I got this paperback from a friend who's decluttering. I read it some time ago, and was glad of another release copy.

This book was a lot of fun - there are quirky turns of phrase and unexpected character moments, some lovely segments next to scenes of great cruelty, considerable humor, and romance - oh, yes, romance! But with an edge... I liked the way each section focused on different characters as well as on different parts of Arthur's life. "The Sword in the Stone" is probably the best-known (and was the loose inspiration for the 1963 animated film), but the others were fascinating too. "The Ill-Made Knight" focuses on Lancelot (who, despite his film portrayals, was supposedly quite an ugly man), and who had fallen for Arthur when first they met; of course his relationships with Elaine and Guinevere have their complications as well, as does his ability to perform miracles, something he's not at all easy about... I recently read a short-story collection called Merlin, in which one story took the "ill-made knight" concept and ran with it - changing Lance's motivations a good bit as well, but remaining sympathetic to him.

[The TV Tropes page on the book may be of interest.]

I left this book, bagged against the elements, on a bench in the courtyard of the lovely Searles Castle on this warm day. Hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2018 Royalty release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2018 Movie release challenge. ***