A substantial introduction traces the Tristan and Isolde legend from the 12th century to 2001, emphasizing literary versions, but also surveying the legend's sources and its appearance in the visual arts, music and film. The nineteen essays are in English, revised, and classic.

This title examines the portrayal of Lancelot and Guinevere from their origins to 2001, and the 16 essays deal with such topics as feminist readings of the characters' representations, the depiction of the lovers in medieval manuscript illuminations, in film, and in other visual arts.

Examining the origins of the Arthurian legend and major trends in the portrayal of Arthur from the middle ages to the present, the 16 essays in this collection deal with such matters as the search for the historical Arthur and the depiction of Arthur in medieval romances, 19th-century art and stories, and in 20th-century literature. Works discussed include those by Geoffrey, Wace, Chretien, Malory, Spenser, Tennyson and T.H. White.