63 pages 2 hours read

Thomas Malory, Peter Ackroyd

The Death of King Arthur: The Immortal Legend

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1485

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Before You Read

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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.

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.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Fantasy

Mythology

Period

Medieval Literature / Middle Ages

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal