Top 10 books about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

1. Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory

This classic work, written in the 15th century, is a compilation of French and English tales about King Arthur. “Le Morte d’Arthur” provides a comprehensive and influential narrative of the Arthurian legends, covering the entire life of King Arthur and the exploits of the Knights of the Round Table.

2. The Once and Future King” by T.H. White

T.H. White’s novel is a modern classic that combines and reimagines the Arthurian legends. It consists of four parts: “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Queen of Air and Darkness,” “The Ill-Made Knight,” and “The Candle in the Wind.” White’s work is known for its whimsical and insightful approach to the Arthurian myth.

3. The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley

This novel offers a unique perspective by retelling the Arthurian legends from the point of view of the female characters, particularly Morgaine (Morgan le Fay). “The Mists of Avalon” explores themes of magic, politics, and the evolving roles of women in the Arthurian world.

4. Idylls of the King” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poetic masterpiece, “Idylls of the King,” retells the Arthurian legends in a series of narrative poems. Tennyson explores themes of chivalry, honor, and the tragic aspects of the Arthurian story.

5. The Crystal Cave” by Mary Stewart

The first book in Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga, “The Crystal Cave,” focuses on the early life of Merlin, exploring his magical abilities and his role in shaping the destiny of Arthur. Stewart’s novels provide a fresh and imaginative take on the traditional legends.

6. The Warlord Chronicles” by Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell’s trilogy, which includes “The Winter King,” “Enemy of God,” and “Excalibur,” offers a historical and gritty interpretation of the Arthurian legend. Set against the backdrop of a post-Roman Britain, Cornwell’s novels present a realistic and compelling portrayal of Arthur and his world.

7. Parsival, or a Knight’s Tale” by Richard Monaco

“Parsival, or a Knight’s Tale” is the first book in Richard Monaco’s Grail Quest Trilogy. Monaco weaves a rich tapestry of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the character of Parsifal and his quest for the Holy Grail.

8. “The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights” by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s unfinished work is a retelling of the Arthurian legends, drawing on Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur” but with Steinbeck’s distinctive prose. While incomplete, the existing portion provides an intriguing glimpse into Steinbeck’s interpretation of the Arthurian myth.

9. “Guinevere” by Sharan Newman

Sharan Newman’s trilogy, which includes “Guinevere,” “The Chessboard Queen,” and “Guinevere Evermore,” offers a feminist perspective on the Arthurian legends. The trilogy explores the life and choices of Guinevere, providing a fresh and engaging take on the familiar tale.

10. “The Buried Giant” by Kazuo Ishiguro

Although not a traditional Arthurian tale, Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “The Buried Giant” is set in a post-Arthurian Britain and explores memory, love, and the impact of forgetting. The novel has a dreamlike quality and delves into the themes of collective amnesia and the consequences of historical events.