Customer Reviews

Arthur Rex: A Legendary Novel

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The irreverent Thomas Berger, author of Little Big Man as well as Arthur Rex, takes on the Arthurian legends and tells them as they ought to have been lived. Setting aside the facts of history that stubbornly refuse to conform to the superiority of legend, Berger gives us 5th century Britain landscaped with towering castles, peopled with knights clad in full plate armor of a thousand years hence, and filled to brimming with villains, heroes, worthy quests, and enough glory, sadness and good cheer to burst the covers of five novels this size. Every one of the popular legends is here, along with a few new ones. Tristan and Isolde fill a chapter, as does Sir Gwain and the Green Knight. The tortured, heroic Lancelot and his faithless queen factor into the novel, as does the evil Mordred, the scheming Morgan Le Fey, and the wise, time-traveling Merlin. This is great stuff, people, and easily my all-time favorite of any of the tales of Camelot and its residents I've ever read!

Berger has selected and arranged a great many of the tales of the Round Table in a particularly harmonious and agreeable book--all the most beloved knights and the bravest quests and the noblest love affairs are here included. He writes with a high-tongued humor that revitalizes the telling of the familiar stories; through a beautifully (and mildly) archaic style and voice, he manages to wed a modern sense of metaphysics and ethics (moral and political) to the age-old celebration of chivalry, adventure, and love. A wonderful read, masterfully crafted and deliciously entertaining.

Most of the books on the Arthur legends are steeped in battle glory and mythical images, though Bergers imagery is good, what you'll take away from Arthur Rex is the emotions.Berger has a tremendous way of making you feel for characters while being able to see their funny side at the same time. They feel like real people who happened to live extraordinary lives nearly a thousand years ago. It's not all Arthur and Lancelot either, you'll get to know Gawaiyne and Gareth. the stor about Tristram and Isolde with melt the iciest of hearts. This book is a treat for anyone who loves Arthurian stories or satires. With vicious wit and strong characterization, how could you go wrong?

This is easily the best adaption of the Arthurian legends that I've ever read! It is an absolute tragedy that the book isn't as well-known as, say, the Da Vinci Code, for it is a million times as good as that!

Through all the moves and housecleanings, my tattered copy of this book lives on. After the disappointment of Steinbeck's take on the Arthurian legends, this book makes the characters *and so many of them!* come to life. You'll not be sorry you bought it, as the action is not slurred over, either. Sir Gawain, you are a man for the ages, sirrah!

One of the best King Arthur stories. Definately the funniest. I don't know what else to say. Just read this book.