Roger Lancelyn GreenKing Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

Excellent overview and adaptation of the Arthurian myths based on Mallory's version, and prepared for younger readers but not condescending or sanitized for them. I read this as a bedtime story for my daughter over the past several months, one chapter a night when we did bedtime stories. I used it as an opportunity to talk about history and myth with her, concepts like chivalry and the role of the Church. Reading aloud, I grew a keener appreciation for the depth of classical storytelling and how the literature built upon earlier stories and formed foundational elements of culture. The Arthurian stories truly are the "Matter of Britain," as they speak to the departure of Rome, the decline of Romano-British culture, the arrival of the Saxons, and interplay of the Britons and Celts across the ages. The way in which early Christian culture provided a sanctifying skein to a pagan past. Whether one likes old stories or not, one should at least be familiar with them, and take them as they are. RL Green's membership in The Inklings further informs the richness of this book. One note, the epilogue, which relates some of the voluminous folklore surrounding Arthur's death and return adds an eerie coda to the story, especially the final mini-story, almost included like an afterthought, but in many ways a miniature ghost story, a bit terrifying an apocalyptic in implication.

Written for younger readers, Roger Lancelyn Green tells the essential stories of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Merlin, and the most prominent knights of the Round Table. As such, it is a condensed version of much larger medieval works, such as Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur. Green's writing style retains some of the Old-World sound but edited enough so as not to be much of a burden for today's readers. Moreover, Green smooths out some of the ambiguity of older versions (such as the origin of the sword Excalibur) and provides some helpful clarity (for example, Arthurian lore contain a number of ladies named Elaine so Green specifies which Elaine is referenced when such a character appears or is mentioned). I have read several versions of Arthurian lore, medieval & modern, including Le Morte D'Arthur (the unabridged version, twice over). I believe that Green does a masterful job in presenting the essential tales. In terms of age, I recommend it for teens (it may be a bit much for younger kids), but also for adults interested in a clear, condensed, & cohesive introduction to the legends.

I like that this is written on about a 5th grade level I think. While there are words some fifth graders won't understand, it's not too hard to read and is interesting.

I’m reading this with my daughter for school and mind you we haven’t finished but honestly this book is all over the place. Constant introduction of names and characters who randomly pop in and out and add nothing to the overall story. I feel like I’m in someone’s weird and incohesive dream. I gave it 5 stars because it came on time and in perfect condition. I generally love classics, of which this is considered but this is painful to read.

This is a nice modern telling of the tales.

This is a wonderful book. The reading level is 9-12, so if your kids are younger, is better to find something according to their level.I do not understand why some people gave it a bad review because it is in a "complicated", "old" English... well, I think that then it is a good reading to learn the real English, there is something called dictionary that is always helpful to learn new (or old) words.. I use it, I have to, since English is my second language.

And we are enjoying it too!

This book for being Published back in the 90s came in incredible condition. The sellers really takes good care of their products. I have always been a fan of the children told King Arthur tales and this is wonderful book to add to my library.