King Arthur: The Making of the Legend

Nick Higham argues that King Arthur was a fictional character developed in the ninth century and saved Britain from the Saxons. He surveys all the major attempts to prove the origins of Arthur and explores his emergence in Wales. His book is essential for anyone seeking to understand how Arthur's story began.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

A renowned scholar delves into the historical evolution of King Arthur, suggesting that he originated as a fictional character crafted in the ninth century. According to legend, King Arthur emerged as the savior of Britain, defeating the Saxons and reigning over the nation with splendor sometime around A.D. 500. However, scholars have often overlooked the existence of a "real" King Arthur, with most period specialists currently maintaining an agnostic stance on this crucial matter. In this scholarly tome, Nick Higham embarks on a mission to unravel the enigma, drawing upon his extensive research and expertise to ascertain the precise timing and impetus behind the legend's inception.

Higham conducts a comprehensive examination of all the major endeavors to establish the origins of Arthur, critically assessing and dismissing previously proposed connections with classical Greece, Roman Dalmatia, Sarmatia, and the Caucasus. He then delves into Arthur's emergence in Wales, tracing his ascent to fame under the patronage of Geoffrey of Monmouth. This book is sure to ignite passionate debates among those ardently committed to safeguarding any particular iteration of Arthur's story, as it serves as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the genesis of King Arthur's legendary tale.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300254983