The Death of King Arthur: The Immortal Legend

Thomas Malory, Peter Ackroyd
63 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 1485

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Book Brief

Thomas Malory, Peter Ackroyd

The Death of King Arthur

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1485
Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Mythology
Period
Medieval
Setting

Britain • 5th-6th Century

Theme
Love

•

Religion & Spirituality

•

Loyalty & Betrayal
First Publication Year

1485

Publisher

Penguin Classics

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Death of King Arthur by Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd chronicles the rise and fall of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, beginning with Arthur's ascendancy after pulling a sword from a stone. Arthur faces internal and external challenges, marries Guinevere, and oversees his knights' quests, including Lancelot's love for Guinevere and the search for the Holy Grail. The narrative ends with Arthur's betrayal by Mordred, a final battle, and Arthur's departure to Avalon.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Adventurous

Dark

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Death of King Arthur by Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd has garnered praise for its rich, vivid storytelling and the seamless blend of Malory's classic tale with Ackroyd's modern narrative voice. However, some critics find the adaptation lacks originality, feeling it sometimes deviates too much from the medieval spirit. Overall, it is an engaging read for Arthurian enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Death of King Arthur?

Readers who relish chivalric adventures and medieval lore will enjoy Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd's The Death of King Arthur. Comparable to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and T.H. White's The Once and Future King, this book appeals to those captivated by epic quests, noble knights, and Arthurian legend.

Character List

The king and leader of the Knights of the Round Table, who embodies the principles of chivalry during a legendary time of heroism and courtesy.

Arthur's queen, who exemplifies courtly womanhood and navigates complex relationships within the knightly and royal community.

A French-descendant knight regarded as the greatest of all, known for his unmatched skill in battle and unwavering devotion to Guinevere.

Lancelot's son, introduced later in the narrative, who represents purity and saintliness, embarking on a quest for the Holy Grail.

Arthur's half-sister and a trickster character, who uses magic in attempts to disrupt Arthur's kingdom and thwart his knights.

The wizard mentor to Arthur, who aids in his rise to power with knowledge of magic and prophecy, yet faces eventual imprisonment.

Inspired by a legendary love triangle, he is a handsome knight renowned for his dedication to his beloved Isolde, despite various obstacles.

Celebrated for her beauty, she is Tristram's love interest, known for her commitment to him even when their relationship faces societal constraints.

A formidable knight and Arthur's ally, whose loyalty to his family and struggles with revenge shape parts of his story.

Arthur's stepbrother and a faithful knight, who remains loyal throughout the various challenges faced by the kingdom.

Cousins of Lancelot, who maintain a strong bond and loyal friendship with him throughout his adventures.

Loyal knights to Arthur, with Percival joining Galahad on the Grail quest, and Bedevere assisting a wounded Arthur in his final journey.

Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Mythology
Period
Medieval
Setting

Britain • 5th-6th Century

Theme
Love

•

Religion & Spirituality

•

Loyalty & Betrayal
First Publication Year

1485

Publisher

Penguin Classics

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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