King Arthur

Children's Literature

Perhaps the most useful part of this book is the three reading lists in the back with descriptive comments about each book noted. Readers could use the lists to find a book or books better suited than this one to whatever they want to know about the once and future king. They might be better off to choose one book devoted to the background of Arthur and another that retells his story. In trying to do both, this book does each only adequately, not well. Chapter One examines Arthur' place in Western Culture, readily acknowledging the tenuousness of historical links and looking at the amazing growth and tenacity of the Arthurian legend. In a rather lifeless style, the following chapters retell the classic story of Arthur with occasional sparkling quotes from favorite Arthurian storytellers. Sidebars examine bits of the legend such as Merlin' prophecies, the possible location of Camelot, and the Winchester Round Table. One sidebar discusses Arthur in the movies. Reference notes cover three pages. Mr. Nardo has published numerous biographies of important historical figures as well as retellings of classic myths and legends. The book is one in the "Heroes and Villains" series. Other titles in the series include: Al Capone, Frederick Douglass, Adolf Hitler, and Oskar Schindler. 2003, Lucent Books/The Gale Group Inc,
— Janet Crane Barley

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-This title can't decide if it wants to be an academic's or a storyteller's treatment of King Arthur. The introduction and first chapter provide accessible historical and literary background for the legend and could be useful for reports. The remaining chapters offer a pedestrian retelling of the legend itself, interspersed with sidebars that only further blur the line between fact and supposition. Students who are not able to distinguish between the two types of material may be confused or use the information incorrectly. The black-and-white illustrations are merely decorative. Paul C. Doherty's King Arthur (Chelsea, 1987; o.p.) is a more scholarly treatment.-Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.