DrPaul0401: The first thing you need to know about this manuscript (it is actually eight books) is that the spelling of all the words is as Malory wrote them. Let me give an example by taking a random sentence or two:
"Ryght so sir Launcelot departed, and whan he com to the Chapell-Perelus he alyght downe and tyed his horse unto a lytyll gate. And as sone as he was within the chyrche-yerde he sawe on frunte of the chapel many fayre rych shyldis turned up-so-downe, and many of the shyldis sir Launcelot had sene knyghtes bere byfore-hande."
As you can see, if you read slowly and sound out the words, you can make perfect sense of what is written. The point is, it is a very slow read because you must take every word one at a time. It is also somewhat slow because the descriptions of the tournaments go on and on for many pages and introduce so many characters that it is difficult to keep track. This is especially true in the early books. I found Books 6, 7 and 8 to be more story-driven and engaging.
That being said, it doesn't take long to adapt to the spelling and the language, but it is still always slow-going. However, that in itself is a feature of the time and the...
United States on Oct 28, 2020
angela p: Bought as a gift & was told 'most thoughtful secret Santa ever', they loved book & illustrations
United Kingdom on Jan 13, 2018
DDP: excellent
United Kingdom on Aug 25, 2016
starboy: Remembered it from school and decided to try it. Took a while to get into as it's written in archaic English but once on the roll it's difficult to discard. Don't expect fireworks but there's plenty of jousting, etc, which may seem repetitive; but there's plenty of intrigue to go with it. Super for those who like tales of knights in shining armour rescuing maidens locked away in castle towers, for this must be the 'Daddy of them all'. For perhaps the first printed work ever published in the English language it's well worth the 75p layout.
United Kingdom on Dec 29, 2013
Marie: The book itself is very striking, and for those into Arthurian myths, this is the original story. Book well constructed and should last many years
Canada on Dec 28, 2012
Herbie Green: Wanted a cheap eBook version of this, as i have several different paper copies, but this will be ideal for portable reference from my Kindle.
United Kingdom on Jan 01, 2012
Medieval Roadrunner: From beginning to end, this story braces the imagination, and takes one to a place and time where faith, honor, and courage were central. You just may find yourself admiring and beginning to love some of the knights and damsels you're reading about. When I finished the book and put it on the shelf, it was a lot like saying good-bye to a friend.
What makes the book even better for a modern is that Mr. Matthews' edition has rendered it extremely readable, while still keeping the ancient flavor that helps put aside for a moment the outlook of the present century. And Ms. Ferguson's excellent drawings of various scenes, interspersed throughout, are further delights that help the mind paint its own pictures along the way.
It is said that Arthur's story is known throughout the world. That must be in part because the story is great; and this edition tells it very well.
United States on Sep 07, 2009
John Rossi: Where do I begin? Watching the film Excalibur inspired me to try to track down this book. I found out shortly after that day of this edition. Boy am I glad I did. The illustrations, whether in color or black and white are absolutely beautiful and vivid. They transport you expertly in your mind to the place being depicted in the image. When I first opened this book I was reminded in a way of reading Scripture almost. This is VERY old English folks, but PLEASE do not let that deter you. It only takes a little while to get used to the wording and you can soon begin to appreciate the "flavor" of, and get lost in the world of this book. To me this is the quintessential story of ideals, one man's dream as he wanted to affect the world for the better, and the problems, trials, and triumphs in his trying to make that dream a reality. It has EVERYTHING. Chivalry, love, honor, family, friendship, conflict, malice, trust, betrayal, and spice too. There is something in here that will surely delight everyone. Just give yourself time to get used to the wording of the text. A glossary is provided for this purpose in the back of the book as well. I loved this text partly BECAUSE of the way it was...
United States on May 31, 2002
| Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur: Complete Unabridged New Illustrated Edition | Romeo and Juliet: Deluxe Club Edition of the Tragic Love Story | Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Poetic Reimagining of an Ancient Tale | |
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| B2B Rating |
68
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96
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94
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| Sale off | $5 OFF | ||
| Total Reviews | 10 reviews | 119 reviews | 29 reviews |
| Hardcover | 950 pages | ||
| Dimensions | 6.75 x 2.25 x 9 inches | 5.75 x 0.25 x 8.75 inches | |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,511 in Gothic & Romantic Literary Criticism #2,447 in Medieval Literary Criticism #4,483 in British & Irish Literary Criticism | #923 in Shakespeare Works & Criticism#24,616 in Travel #30,358 in Historical Romances | #12 in British Poetry#28 in Ancient, Classical & Medieval Poetry #29 in Epic Poetry |
| ISBN-10 | 0304353671 | 1505259568 | |
| Gothic & Romantic Literary Criticism (Books) | Gothic & Romantic Literary Criticism | ||
| Customer Reviews | 4.3/5 stars of 261 ratings | 4.6/5 stars of 13,229 ratings | 4.6/5 stars of 1,127 ratings |
| Language | English | English | English |
| British & Irish Literary Criticism (Books) | British & Irish Literary Criticism | ||
| Medieval Literary Criticism (Books) | Medieval Literary Criticism | ||
| Item Weight | 3.54 pounds | 4.8 ounces | |
| Publisher | UNKNO; Unabridged edition | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | W. W. Norton & Company; A New Verse Translation edition |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0304353675 | 978-1505259568 |
I like that the language has been modernized a bit without changing the stories. It is clear and easy to follow.
It’s too bad that a Kindle Edition of this translation does not exist.
Referring to the title, most reviews on this page are for different books. The title and plot may be the same but the language of 600 years ago was different and you cannot assume that a review for one version of this work applies to any of the others.
United States on Jul 15, 2023