King Arthur Returns

by Debra N. Mancoff

Wrapped in the mists of Avalon since the Middle Ages, the Once and Future King made his promised return in the nineteenth century. The Return of King The Legend through Victorian Eyes celebrates the unprecedented revival of the Arthurian legend in the arts and popular culture of Victorian Britain (1837-1901). In a rich array of poetry, painting, children's stories, and plays, Arthur and his noble knights and ladies were reborn. The legend was not simply the new generation reinvented the saga and its heroes in their own image, creating metaphors for their notions of monarchy, the roles of men and women in society, and the proper path for children to follow.In The Return of King Arthur, Debra N. Mancoff reveals why the legend resonated so deeply during Victoria's reign. Retold in the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, William Morris, and Sir Walter Scott, and envisioned in the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and in book illustrations by such artists as Arthur Rackham and Aubrey Beardsley, the legend of King Arthur and his compatriots in chivalry became the code for every facet of Victorian culture.Informative and entertaining, and handsomely illustrated with more than 130 evocative and heroic works of art, The Return of King Arthur captures the romance of this age-old legend and shows us how the Victorian words and images have shaped our own great interest in it today.

Genres: Arthurian, Art, History, Victorian

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys reading Arthurian stuff, I loved this. Mancoff looks at how the myth changed in the Victorian era and also how it was used to instil Victorian values. With chapters on men, women and children she examines art and literature of the time, with a major focus on the Arthurian poetry of Tennyson. Great choice of artworks discussed and shown.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debra Mancoff brings the reader into the world of the Victorian world. She shows how Queen Victoria becomes "the bride of Arthur". She also instructs the reader on the variety of retellings that came from this particular era. She spoke of a piece called "The Egyptian Maid" in which Galahad is blissfully wedded. She also presents the complicated personality of Lancelot...the knight whose conscience is divided by enduring loyalty and adulterous sin.

[AndrewYoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Terrific Terrific. What a wonderful cultural companion to all things Arthurian and filled with great references and notes to other works I’ve since investigated and enjoyed. This work was wonderful and so helpful, it’s literally an act of generosity to western culture.