as closely as possible the clipped style of Malory himself, resulting in pompous, arrhythmic fiction.
The tragedy of this approach is that it doesn't really stack. There's no sense of these stories enriching what we already have. On some pages, this is justified: Steinbeck's "The Knight with Two Swords" is his translation of the original, and the tale of Jaufrey the Knight is a long-missing epic brought to light in 1853. On some pages, it reads like fan-fiction: "The King's Damosel" goes on for days with "Morte d'Arthur" cadence. The stories make very little attempt to build a connection with the reader. They come across as indulgences.
This book is one of my longer-lasting Unread - having finally gotten to it, I can see why; if I managed to open this book any time in the last twenty years, I can see myself not wholly interested. There are better stories in the Canon, modern without being modernized, which might have more than academic interest to their readers.
August 19, 2014
This collection of Arthurian stories is a mixed bag. Some of the stories flowed nicely with a story that kept the interest going until the end. Others jumped all over the place with no discernible segues and that made for a lackluster read. In many of the stories the characters were ready to fight someone at the least provocation and a few of the scenes were quite gory.
December 28, 2008
This is a great collection of short stories from King Arthur lore. It also has a glossary of the characters and the different names they go by, and the places mentioned in the stories.
April 5, 2019
This is my first entry into Arthurian fiction, and while it was pretty enjoyable, it may be my last. I certainly don't say that as a slight on the works included here, I just don't think it is for me. That being said, this book contains some fun and interesting stories which are basically different author's interpretations of classic Arthurian stories of old. Some of the authors offer their own interpretations and serve up something fresh, while others have stuck more to the original formula. As with any collection of short stories with different authors, it is a mixed bag that includes some good and some bad. I was pleasantly surprised with some, like Roger Lancelyn Green's tale of Sir Percivale and Jane Yolen's "The Dragon's Boy" which may very well be my favorite of the entire book. Alas, I was quite disappointed with some others such as John Steinbeck's "The Knight with Two Swords", in which Steinbeck seemed a fish out of water, or like he was serving up a spaghetti dinner at a Mexican restaurant (if you know what I mean).
One thing I did appreciate is the editor Mike Ashley's introductions that preceded every tale. He would offer up a bit of a synopsis as to what you are about to read, what original work was referenced, and include some historical tidbits. This gives Arthurian newcomers like me a bit of knowledge and background going in. That was a nice touch.
Never the less, I can recommend this if you are curious about Arthurian fiction and would like a taste of some different authors work in the genre. If you are a true Sir Arthur aficionado, you may not be too impressed here and may be better served seeking out the classics written by the highly regarded authors of the niche genre.
One thing I did appreciate is the editor Mike Ashley's introductions that preceded every tale. He would offer up a bit of a synopsis as to what you are about to read, what original work was referenced, and include some historical tidbits. This gives Arthurian newcomers like me a bit of knowledge and background going in. That was a nice touch.
Never the less, I can recommend this if you are curious about Arthurian fiction and would like a taste of some different authors work in the genre. If you are a true Sir Arthur aficionado, you may not be too impressed here and may be better served seeking out the classics written by the highly regarded authors of the niche genre.
August 22, 2020
This has been on my shelves for years and I have finally read it through. A collection of stories from modern authors covering Arthur's birth to his 'death'. Some of the stories are enchanting and enhance the legend, some have wandered off into some rather modern interpretations. One even has werewolves.
However many of the writers explore the myth of the gallant knight and the sparkling clean court of Camelot and undermine this with the reality of weariness and soul searching that erodes the knightly demeanour.
I enjoyed many of the stories, a lot of which features women as active members of the time. The final story has a very melancholy tone as of course does 'Morte d'Arthur'. A fascinating and interesting read.
However many of the writers explore the myth of the gallant knight and the sparkling clean court of Camelot and undermine this with the reality of weariness and soul searching that erodes the knightly demeanour.
I enjoyed many of the stories, a lot of which features women as active members of the time. The final story has a very melancholy tone as of course does 'Morte d'Arthur'. A fascinating and interesting read.
March 7, 2018
Could be better. I loved "mists of avalon" and I was looking for more. This is not it. They're Arthurian tales but more traditional. If you want to know more about the story than you should read it.
August 28, 2018
Many novel retellings of the Arthurian legends. Some work better than others, but all are a tribute to the treasure trove of literature that landed on that 5th Century duke.
November 21, 2025
This was so bad I didn't even finish it all the stories are basically exactly the same
July 20, 2014
Good mixture of traditional tales of chivalry and and more modern retellings of the Arthurian legend. I found a couple of unfamiliar authors--add them to my list to follow!! Most helpful list of 100 years of Arthurian Legend at the end of the book--handy for trips to the local used bookstore!! It provides a good jumping off point from which to delve deeper and deeper into these facinating legends.
September 20, 2010
I had to stop reading this, because I was having trouble comprehending it, and what I understood was not appropriate for my age level. I really truly could not read this book, and that doesn't usually happen to me.
June 25, 2013
This was an anthology of legends about king Arthur and the knights of the round table. I liked the stories which had a nice adventure and a look back in time.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews