The books appear in alphabetical order by the last name of the authors. To find a book by a particular author, use the "find" command in the EDIT menu, or use the alphabetical links below. A separate page lists the contents of a few anthologies of short stories dealing with the Arthurian legends.

Watch for Sequels

THE FOUR NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THIS LIST Rowley, Gwen. Knights of the Round Table: Gawain. New York: Jove, 2007. (Aislyn/Dame Ragnelle is the primary character in this retelling of the legend of the loathly lady. Though Morgause and Morgana both influence the plot of this novel, neither Merlin nor Mordred appears. As in Chaucer's Wife of Bath's Tale, Gawain must find out what women most desire and apply its lesson.) Massie, Allan. Arthur the King. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003. (Michael Scott, a medieval scholar, narrates this story in the model of Machiavelli, using Arthur as an example of how to rule a country. The story covers Arthur's life from his fosterage through his death. Merlin is a manipulative pedophile in this version, and Arthur and Morgan la Fay are willing, passionate lovers through much of the story. The novel is the second book in a trilogy, but neither of the other books deals with Arthurian characters or themes.) Manfredi, Valerio Massimo. The Last Legion. New York: Washington Square Press, 2002. (This novel begins in 476 and continues through the decline of Rome and the battle of Mount Badon, emphasizing political and military conflicts. More than three-fourths of the novel takes place in Italy, only the end occurring in Britain. Uther (not called by that name but by Romulus, the emperor of Rome) is only 14 at the end of the novel. The prologue and epilogue are Merlin's first-person explanation, but the 37 chapters of the novel itself are third-person narrative.) Cattie, Ray. Ard Righ: The Sword on the Stone. Eagleville, PA: Nartea, 2005. (This superficial third-person narrative covers the time between the death of Ambrosius and Arthur's defeat of King Lot's rebellion. The novel emphasizes Myrddin's manipulation of people and events to bring about Arthur's conception, birth, and coronation. In two locations it itemizes the rules of chivalry. Morganna is Arthur's only sister, and she is his enemy and the mother of Mordred, who is not yet born at the end of the novel.)

Anderson, Dennis Lee. Arthur, King. New York: Harper, 1995.

Arthur follows Mordred to World War II to retrieve Excalibur and Merlin's book of prophesy. He becomes a Spitfire pilot while Mordred infiltrates the Luftwaffe.

Attanasio, A. A. The Dragon and the Unicorn. New York: Harper, 1996.

This third-person version of the saga begins in 422 and recounts the story of Arthor's conception, birth, and infancy. Many chapters begin with epigrams from the book of Job.

---. The Eagle and the Sword. New York: Harper, 1997.

This third-person (and present-tense) sequel to The Dragon and the Unicorn describes Britain through Arthor's childhood. Many characters are significantly unlike the usual accounts, for example the Furor (Odin) and Lailoken (Merlin). (Published in England in 1995 with the title Arthor.)

---. The Wolf and the Crown. New York: Harper Prism, 1998.

The sequel to The Eagle and the Sword. This novel (also with third-person narration) begins when Arthor pulls Excalibur from the stone and describes the first year of his reign. Between many of the short, titled chapters Arthor's thoughts appear as prayers to "Mother Mary."

---. The Serpent and the Grail. New York: Harper Prism, 1999.

Asprin, Robert, and Linda Evans. For King and Country. Riverdale, NY: Baen, 2002.

This third-person novel strongly resembles Dafydd ab Hugh's Arthur War Lord. A terrorist and two counter-terrorists travel back in time to the sixth century via mind transfer. Their intellects enter the minds of three Arthurian characters. Arthur is Artorius; Guinevere is Ganhumara; Morgan la Fey is Morgana; Nimue is Corvianna Nim. The battle of Badon Hill is the climax of the novel.

Baldry, Cherith. Exiled from Camelot. Oakland: Green Knight, 2001.

The title refers on Kay. Loholt, an son of Arthur (mentioned in passing by Malory), who arrives in Camelot at fourteen demanding his birthright. When someone murders Loholt, Arthur suspects Kay and exiles him. Kay then struggles to restore his name. (Third-person narration)

Barron, Thomas. A. The Lost Years of Merlin. New York: Philomel, 1996.

Merlin narrates this story of his youth.

---. The Seven Songs of Merlin (Book Two of the Lost Years of Merlin). New York: Philomel, 1997.

