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The epic story of King Arthur never fails to stir the imaginations of readers everywhere, and this outstanding illustrated version showcases original artwork that creates a unique vision of Camelot. Some of these breathtaking watercolors and pen-and-inks have hung in museums, including the depiction of Tintagel Castle, the Sword in the Stone, Merlin and Nimue, and Guenevere rescued from the stake.

Bulfinch's Mythology: The Age of the Fable, The Age of Chivalry, Legends of Charlemagne

"The Age of Chivalry" contains modern language retellings of many of the legends of Arthur.

Nonfiction

King Arthur by Norma L. Goodrich

The many readers who are enthralled with the enduring legend of Camelot will be drawn to this fascinating book, which "may become the definitive work in the effort to prove the historical authenticity of King Arthur.

Merlin by Normal L. Goodrich

A bestselling author and professor brings the historical figure of Merlin to life--the Merlin who prophesied his own death and was a counselor to kings as well as a scientist, humanist, and man of mystery.

Fiction/Fantasy Novels

Bradley, Marion Zimmer. The Mists of Avalon

Even readers who don't normally enjoy Arthurian legends will love this version, a retelling from the point of view of the women behind the throne. Morgaine (more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (a Welsh spelling of Guinevere) struggle for power, using Arthur as a way to score points and promote their respective worldviews. The Mists of Avalon's Camelot politics and intrigue take place at a time when Christianity is taking over the island-nation of Britain; Christianity vs. Faery, and God vs. Goddess are dominant themes.

Cooper, Susan. The Dark is Rising Sequence
Over Sea, Under Stone
Three children on a holiday in Cornwall find an ancient manuscript which sends them on a dangerous quest for a grail that would reveal the true story of King Arthur.
The Dark is Rising
On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the six magical Signs that will enable the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark.
Greenwitch
Jane's invitation to witness the making of the Greenwitch begins a series of sinister events in which she and her two brothers help the Old Ones recover the grail stolen by the Dark.
The Grey King
A strange boy and dog remind Will Stanton that he is an immortal, whose quest is to find the golden harp which will rouse others from a long slumber in the Welsh hills so they may prepare for the ultimate battle of Light versus Dark.
Silver on the Tree
In this conclusion of the tale begun in "Over Sea, Under Stone," Will Stanton, the Welsh boy Bran, and the Drew children try to locate the crystal sword that alone can vanquish the strong forces of Dark.

Pyle, Howard. The Story of the Champions of the Round Table.
---. The Boy's King Arthur.
---. The Story of King Arthur and His Knights
Early 20th century tellings of the Arthur legends; emphasize chivalry and heroism over magic

Springer, Nancy. I Am Mordred: A Tale from Camelot
When Mordred learns the identity of his father, he struggles with feelings of hatred, but also fights the fate which determines that he kill the good and gracious king.
I Am Morgan LeFey: A Tale from Camelot
In a war-torn England where her half-brother Arthur will eventually become king, the young Morgan le Fay comes to realize that she has magic powers and links to the faerie world.

Woolley, Persia. Arthurian Trilogy

Child of the Northern Spring: the first in a trilogy, covers Guinevere's early years, narrated by the Princess herself.

Queen of the Summer Stars: second volume follows Guinevere from the second to the 10th year of her marriage to King Arthur. In this vivid, colorful and homey retelling, Guinevere is a caring and faithful wife and queen, deeply in love with her husband and despairing of her childlessness. As Arthur and his men strive to unify Britain and preserve it from invading Saxons, the various Companions are shown as courageous but all-too-human warriors and courtiers. Lancelot, the king's chief advisor, is cold to the queen, but when he serves as her champion after she is accused of attempted murder, this hostility is dispelled. Loyalty and their mutual love for Arthur keeps them from succumbing to desire. Morgan le Fay, Arthur's half sister, lusts for the crown; her machinations lie behind many of the troubles that afflict the royal couple, a fact Arthur is slow to accept.

Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn

The final volume of Wooley's Arthurian trilogy, following Child of the Northern Spring and Queen of the Summer Stars , plays out the doom that overtakes King Arthur's dreams of peace and civilization for Britain. While the king works to stabilize his realm after the armed conflicts of earlier years have given way to an uneasy peace, the childless Guinevere takes in and raises Mordred, the offspring of her husband's brief and unknowing coupling with his half-sister Morgause. Mordred, ignorant of their relationship, idolizes Arthur, seeking always to gain his approval; the brutal revelation of his parentage sets the stage for the later battle to the death between father and son. Morgan le Fey, the king's other, power-hungry half-sister, uses Mordred's hurt and his half-brother Agravain's grievances to entrap Guinevere and Lancelot in the compromising situation that leads to the queen's trial.

White, T.H. The Once and Future King
White's classic 20th century retelling of the tales of King Arthur, from his early days as Merlin's student, to pulling the sword from the stone and assuming his place as king. A tale "of beasts who talk and men who fly, of wizardry and war.

Recommended SciFi/Fantasy Authors

Diana Wynne-Jones

Emma Bull

Will Shetterly