Arthurianism in Early Plantagenet England

from Henry II to Edward I

By: Christopher Michael Berard

Write A Review

Paperback | 16 April 2021

At a Glance

Paperback
378 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.5 x 16 x 1.5

Get Free Shipping

Add this title and get FREE SHIPPING on your whole order*

View Promotion >

FREE SHIPPING

Paperback

RRP $59.99

$56.95

In Stock and Aims to ship next day

First full-scale account of the use of the Arthurian legend in the long twelfth century. The precedent of empire and the promise of return lay at the heart of King Arthur's appeal in the Middle Ages. Both ideas found fullness of expression in the twelfth century: monarchs and magnates sought to recreate an Arthurian golden age that was as wondrous as the biblical and classical worlds, but less remote. Arthurianism, the practice of invoking and emulating the legendary Arthur of post-Roman Britain, was thus an instance of medieval medievalism. This book provides a comprehensive history of the first 150 years of Arthurianism, from its beginnings under Henry II of England to a highpoint under Edward I. It contends that the Plantagenet kings of England mockingly ascribed a literal understanding of the myth of King Arthur's return to the Brittonic Celts whilst adopting for themselves a figurative and typological interpretation of the myth. A central figure in this work is Arthur of Brittany (1187-1203), who, for more than a generation, was the focus of Arthurian hopes and their disappointment.

Industry Reviews

Rich in both broad observations and textual details, [it] is as deeply informative as it is clear and readable...It is strongly recommended for anyone with an abiding interest in the ways 'Arthur' was used and in the ways those uses have continued down through subsequent literature and history. * ARTHURIANA *
A good and admirable book which merits serious study. It is written clearly and brimmed full of original ideas. * HISTORY *
It is difficult to imagine anyone doing a more thorough job in gathering such a wide range of material into a coherent, intriguing whole. * REVIEW OF ENGLISH STUDIES *
A very useful survey. * PARERGON *

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.