Merlin narrates this part of his story as he searches for the seven songs of wisdom that will allow him to realize his potential as wizard and to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Tuatha.

---. The Fires of Merlin (Book Three of the Lost Years of Merlin). New York: Philomel, 1998.

Melrin continues his narration of his life.

---. The Mirror of Merlin (Book Four in the Lost Years of Merlin). New York: Philomel, 1999.

Merlin continues the narration of his life. He finds a magical mirror, meets a creature called the ballymag, and once again saves Fincayra.

---. The Wings of Merlin (Book Five--the final--in The Lost Years of Merlin). New York: Philomel, 2000.

Merlin continues his narration of his boyhood, centering on his adventures on Forgotten Island, east of Fincayra.

Barthelme, Donald. The King (@ ). New York: Harper & Row, 1990.

(With illustrations by Barry Moser.) This novel has a third person omniscient narrator who describes the presence of Arthur and other characters of the legends during World War II.

Bennett, Nigel, and P. N. Elrod. Keeper of the King. New York: Baen, 1997.

In the first 50 pages of this novel, Richard d'Orleans (Lancelot) becomes a vampire before taking on the assignment of protecting King Arthur. After that, he is working as a security consultant in Toronto, battling against another vampire who is an assassin. The two seek and find the Holy Grail as a secondary plot.

Berger, Thomas. Arthur Rex: A Legendary Novel. New York: Delacorte, 1978.

This novel treats the legend ironically, making Lancelot suicidal, for example.

Borchardt, Alice. The Dragon Queen (book 1 of The Tales of Guinevere). New York: Del Rey, 2001.

This novel, narrated mostly by Guinevere, begins in her early childhood with a family of wolves. Though she meets Arthur once, their narrative are separate. The novel ends with Guinevere passing difficult tests and taking the dragon throne among the Painted People.

---. The Raven Warrior. New York: DelRey, 2003.

Guinevere narrates about 1/4 of this sequel to The Dragon Queen, starting within a year or so after the previous novel. Because the characters shift around in time, the duration of the novel is hard to determine. A third-person omniscient narrator follows the actions of Black Leg/Lancelot, Uther, Igrane, and Arthur. In the last chapter, Guinevere's narrative merges with Arthur's and Lancelot's. Black Leg/Lancelot is the "Raven Warrior" of the title.

Bradley, Marion Zimmer. The Mists of Avalon (**). New York: Knopf, 1982.

Whole saga told from the point of view of the female characters. The plot conflicts emphasize the struggle between Christianity and pagan belief systems.

Bradshaw, Gillian. Hawk of May. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1980.

First novel in a series of three concentrating on life of Gawain (here called Gwalchmai). The other two novels are Kingdom of Summer and In Winter's Shadow. Gwalchmai narrates.

---. Kingdom of Summer. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981.

Second in a series of three novels covering the life of Gawain (here called Gwalchmai). The first is Hawk of May,the last In Winter's Shadow. Rhys narrates.

---. In Winter's Shadow. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1982.

Third novel in a series relating the life of Gawain (here called Gwalchmai). The first two are Hawk of May and Kingdom of Summer. Gwynhwyfar narrates.

Browne, N. M. Warriors of Camlann. New York: Bloomsbury, 2003.

This novel follows the adventures in the distant past of Ursula and Daniel, modern British children who have endured magical events in Warriors of Alavna at least a decade before the narrative present of this novel placing them in the struggling court of Duke Arturus Urbicus. The novel ends after the battle of Camlann with the main characters entering the Veil (a time portal) with an uncertain result. The narration is third person.

Burgess, Anthony. Any Old Iron. New York: Random House, 1989.

Set in 20th century, this novel follows the history of Arthur's sword and the people who possess it (and those who want to). It refers only marginally to the usual characters and events of the legends.

Burke, Stephanie. Merlin's Kiss. Hudson, OH: Ellora's Cave, 2003.

All but eight pages of this novel take place in the distant apocalyptic future after a nuclear war. Brieana, whom Merlin has placed in suspended animation, awakes in that time to find Excalibur and her destiny as the Woman of Legend. Merlin and the Lady of the Lake--named Nimoae in this novel--are the only traditional characters. The explicit sex categorizes the novel as erotic or pornographic, depending on the reader's taste.

Canning, Victor. The Crimson Chalice (*). New York: Morrow, 1978.

