Steinbeck's take on King Arthur is an intriguing blend of classic legend and modern storytelling. The book shines when Steinbeck lets his voice come through, especially in later chapters where he infuses the old tales with depth and humanity. If you're a fan of Arthurian legends but want something more readable than Malory, or if you love seeing how a beloved American author tackles British myth, this is worth picking up. Aspiring writers and Steinbeck enthusiasts will also find the appendix - filled with Steinbeck's own letters about the writing process - absolutely fascinating.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the book uneven. The early chapters can feel flat and more like a direct translation than a lively retelling, lacking Steinbeck's signature style. The fact that the work is unfinished, abruptly ending mid-story, might frustrate those looking for a complete narrative arc. Purists who adore the poetic cadence of Malory, or readers uninterested in medieval courtly drama, may not be charmed by this version.

A thoughtful but incomplete reimagining of Arthurian legend - occasionally magical, sometimes dry, always sincere. Come for the fresh perspective; stay for Steinbeck's heartfelt writerly struggle.

About:

'The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights' by John Steinbeck is a retelling of Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur'. Steinbeck's interpretation starts close to the original text but gradually delves deeper into the characters, plot, and language. The book remains unfinished, leaving readers content yet yearning for more of the Arthurian tales.

Steinbeck's translation is described as engaging and modern, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters rather than just the chivalric adventures. The book offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend, exploring themes of chivalry, honor, and dignity while staying faithful to the original stories.

Characters:

Characters in the narrative become more richly developed as Steinbeck delves into their psychological depths, particularly in the latter parts of the work.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style transitions from a formal translation to a more engaging, novelistic approach, showcasing Steinbeck's voice as the narrative advances.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a retelling of Malory's Arthurian legends that mixes close translations with Steinbeck's interpretations, resulting in a fragmentary narrative that explores character depth while remaining unfinished.

Setting:

The setting remains firmly rooted in the medieval world of Arthurian legends, providing a backdrop for both chivalric adventures and character exploration.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow due to adherence to Malory's style but improves in later sections as Steinbeck's voice and storytelling engage the reader.

WHEN UTHER PENDRAGON WAS KING of England his vassal, the Duke of Cornwall, was reported to have committed acts of war against the land. Then Uther ordered the duke to attend his court and to bring wit...

Notes:

This was John Steinbeck's only work focused on the Arthurian legends.

Steinbeck began working on this book in 1956 and continued on and off until 1965.

The novel is a translation and reworking of Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur'.

Although it was unfinished, the text was published posthumously in 1976.

Steinbeck expressed that the project was close to his heart and possibly his crowning achievement.

The book is divided into two stylistic sections: a formal translation of Malory, and a more narrative approach later on.

Many readers found the early chapters tedious as they closely followed Malory's original prose.

The later chapters, particularly those focusing on Lancelot, showcase Steinbeck's unique voice and character development.

In his personal letters, Steinbeck revealed his passion for the Arthurian material and his desire to reimagine these stories for modern readers.

The appendix includes letters that provide insight into Steinbeck's writing process and his struggles with the project.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include violence associated with battles and the medieval setting, as well as themes of betrayal and tragedy.

Has Romance?

The book features significant romantic elements, particularly in the relationships of Lancelot and Guinevere, which are central to the Arthurian narrative.

From The Publisher:

Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur was the first book that John Steinbeck truly enjoyed reading as a child. Fascinated by Arthurian tales of adventure, knighthood, honor and friendship, in addition to the challenging nuances of the original Anglo-Saxon language, Steinbeck set out to render these stories faithfully and with keen animation for a modern audience. Here then is Steinbeck's modernization of the adventure of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, featuring the icons of Arthurian legend-including King Arthur, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, the incomparable Queen Guinevere, and Arthur's purest knight, Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

These enduring tales of loyalty and betrayal in the time of Camelot flicker with the wonder and magic of an era past but not forgotten. Steinbeck's retelling will capture the attention and imagination of legions of Steinbeck fans, including those who love Arthurian romances, as well as countless readers of science fiction and fantasy literature.

1968

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400 pages

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1 comment(s)

larcat616

Loved It

10 months

The lack of a resolved ending on Steinbeck's part (he doesn't finish the work and the reader is left with a cliffhanger partway through Lancelot's development) is somewhat compensated for through a lengthy appendix consisting of Steinbeck's personal correspondence. His writing reveals his writing process and relationship to Malory's story and characters. It was valuable, but it would have been lovely to have it as a companion to a finished work.

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About the Author:

John Steinbeck, born in Salinas, California, in 1902, grew up in a fertile agricultural valley, about 25 miles from the Pacific Coast. Both the valley and the coast would serve as settings for some of his best fiction. In 1919…

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The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

John Steinbeck

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