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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1903

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Book Brief

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Howard Pyle

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1903
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Britain • Medieval Era

Publication Year

1903

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-15 years

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Super Short Summary

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle follows King Arthur's rise to kingship, acquisition of the sword Excalibur, and marriage to Guinevere, and continues with the adventures of Merlin, Sir Pellias, and Sir Gawaine. Sensitive topics include violence and themes of betrayal.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

9,830 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Howard Pyle's The Story of King Arthur and His Knights is praised for its engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations. Readers appreciate its faithfulness to Arthurian legends. However, some find the archaic language challenging, and the pacing can be slow for modern audiences. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for fans of chivalric tales.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Story of King Arthur and His Knights?

The ideal reader for The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle is a fan of classic, medieval tales imbued with chivalry, heroism, and legendary adventures. They might also enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. This reader appreciates richly illustrated stories and timeless legends.

4.3

9,830 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

King Arthur

An archetypal figure and central character associated with justice and leadership, whose innocence and actions provide moral lessons, with a strong Christian motif surrounding his identity.

A wise prophet known for his immortality and magical powers, who assists in Arthur's rise to kingship, but faces vulnerabilities due to his love of beauty.

A first-person storyteller who addresses the reader directly, emphasizing the moral lessons and noble spirit of Arthur and his knights, while drawing from older sources for his tales.

A cunning enchantress and half-sister to Arthur, known for her magical prowess and traditional role in Arthurian legends, linked to various schemes against Arthur.

Arthur's compassionate and humble queen, admired for her beauty and moral goodness, who plays a protective role regarding Arthur's identity and secrets.

A valiant and gentle knight known for his loyalty and eventual transformation, involved in chivalric tales and courtly conflicts, reflecting the challenges faced by Arthur's court.

A knight with a background in Welsh tradition known for his initial unpredictability and violent behavior, who undergoes a journey toward chivalry and redemption.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Britain • Medieval Era

Publication Year

1903

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-15 years

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