Covers the entire saga, setting it in fifth and sixth centuries. New characters round out the round table.

Carmichael, Douglas. Pendragon: An Historical Novel. Hicksville: Blackwater, 1977.

A nameless narrator tells the legends with a Roman emphasis from Arthur's conception through the Battle of Badon Hill. Myrddin plays an influential role throughout, and Arthur is still alive at the end.

Cattie, Ray. Ard Righ: The Sword on the Stone. Eagleville, PA: Nartea, 2005.

This superficial third-person narrative covers the time between the death of Ambrosius and Arthur's defeat of King Lot's rebellion. The novel emphasizes Myrddin's manipulation of people and events to bring about Arthur's conception, birth, and coronation. In two locations it itemizes the rules of chivalry. Morganna is Arthur's only sister, and she is his enemy and the mother of Mordred, who is not yet born at the end of the novel.

Chadwick, Elizabeth. First Knight. New York: Pocket Books, 1995.

Based on the film by the same name, this novel concentrates on Lancelot and his moral growth as a basis of his love of Guinevere.

Chapman, Vera. The Green Knight ( @). New York: Avon, 1975.

Narrated by Vivian, this simple retelling of the Green Knight saga shifts focus to the women.

---. King Arthur's Daughter ( @). New York: Avon, 1976.

A third-person narrator tells the story of Ursulet and her conflicts with Mordred.

---. The King's Damosel ( @). New York: Avon, 1976.

Third person narrator tells the story of Lynett and her service to Arthur. (Quest for Camelot, the 1998 film by Warner Brothers, lists this novel as its basis though only a few of the characters are the same.)

---. The Enchantresses. London: Vista, 1998.

A third-person narrator tells the story of the three triplet daughters of Ygraine: Morgan, Morgause, and Vivian. The story shows the numerous ways they influence the birth, life, and death of Arthur.

Charrette, Robert N. A Prince Among Men. New York: Warner, 1994.

Set in the distant future where technology rules, this novel involves the reawakening of Arthur to save the world. Arthur (called Artos here) is the only character from the legends directly involved.

---. A King Beneath the Mountain. New York: Warner, 1995.

This second book in a trilogy picks up immediately where A Prince Among Men ends.

---. A Knight among Knaves. New York: Warner, 1995.

This third book in the trilogy continues the story of John Reddy, an elf, and his connection to the reincarnation of King Arthur in twenty-first century earth.

Cherryh, C. J. Port Eternity ( @). New York: DAW, 1982.

Science fiction tale of a human leading a bunch of clones on a distant planet. The human names the clones after Arthurian characters.

Christian, Catherine. The Pendragon (*). New York: Warner Books, 1978.

Originally titled The Sword and the Flame, this novel has Bedivere narrating the saga.

Chopra, Deepak. The Return of Merlin. New York: Harmony (Random House), 1995.

Most of this novel takes place in modern England. The souls of Merlin, Arthur, and Mordred continue to struggle in the twentieth century. A third-person narrator tells the story, which contains lots of magic.

Clegg, Douglas. Mordred, Bastard Son. New York: Alyson, 2006.

Mordred tells the story of the first 19 years of his life growing up in Brittany--Armorica--until he and Lancelot rescue Guinevere from Morgause's zombies and row her to Britain. Merlin, Mordred's tutor, also suffers Morgause's enmity at the end of this novel. This author presents Mordred and Lancelot as openly gay.

Clemens, Samuel Langhorne. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Editor Allison Ensor. 1889. New York: W. W. Norton, 1982.

Satiric treatment of the legends, especially harsh on Merlin. First person narration by Hank Morgan, also a target of Twain's satire. This edition includes many of the drawings by Daniel Carter Beard. Many other editions are available.

Closs, Hannah Priebach. Tristan: A Tale of Cornwall and Britanny. New York: Vanguard, 1967.

The novel tells the story of Tristan's life from birth. This version has Tristan dying when he sees the black sail as he languishes in Brittany.

Cochran, Molly, and Warren Murphy. The Forever King. New York: Tor, 1992.

This novel shifts back and forth between Arthur's time and the present. A retired FBI agent works to save a precocious child named Arthur Blessing and his aunt Emily, who have accidentally come into possession of the grail.(The story continues in The Broken Sword.)

---. The Broken Sword. New York: Tor, 1997.

