Realms of the Round Table - by John Matthews (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Rare and previously unpublished tales of one of the most famous legends in literature is brought to life for a new generation by one of the world's leading Arthurian experts and illustrated by an acclaimed Tolkien artist.

It is a time of magic and adventure, of chivalry and courtly love, when great evil must be met with heroic deeds. It is a time of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Realms of the Round Table presents for the first time an extensive collection of forgotten tales, retold for a new generation of readers by a modern-day Merlin, the world-renowned Arthurian authority, John Matthews. Contained within are a rich feast of Arthurian love stories and tales that delve deep into the darker mysteries of the Great Wood and the denizens of fantastic lands beyond.

Here also is a heady mixture of magic, faery lore, wisdom and mystery--capturing extraordinary tales of Camelot's greatest knights, such as Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain, and others less well known, and soaring from high adventure to mystical accounts of the Grail. There is even an Arthurian Christmas tale

These stories honor the work of Thomas Malory in his legendary Le Morte D'Arthur. They are dramatically brought to life by the luminous paintings and drawings of internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe. With an introduction by Sir John Boorman, director of the classic film Excalibur, Realms of the Round Table is a glorious reimagining of the most influential work of English fantasy ever written that will surprise and capture anyone who has ever been enchanted by tales of Camelot.

Review Quotes

"Arthurian Britain is a dangerous and wondrous place, scattered with dragons, giants, castles, and assorted paths that lead unsuspecting knights into faerie lands. Every story is an adventure, introducing Gawain's many love interests, several different Black Knights who are vanquished by assorted heroes, a friendship falling apart over a shared love interest--always knowing that chivalrous behavior conquers all obstacles. This compilation of lesser-known stories and artist John Howe's illustrations will delight both casual readers and Arthurian scholars"--Booklist

"We must be grateful to John Matthews for unearthing these marvelous stories surrounding the Knights of the Round Table and I look forward to immersing myself in their glories as they swirl about the figure of King Arthur. His writing about the Arthurian legend is enjoyable as well as authentic and this book of new stories is as surprising and enthralling as you would expect. John Matthews's knowledge of the Arthurian legend is unsurpassed."-- "Sir John Boorman, director of Excalibur, from the Foreword"

About the Author

John Matthews has been involved in the study of the mysteries of Britain, including the Arthurian legends and the Grail myth, for almost fifty years. He has published over ninety books on King Arthur and the Grail. He has also short stories, poetry and children's books, most notably Pirates, which was on the New York Times bestseller list for twenty-two weeks. His book, Arthur of Albion, was a multiple award-winner.

John Howe is the world-famous illustrator whose work has enhanced books from the world's biggest-selling fantasy authors, including JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin & Robin Hobb. He served as chief conceptual designer on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies. He is one of the three artists illustrating the brand-new illustrated edition of Unfinished Tales in 2020, and has been showcased by Amazon as currently working on their billion-dollar Rings of Power television series.

Sir John Boorman CBE is a British film director, producer and screenwriter. He is best known for directing feature films such as Point Blank, Hell in the Pacific, Deliverance, Zardoz, Exorcist II: The Heretic, Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, The General, The Tailor of Panama and Queen and Country.