Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics) [Paperback]

Keith Baines (Adapter), Thomas Malory (Author), Robert Graves (Introduction), Christopher Cannon (Afterword)

Book Description

Series: Signet Classics | Publication Date: February 2, 2010

From the incredible wizadry of Merlin to the passion of Sir Lancelot, these tales of Arthur and his knights offer epic adventures with the supernatural as well as timeless battles with out own humanity.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Signet Classics (February 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451531493
• ISBN-13: 978-0451531490
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keith Baines Translation: Signet Classis, October 17, 2010

By 

Hans Q (Huntington Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

In a nutshell, I think the Keith Baines translation is an excellent edition for the lay reader, high school student, or first-time Le Morte D'Arthur reader who wants to enjoy the essence of Malory's work. Baines' translation is fluid and makes Arthurian Legend accessible and enjoyable for the modern reader.

Although the Baines edition does lack the style and diction of Malory's Middle English, within its pages you will find all of the characters and events that make Malory's work so rich and exciting: the story of young Arthur and his mentor, Merlin; the treacherous Morgan le Fay, the adventures of Arthur and his Knights, the Tale of the SanGreal(Quest of the Holy Grail), the Fisher King, the tragic Elaine, Launcelot and Gwynevere, and the final battle between Arthur and Mordred.

I use the Baines translation to teach an overview of Arthurian Legend to college-prep. senior high school students (British Lit.), and I couldn't imagine using another edition of Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur at that level. (Of note, excerpts from this Baines translation appear widely in high-school textbooks because it is so accessible).

If you are an advanced student and require a scholarly treatment of Malory's text in Middle English, this is not the edition for you.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For a beginner in the Arthurian legends,, January 15, 2011

By 

Elizabeth Bethard (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

This book is wonderful. I'd never had so much as a hint of understanding about these tales until I came across Heather Dale. Her songs sparked my interest and I immediately went in search of articles and explanations. I came across this book and ordered it first thing. I haven't been able to put it down, and though I'm just barely in the middle of "The book of Sir Tristram of Lyoness." I've become obsessed. Just recently ordered another book on it, and read articles as often as I can. Though I'll admit the books not for everyone, as it can be a little bland to some. There was once or twice my eyes were reading and my mind was elsewhere, though that's not all that uncommon. Final word: It's a wonderful book, and if you're into these types of things, I highly suggest you get it. (:

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, April 3, 2011

By 

R. Delaney "Mr. D" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Le Morte D'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table (Signet Classics) (Paperback)

I read this when I was about ten years old and got it for my son who is fourteen now. This book has a lot of virtue lessons inside, as well as action scenes for the imagination.