In this sequel to The Forever King, Hal Woczniak (the retired FBI agent) and Arthur Blessing, now a teenager, fight to preserve the values of the Round Table amidst twentieth-century decay and the evil of Thanatos. Eleven knights of the Round Table return to the twentieth-century to help Arthur.

Cochran, Molly. The Third Magic. New York: Tom Doherty/Forge, 2003.

The sequel to The Broken Sword, this novel's third-person narration resumes several years later. Arthur Blessing, the reincarnated King Arthur, is now a teenager and struggling with his responsibility to the world. Though Arthur and Galahad/Hal are reincarnations, Taliesen/Merlin and the other primary knights are the original people from the distant past.

Coney, Michael Greatrex. Fang, the Gnome. New York: New American Library, 1988.

Nyneve and Merlin create the story of King Arthur in a happentrack--alternate universe--to help Avalona manipulate the distant ifalong--the future. Near the end of the novel, the happentrack of the gnomes merges with the happentrack of the humans. Tristan and Iseult are "real" characters who act out some of the better parts of the stories about King Arthur.

---. King of the Scepter'd Isle. New York: ROC (Penguin), 1989.

Gnomes play an important role in this version of the legends from the time Arthur becomes king.

Cornwell, Bernard. The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur. New York: St. Martin's, 1995.

Derfel tells this story as an adult after many years of service to Arthur as a soldier. He looks back on nearly all he remembers from growing up with Merlin. The conflicts of religion and empire are central. Guinevere, for example, worships Isis, and Merlin urges everyone at the end of the novel to seek the Cauldron of Clyddno Eiddyn, a kind of grail for the old Celtic religion.

---. Enemy of God. New York: St. Martin's, due August 1997.

A sequel to The Winter King, this novel continues The Warlord Chronicles.

---. Excalibur. New York: St. Martin's, 1998.

The sequel to Enemy of God, this novel completes The Warlord Chronicles. Derfel again narrates, paraphrasing what he is writing (in Saxon) to Igraine. He begins by blaming Guinevere for the troubles, including Lancelot's alliance with the Saxons and her own imprisonment for adultery. He tells the story through to the battle of Camlann and the wounded Arthur's departure on the boat.

Crompton, Anne Eliot. Merlin's Harp. New York: Donald I. Fine, 1995.

Niviene, daughter of the Lady of the Lake, narrates this novel that contrasts the world of the Fey (fairies) and humans. It covers the time between Gwenevere's kidnapping and Arthur's death.

---. Gawain and Lady Green. New York: Donald I. Fine, 1997.

Divided into four parts (Green Crown, Green Knight, Green Man, Green Chapel), this novel adds to the events and characters of the medieval poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." It has a third- person narrator.

Crossley-Holland, Kevin. The Seeing Stone @. New York: Arthur E. Levine, 2000.

This novel has 100 short chapters alternating between the twelfth and the sixth centuries. Arthur, a 13-year-old son of a nobleman, narrates the events of 1199-1200. Merlin's presence also holds the times together.

---. At the Crossing-Places. London: Orion, 2001.

This second novel in the trilogy has 101 chapters narrated as diary entries by Arthur in the year 1200. As in the first novel, the narrator follows the actions of King Arthur from 700 years earlier by looking into his seeing stone. In the course of this novel, Arthur the narrator trains as a squire, turns 14 years old, and seeks his biological mother.

Crow, Donna Fletcher. Glastonbury: The Novel of Christian England. Wheaton: Crossway, 1992.

Only the third book (of a total six) of this novel deals with Arthurian characters (its title is "The Annointing of the King: Arthurian Britain"). That narrative portrays Merlinus Ambrosius Dubricius as an archbishop as well as counselor to Arthurius and Queen Gwenhumara. (To count book III as full credit for the class book review, you must read it AND one of the other books making up this historical novel.)

David, Peter. Fall of Knight. New York: Ace, 2006.

This novel is a sequel to One Knight Only and Knight Life by the same author. Set in 21st-century Washington, D. C. and New York, King Arthur must decide what to do with the Holy Grail. He faces threats by the US Government, the Catholic Church, and a villain named Paracelsus, who wants to destroy all human life on earth.)

---. One Knight Only. New York: Ace, 2003.

