logo

70 pages 2 hours read

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
John Steinbeck

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • Medieval

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights by John Steinbeck is a collection of stories focusing on King Arthur, his knights, and his court at Camelot, spanning from Arthur's conception to Lancelot's affair with Guinevere. The book presents themes of chivalry, destiny, and magic. Characters include Arthur, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, and Lancelot. Sensitive topics include incest.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,808 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John Steinbeck's reinterpretation of Arthurian legends in The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights receives mixed feedback. Critics praise Steinbeck's prose and the humanization of legendary figures, but some find the incomplete nature of the work and deviation from the original lore less satisfying. Ultimately, it offers a unique, albeit fragmented, perspective on classic tales.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights?

Fans of Arthurian legends and lovers of richly detailed, reimagined classics will enjoy John Steinbeck's The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights. Similar to T.H. White's The Once and Future King, readers who appreciate vivid storytelling and historical myth adaptations will find this book captivating.

4.1

6,808 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

King Arthur

A legendary ruler of Great Britain known for his humility, loyalty, and strength as a warrior, celebrated for bringing peace and order during his reign.

An old sage with a mastery of magic, who serves as the young King Arthur's mentor and advisor, renowned for his delight in mystery and understanding of human nature.

Arthur's half-sister, depicted as an enchantress with proficiency in dark arts, motivated by jealousy and described as a beauty with black hair and dark eyes.

Arthur's queen, known for her golden-haired beauty and insightful observation of human behavior, who plays a vital role as the king's advisor.

A knight in Arthur's court who upholds the ideals of chivalry, distinguished by his handsomeness and bravery, often viewed as the paragon of knighthood.

A group of knights from Camelot, including Sir Balin, Sir Gawain, Sir Marhalt, and Sir Ewain, each undertaking individual quests that highlight different principles and challenges.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • Medieval

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.