I have mentioned before, I am entranced by the King Arthur and Merlin legends, so when I had a chance to request Arthur of Albion and received it from Sacramento Book Review for review, I was delighted. I got hooked on the Merlin legend when I read T. A. Barron's series The Lost Years of Merlin. This led to reading Mary Stewart's wonderful Merlin Trilogy that starts with The Crystal Cave. My husband and I both enjoyed that one and then had to track down The Hollow Hills and The Last Enchantment. Mary Stewart is a writer who completely immerses a reader in the worlds she creats. And she, of course, while telling the legendary world of Arthur through Merlin's eyes, hooked me once again on King Arthur. (I was earlier captivated by the movie in the 70’s, Excalibur.)So, as I say, when I saw Arthur of Albion listed in books to choose for review, I got my dibs in, and I wasn't disappointed. John Matthews is an expert on the Arthurian legends, and he tells ten of the main ones here in this lovely collection. If you get a chance (and if you are smitten with the Arthurian world as I am) get a copy of this book for your own private libary. And visit Sacramento Book Review for more interesting reviews by various reviewers.
What about you? Are you hooked on a particular theme or series in literature?
To the review, then:
Arthur of Albion
By John Matthews
Barefoot Books,$12.99,136 pages
Barefoot Books,$12.99,136 pages
“Gawain woke to the noise of dogs and hunting horns. The warmth of his bed only reminded him more keenly of the ordeal that lay ahead of him. For as surely as the Green Knight had risen living from the blow of the axe, Gawain knew he could do no such thing.”
In the first tale, Arthur discovers he can pull the strange sword Merlin planted in stone, thus proving he is true King of Albion. In the last tale, his nephew, Mordred, stirs up rumors about Lancelot and Guinevere that cause internal war and the destruction of Camelot. Wounded, Arthur is taken for healing to the mysterious Avalon, from which, it is said, he will one day return, bringing light again to a dark world.
Between these two tales, young readers encounter the Questing Beast, Arthur’s magical sword, Excalibur, and a mystical shining cup considered the Holy Grail. Merlin casts spells. Knights go adventuring. Damsels die for love. Honor and valor go hand in hand. Witchy Queen Morgause, Arthur’s half-sister, schemes with Mordred for Arthur’s defeat.
Tatarnikov’s muted illustrations are reminiscent of fine old tapestries, depicting a world long vanished. Matthews’ lyrical storytelling creates an intriguing introduction for young people to a legend that never dies.