The sequel to Knight Life, this novel starts when Arthur Penn has been president of the United States for two years. Much more serious and dark in tone than the Knight Life, one of this novel's primary antagonists is Arnim Sandoval, a terrorist leader. Another is Gilgamesh. The novel has third-person narration. Some characters and plot elements closely resemble those in Jane Linkskold's novel, Changer. Despite its 21st-century setting, the novel has much magic, especially in the final half.

---. Knight Life. New York: Ace, 1987.

King Arthur reappears in the twentieth century and gets elected mayor of New York; other characters have names resembling the court at Camelot.

---. Star Trek New Frontier Series.

This series of 14 novels published between 1997 and 1999 by Pocket Books accounts the adventures of the Federation Starship Excalibur. Though some cover art for the later novels suggests Arthurian connections, few appear in the characters of plots of the series. In book 6, Fire on High, Commander Shelby compares Captain Calhoun to King Arthur: "You have this King Arthur complex. You want to come riding on your brave white horse and right all wrongs, save damsels in distress, and make the world safe for chivalry [page 155]."

Davies, Robertson. The Lyre of Orpheus. New York: Viking, 1988.

The characters in this novel complete and produce an unfinished opera by E. T. A. Hoffmann called King Arthur; or, the Magnanimous Cuckold in modern Canada.

Dawson, Coningsby. The Road to Avalon. New York: Hodder and Stoughten, 1911.

The novel is allegorical with Arthurian characters; the action begins after Arthur's death.

Deeping, Warwick. The Man Who Went Back. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1940.

An Englishman goes back from WWII to the time of the Saxon invasions.

---. Uther and Igraine. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1902.

The novel presents a new version of the love story or Arthur's parents.

Dickson, Gordon. The Dragon in Lyonese. New York: St. Martin's, 1998.

A twentieth-century mathematician, Jim Eckert, continues his adventures in the 14th century where he can turn into a dragon. He aids Arthur and his reluctant knights battle evil.

Doherty, Robert. Area 51: Excalibur. New York: Dell, 2002.

A science-fiction, techno-military crossover, this novel is sixth in a series of seven books about the struggle of earth's special forces against two alien races. Excalibur resurfaces in the present (2002) as the device that can bring victory to one side. It has a marginal connection to the usual characters and settings, resembling Burgess's Any Old Iron.

---. Area 51: The Truth. New York: Dell, 2003.

The final (seventh) book of a series, this third-person narrated novel refers to Arthur, Merlin, Gawain (Gwalcmai), and Excalibur as examples of alien influences on earth's history. Excalibur as a weapon plays a significant role in the plot. Reading the previous book in the series is necessary for this one to make much sense.

---. Area 51: Legend. New York: Dell, 2004.

This novel fills in some of the blanks in the narrative of the first 7 volumes of the Area 51 series. Donnchadh/Morgana and Gwalchmai/Gawain work on Earth from 10,500 BC to combat Airlia activities. Chapters 1 and 15-20 deal with Arthurian characters and plot elements.

Drake, David. The Dragon Lord. New York: Putnam, 1979.

This novel treats Arthur as Hitler and Lancelot as a military leader like Himmler.

Duggan, Alfred Lee. The Conscience of the King. London: Faber and Faber, 1951.

The first person narrator of this novel is 80; he is Cerdic, a Saxon ruler, the king of the title.

Erskine, John. Galahad. Indianapolis: Bobbs Merril, 1926.

Subtitled "Enough of His Life to Explain His Reputation," this novel focuses on Galahad's life from before his conception to his death.

Faraday, Wilfred. Pendragon. London: Methuen, 1930.

Sets the saga in post-Roman Britain and calls Guinevere "Gwendaello."

Farren, Mick. More than Mortal. New York: Tor, 2001.

Merlin's revival in the 21st century creates the plot in this nosferatu/vampire novel, though the character of Merlin plays a minor role. The novel is brutal, bloody, and perverse. Merlin's character appears in Farren's sequel to this novel, Underland, as Mervyn Talesian, a special assistant to the U. S. President, a comparatively minor role. Contrast to Saberhagen's Dominion and Lewis's That Hideous Strength.

Flood, Eloise. The Legacy of Merlin (@). New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2001.

This third-person novel covers four days in the life of three sisters who are witches. In Wales for England, they encounter Merlin's son, whom an evil druid has brought into the 21st Century for a ritual. Two of the witches travel back to 589 to meet Merlin and ask for his help. (Based on the Charmed TV series.)

