The Great Book of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table
A New Morte D’Arthur
Author: John Matthews, John Howe and Sir John Boorman
The most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever published, reimagined for a new generation of readers by John Matthews, one of the world’s leading Arthurian experts, and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe.
29th September 2025
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
The most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever published, reimagined for a new generation of readers by John Matthews, one of the world’s leading Arthurian experts, and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe.
Description
The most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever published, reimagined for a new generation of readers by John Matthews, one of the world’s leading Arthurian experts, and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe.
Journey back to the legendary time of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, of Merlin and dragons, of the Great Quest for the Grail and the mysterious Otherworld of Faerie. A time of bravery, treachery and love.
Here, you will read of Avenable, the girl brought up as a boy who becomes a famous knight, and of Gawain's strange birth and his rise to the highest possible rank: Emperor of Rome. Here too are some of the earliest Celtic tales of Arthur, and a completely new version of Merlin the Enchanter's story. There is also the story of Morien, whose adventures are as fantastic and exciting as any to be found in Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur.
THE GREAT BOOK OF KING ARTHUR presents for the first time many long-forgotten tales, dramatically brought to life by acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe, to deliver a unique reimagining of the most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever written.
Critic Reviews
“John Matthews new book, beautifully crafted in words and images. The writing style and structure enhances the reader's experience.”
Colin Gunn
“Now for an ambitious volume, ‘The Great Book of King Arthur & His Knights of the Round Table,’ the Arthurian scholar John Matthews has gone back to the well, as it were, from which Malory drew his shining pails and brought out a fresh supply.”
The Wall Street Journal
“John Howe’s artwork is incredible, evoking the otherworldly atmosphere that so pervades the Arthurian legends.”
Amazon Review
About the Author
John and Caitlín Matthews are two of the most well-respected experts in the area of mythology and legend. Best known for their work surrounding Celtic and Arthurian traditions, they also have a tremendously broad base of knowledge of cultures worldwide from which they have drawn on for this amazing work. Their previous books include The Encyclopedia of Celtic Myth and Legend, Walkers Between the Worlds and The Aquarian Guide to British and Irish Mythology and Hallowquest: The Arthurian Tarot Course. John Howe was born in 1957 in Vancouver, Canada. He moved to France in 1976 and gained a Diploma in Illustration at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs de Strasbourg in 1981. He has illustrated many French children’s books, but is best known for his Tolkien calendars, book jackets, maps and posters, and he is currently working as a production designer on New Line Cinema’s forthcoming Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
Product Details
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.
29th September 2025
Browse by category
- Books » Non-Fiction » History » Medieval
- Books
- Books » Non-Fiction
- Books » Non-Fiction » History
- Books » Non-Fiction » History » Europe
- Books » Fiction & Literature » Classics
- Books » Fiction & Literature
- Books » Fiction & Literature » Science Fiction & Fantasy » Fantasy
- Books » Fiction & Literature » Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Books » Fiction & Literature » Mythology & Folk Tales
