King Arthur: Hero and Legend

Traces the figure of King Arthur over time, from the beginnings as a name in British history of the Dark Ages about whom we know almost nothing for sure, to a figure of legendary history (Geoffrey of Monmouth and all that), to a figure of chivalrous literature (Chrétien de Troyes, Thomas Malory, and all those), through complete obscurity ca. 18th century, to 19th-century idealism (Tennyson, pre-Raphaelites, Wagner, &c.), to the 20th-century explosion including (for the first time) an interest in going back to the beginning and looking for historic origins. Like the book itself.I love this book; it matches my interest in Arthuriana exactly (the history more than the stories), it's at just the right level of detail for my level of knowledge, and Barber's judgment strikes me as sound (i.e., he can convince me to change my mind about a few things I thought I knew already). And he doesn't just limit himself to the written word: he also makes mention of Arthuriana in painting (colour plates of manuscript illumination, pre-Raphaelites, others) and sculpture (including the famous cathedral in Modena).

I do believe there is not an English monarch or a mover and shaker around them that Barber has not written a book about. I might be wrong, but not by much! His works are wonderfully researched and developed, making them a pleasure to read. While he has written biographies on many different people, he has a vast list of books on Arthur and Grail Lore.I really like this one, because he looks past the valiant legend and searches out Arthur the man. Arthur - as far back as Longshanks - has been molded and used to their purposes - so it's hard to peel back all the layers and get back to original Arthur.Barber takes on that chore of removing the many embellishments, in a work that is enjoyable for the average reader as well as the Grail Addicts. Loaded with medieval paintings and woodcuttings this book is a wealth of information.A must for any Grail Lore Library.