An indepth work on the origins of the Merlin of Arthurian legend, this book examines early texts, thirteenth century romances focusing particularly on Merlin as a character, rather than those where Merlin is a background cast member. The outline here starts with looking at the genre and the place of fantasy, moving on to consider the attitudes towards magic and magic-users in medieval times. Main works considered are Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae and Vita Merlini; the Vulgate cycle, Suite du Merlin; and finally Malory's work. The author asserts...

First published in 1938, this study explores the reception of the mythology of King Arthur by modern poets and playwrights. More specifically, the author explores the lineage of the legendary material since the first edition of Malory in 1485, exploring a vast range of artists who have made use of it: Spenser, Milton and Dryden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Hardy, Matthew Arnold, and even Wagner.

The conclusion is that although the myths have never occupied as central a place as the Classical or Biblical heritage, nonetheless the tales of King Arthur will continue to encapsulate romantic...

The study of the Arthurian legend in the 1600s has revealed almost no romance; the stories are more about the truth of Arthur's existence and his exploits, with influence due to political bearing of the royalty versus parliament at the time. This fascinating study elucidates the differences between the stories of the seventeenth century and those more well-known now and looks at the development of the literature in line with the political climate and its links with Arthurian prophecy and lineage. Originally published 1932 and again in 1967.