DK Classics: King Arthur (DK Classics) [Hardcover]

Rosalind Kerven (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up | Series: DK Classics

This spellbinding legend conjures up a vision of a Golden Age of heroism, sorcery, and chivalry. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-These series entries don't know if they want to be information books or story collections, and the attempt to combine the two formats does a disservice to the potential of both. Aladdin is introduced by four pages of facts about Arabia and the history of the tales. In King Arthur, the background segments come between stories and interrupt the narrative. Because each selection is short, there is not much room for character development or majestic language. Throughout both books, sidebars are used to define words, expand on ideas, or present pictures and details about objects, such as a sword or a lamp. These asides often restate what is mentioned in the text and condescend to readers by assuming that they would not have picked up on the meaning from the context. These tidbits also prevent tension and excitement from building because of the interrupted flow. Both titles have average-quality illustrations that depict events in the stories. Librarians looking for beautiful, exciting versions of these classics should turn to Neil Philip's The Arabian Nights (Orchard, 1994) or Rosemary Sutcliff's The Sword and the Circle (Puffin, 1994).
Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789428873
• ISBN-13: 978-0789428875
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #890,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Camelot Re-Visited, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: DK Classics: King Arthur (DK Classics) (Hardcover)

The large, heavy paper pages will last for years as you read over and over again the stories of King Arthur and the many legends that have come down from that ancient era. The sidebars contain interesting information from the grail to women in leadership in that age of long ago. All ages will appreciate the illustrations: drawings, photographs and maps. Up-to-date information includes the movie, TV, and plays of the original Camelot.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Introduction for Children to this Classic, November 30, 2000

By 

Denise J. Shearer (Frederick, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DK Classics: King Arthur (DK Classics) (Hardcover)

My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "King Arthur" is part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun, diverse introduction to the Arthurian myths, June 18, 2003

By 

NYer family (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DK Classics: King Arthur (DK Classics) (Hardcover)

THe Arthurian legends continue to fascinate us as a culture and this helps introduce young readers to its many forms. Though the look of the book is a bit jumbled, its layout allows the reader to pick and choose and explore. THere is a central nicely illustrated, re-telling of the story that runs through the book, supplemented by sidebars about movies, plays or lesser known myths and characters. SHould appeal to the younger generation who does research via hyperlinks. I can see both boys and girls being interested in delving into this book. Probably most appropriate to ages 8 and above as the themes of of seduction and infidelity are not ignored.