Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #245806 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

Synopsis
Arthur is set in his true period, the Dark Ages, in this novel. It is not a story of romance, but one of political and religious strife, and war. It describes Arthur's love for Guinevere, Lancelot's arrival, the conflict between Christianity and magic, and the Saxon invasions on Britain.

Customer Reviews

Best author of this genre
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!

Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.

Not for me, I'm afraid
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).

But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.

Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.