King Arthur : His Knights and Their Ladies

by Johanna Johnston

Contents:

I. Of the Birth of Arthur
II. Of the Sword in the stone
III. Of Merlin's Help and his Forgetfulness
IV. Of the Round Table
V. Of Sir Launcelot
VI. Of Gareth and Lynette
VII. More of Gareth
VIII. Of Launcelot and Elaine
IX. More of Launcelot and Elaine
X. Of Sir Galahad
XI. Of the Death of Arthur

Genres: Historical Fiction, Arthurian, Fiction, Mythology, Classics, Fantasy

122 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[TaKeisha M McCroskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I love reading King Arthur tales. This book did a great job at simplifying these tales so they can be easily taught in a high school setting. It would serve as a good refresher if you're feeling a little blurry on the details, but keep in mind, this book is heavily simplified.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first King Arthur book I ever read at the tender age of eight, bought at a yard sale for a dime. I recently tracked it down after finding out my mom donated it to a school along with a pile of my other childhood favorites.

King Arthur: His Knights and Their Ladies is a distilled version of the King Arthur stories everyone knows. For me, it was a gateway into other Arthurian stuff and fantasy in general.

As I said, it's distilled. Arthur's origin is simplified, the Knights of the Round Table are formed, and the notable knights each get a chapter or two depicting one of their notable quests, complete with knights being bested and maidens being saved, right up until the final battle between Mordred and Arthur. Great stuff for an eight year old. For a 33 year old it's not a bad refresher.

[Divia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected to enjoy the stories a lot more. Launcelot is probably the most interesting character in the story. I thought the rest were quite bland. I think it focused more on Launcelot than Arthur. Merlin appeared very little and Morgan Le Fay had one appearance and did not really trouble Arthur at all.

Also, I think that after reading A Song of Ice and Fire chivalry lost its appeal for me. I just rolled my eyes at the damsels and true knights and how quickly they fall in love with each other at first sight.

And then there is the incest and date rape...

[Jas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and accessible collection of stories for anyone wanting to become familiar with the tales of King Arthur and his knights. There were some that I would possibly read in the future in greater detail.

[Katrina Balle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the King Arthur book, Le Morte d'Arthur, which is 750 pages and old english writing style 🥴

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're wanting to read this book for an enjoyable, pleasurable story... think again.
My husband suggested I read this book after I read a book that had some King Arthur legends stirred in it. I couldn't figure out what parts were the legends, and which were what the author made up. This book is a great juvenile summary of most of the famous Arthur legends. Now it all makes sense! And Brian says Monty Python will make more sense now. :)
So use this book for quick reference if you're dumb like me, and only know the story about the Sword and the Stone. Don't use it for a great story.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that retells a handful of stories from Le Morte d'Arthur. It's worth reading if you just want a quick overview or refresher on some of the Arthurian tales. The writing itself is decent (which, if you've read a lot of these retellings, isn't always the case,) but not engaging or rich enough to breathe new life into the stories.

[Khadeeja Tariq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice but a little kiddish. I hate the fact that Arthur actually had a kid with his half-sister and he didn't even know. Plus all that bewitching people to look like other people just for love is pretty stupid. Anyway,... it's still a classic.
3 out of 5.