The Arthurian Companion (2nd ed.)
Originally published in 1983 as a 100-page hardcover, The King Arthur Companion evolved to become an authoritative source for casual readers of Arthurian romances. The first edition of The Arthurian Companion, published in 1997, doubled in size and scope. This second edition adds 20 pages of text and continues to provide useful cross-references, annotated entries, and a conversational tone that makes it accessible to everyone.
Most of the book is arranged alphabetically with information on characters, places, events, and concepts associated with major Arthurian romantic works. The entries range from a paragraph about more obscure topics such as Priamus, a knight mentioned in Malory’s tales, to several pages on legend staples like Merlin and the Holy Grail. Definitions are derived from Karr’s readings of classic sources like those by Sir Thomas Malory and Chretien de Troyes. A bibliographical note lists additional books consulted and recommended. Ninety pages of appendices contain niceties such as a map of King Arthur’s Britain, a chronology, lists of Arthur’s knights, and prose regarding the culture of the Arthurian time period.
This is an excellent, affordable resource. All Arthurian literature fans should own The Arthurian Companion.
