The Arthurian World

This collection offers a fresh and comprehensive look at the Arthurian narrative, exploring the continuities and adaptations across different times and places. It is divided into four parts, covering the British Isles, Europe, the material world, and the transversal world, and includes a wide range of sources from early Latin chronicles to modern anime.

Format: Hardback
Length: 580 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This collection offers a groundbreaking and comprehensive exploration of the world of Arthur, delving beyond the canonical texts and themes to adopt a transversal perspective on the Arthurian narrative. Comprising thirty-four chapters, it explores the enduring continuities that make the material recognizable across centuries, as well as the specific transformations that occurred in different times and places. By examining these adaptations, the volume reveals the remarkable global popularity of the Arthurian story.

The book is organized into four parts:

The World of Arthur in the British Isles: This section examines the legends and traditions associated with Arthur in the British Isles, including the Arthurian cycle, the Mabinogion, and the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth.

The European World of Arthur: This part explores the spread of Arthurian legends across Europe, including the influence of French, German, and Italian literature and art.

The Material World of Arthur: This section explores the physical aspects of Arthurian literature and culture, including the role of artifacts, monuments, and archaeological discoveries in shaping our understanding of the legend.

The Transversal World of Arthur: This section examines the ways in which Arthurian narratives have been adapted and reinterpreted in various media, such as literature, film, television, and popular culture.

Throughout the book, the legends movement is traced across temporal, geographical, and material boundaries, highlighting the interconnectedness of these developments in the history of Arthurian literature. Each part offers a unique perspective on the unfolding Arthurian story, while temporal and geographical overlaps between the sections emphasize the close relationship between these developments.

The range of sources consulted in this collection is extensive, encompassing early Latin chronicles, Welsh poetry, medieval manuscripts, and contemporary works of literature, art, and popular culture. This comprehensive approach ensures that the book appeals to scholars and enthusiasts alike, whether they are researching Arthurian literature, tracing the evolution of medievalism through literature, the visual arts, or popular culture.

In conclusion, this collection provides a vital and innovative contribution to the study of Arthurian literature and culture. By adopting a transversal perspective and exploring the enduring continuities and transformative adaptations of the Arthurian story, it offers a fresh and insightful perspective on this iconic figure and his enduring legacy.

Weight: 1270g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367172701