Friday 4 February 2011

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights - Classic Novel

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights is a classic novel by John Steinbeck. Published in 1976, this novel by Steinbeck focuses on the legendary King Arthur of Britain, and his noble acts during his lifetime, aswell as that of his knights of the round table. After reading numerous Steinbeck books, in this classic novel he uses a more different writing style, taking a "living" approach, which certainly made me feel as if I was a part of the adventure.
I decided to continue posting books relating to a much earlier time period as, as of late, they have particularly appealed to me a lot more. Introducing us to the reign of Uther Pendragon, we enter the adventure of war and politics. Uther needs a heir to the throne, and, on the coditional wish of Merlin that, when Arthur is born, he will raise him under his own conditions and bore him a true king, Uther gladly pursues his dream. Once the death of Uther Pendragon occurs, the whole kingdom is left without a leader. Merlin makes all the lords agree that the true king of England will be able to pull the "sword in the stone". Unknowingly by all, Arthur is the son of Uther and, regardless, is the rightful heir. He, and only he, managed to pull out the sword and this brought fury from all 11 lords.
Thus begins Arthur's tests, and the acts of his noble knights. He brings forth equality to his kingdom and leads the greatest army of his era.

"Words can be traitors but deeds have no advocate"  

"There is a seat of worth beyond the reach of envy whose occupant ceases to be a man and becomes   the receptacle of the wishful longings of the world."


This is undeservedly one of Steinbeck's less popular classic novels. Unfortunately, he died before he was able to fully finish this book. Even so, the ending itself is truly crushing, by where Lancelot, the most famous and greatest of all knights in his and Arthur's times, destroy's his own chivalry and knighthood by pursuing his personal affections for Guinevere, the Queen and wife of King Arthur. This is without a doubt a classic novel and is an entertaining read. Steinbeck successful switched from his usual writing style to create this peice of classic literature, and it worked flawlessly.

6 comments:

  1. I'm sure I read this when I was still in school. Good book!

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  2. This is the third book in a row you've put on my to read list. Nice work.

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  3. I'll have to find this. What can I say, I'm a sucker for Arthur.

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  4. I love Steinbeck - getting this book. Love reading too. Followed.

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