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King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1953

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Book Brief

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Roger Lancelyn Green

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1953
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • Medieval

Publication Year

1953

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1130L

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Super Short Summary

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green is a children's retelling of the classic Arthurian legends, following King Arthur's journey from pulling the sword from the stone to establish his reign, gathering his knights at the Round Table, embarking on quests such as the search for the Holy Grail, and ultimately facing the downfall of Camelot due to personal betrayals and wars with rivals.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

7,867 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Roger Lancelyn Green's King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table captivates with timeless tales and rich storytelling. Readers appreciate the engaging retelling of classic legends but some find the prose outdated and characters underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a treasured introduction to Arthurian lore despite its minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table?

A reader who enjoys tales of heroism, chivalry, and medieval adventure akin to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit or C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia will be captivated by Roger Lancelyn Green's King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table. Ideal for fans of timeless myths and classic legends.

4.3

7,867 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

King Arthur

The son of King Uther Pendragon and Igrayne, raised by Sir Ector. Arthur becomes king by pulling the sword from the anvil and unites Britain. Known for his strict code of honor and equality, he brings peace by defeating the Saxons and gains followers through his knights' quests.

The most famous Knight of the Round Table and one of Arthur’s cherished friends. Known for his unmatched fighting skills and many adventures, Launcelot is also involved in a secret affair with Queen Guinevere.

One of the first Knights of the Round Table to have a quest. Arthur's nephew, known for his loyalty, noble heart, and multiple solo adventures. He tries to adhere to his oath of temperance after initial misdeeds.

A Knight of the Round Table known for his simplicity, honesty, and success in the quest for the Holy Grail. Raised in the forest, his naiveté leads to early mistakes that teach him the value of companionship.

Both powerful sorcerers who help Arthur. Merlin is known for his prophecies and guidance, while Nimue, sometimes called The Lady of the Lake, aids Arthur and his knights with magic after Merlin's departure.

Morgana, Arthur’s half-sister and a sorceress, often attacks Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Mordred, her son, is an antagonist who seeks to usurp Arthur's throne, hiding his rebellion behind the guise of knighthood.

The son of Launcelot and Elaine, known as the Grail Knight. A symbol of perfect knighthood, he achieves the quest for the Holy Grail, embodying virtue and strength in both spirit and combat.

A Knight of the Round Table known for his bravery and musical talent. His love affair with Queen Iseult, driven by a potion, highlights the conflict between love and honor.

The daughter of King Leodegraunce and Arthur’s wife. Renowned for her beauty, she is involved in a secret love affair with Sir Launcelot despite being Arthur's queen.

Arthur’s foster brother, known for his rude attitude and troublemaking behavior. Despite his shortcomings, he remains loyal to Arthur and serves as his seneschal.

Includes King Pelles, the Maimed King, and his daughter Elaine. The castle is central to the quest for the Holy Grail, where Elaine begets Galahad with Launcelot under magical circumstances.

Includes minor knights like Sirs Hector, Lionel, Gaheris, and others, each symbolizing various chivalric virtues or flaws. Balyn, Bors de Gannis, Geraint, and Gareth are among those with distinct traits or roles in the story.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • Medieval

Publication Year

1953

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1130L

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