Frankland, Edward. The Bear of Britain. London: MacDonald, 1944.

The conscience-ridden Arthur refuses to take complete control after defeating the Saxons. [Reprint, titled Arthur, The Bear of Britain, available through Green Knight Press, 1998.]

Fredrickson, Nate. A Hero's Heart (Book 1 of The Knights of Logres) Roseville, CA: Dry Bones Press, 2001.

Merlin narrates this tale of Owain ap Gwyar (even though he is part of the story).

Gemmell, David. The Ghost King. New York: Del Rey, 1996.

This book is the first of four in the Stones of Power series in which forces of old Atlantis battle evil. Uther Pendragon is the hero.

---. The Last Sword of Power. New York: Del Rey, 1996.

This second novel of four in the Stones of Power series deals primarily with Uther Pendragon, who battles the Goths led by Wotan. It also introduces Uther's son. (The final two novels of the series do not deal with Arthurian characters.)

Gloag, John. Artorius Rex. New York: St. Martin's, 1977.

Caius Geladius narrates this novel treating Artorius as a post-Roman general--more military than most.

Godwin, Parke. Firelord. New York: Doubleday, 1980.

Arthur narrates the story of his reign from his deathbed.

---. Beloved Exile. New York: Bantam, 1984.

Guenevere narrates this novel that occurs after Arthur's death. It is the second in a series of three, starting with Firelord and terminiating with The Last Rainbow.

---. The Last Rainbow. New York: Bantam, 1985.

The novel tells the story of Saint Patrick before he goes to Ireland; one of the characters is a young Arthur who campaigns in Scotland. This book is the third in a series by the same author: Firelord and Beloved Exile.

Guler, Kathleen Cunningham. The Anvil Stone: Book 3 of Macsen's Treasure Series. Steamboat Springs: Bardsong, 2006.

This third-person narrative continues the stories of Marcus and Claerwen from 471 through 477. Arthur's conception takes place "off stage" in 471. Uther and Myrddin are the only other major characters from the traditional legends involved. Arthur (Aradr) plays a small role in the plot near the end.

---. In the Shadow of Dragons (Second in the Macsen's Treasure series). Steamboat Springs, CO: Bardsong, 2001.

This third-person historical novel covers slightly less than a year from autumn 470 through spring 471. Arthur is still a prophecy. Myrddin and Uther are the two legendary characters most involved. The "prince," Marcus, and his wife, Claerwen, from the first novel in the series continue their fight for political unity and freedom in Britain. The spearhead is the symbol driving the plot.

---. Into the Path of Gods (First in the Macsen's Treasure Series). Steamboat Springs, CO: Bardsong, 1999.

This third-person historical novel covers the adventures of a young Welsh "prince" and a commonly-born woman between 459-469. Macsen's Treasure of the series title refers to five artifacts that serve as symbols for Celtic rulers. This novel covers the gold torque of kings, closely tied to the element of earth. It parallels Mary Stewart's first Merlin novel in geography and legendary characters though Merddyn is minor in this book. Ambrosius is high king at the end of this novel.

Hanratty, Peter. The Last Knight of Albion. Lake Geneva: New Infinities Productions, 1986.

This novel takes place after Arthur's death. Percevale seeks Mordred for revenge. The novel has a nameless third-person narrator and several sections from Mordred's journal.

Hawke, Simon. The Wizard of Camelot. (@ ) New York: Warner, 1993.

Merlin returns to life in England in the near future and reintroduces magic (thaumaturgy) to the world to save it. Thomas Malory, a former police officer, narrates the story from the future. (Hawke wrote at least five other "wizard" books that marginally involve Merlin, at least in spirit: The Wizard of Rue Morgue, The Wizard of Sante Fe, The Wizard of Whitechapel, The Wizard of Sunset Strip, Samuri Wizard.)

Hawks, Kate, and Parke Godwin. Lovers : The Legend of Trystan and Yseult. New York: Avon, 1999.

This novel covers the saga of Trystan and Yseult, giving Trystan a companion and equal in Gareth, an Irish Knight, and his wife Rhian. Like Wagner's opera, much of this story takes place in Gaul with the great lovers separated.

Headlee, Kim. Dawnflight. New York: Pocket Books, 1999.

This novel tells the story of Gyanhumara, nicknamed Gyan, a Pictish leader and warrior, who feels pressure to marry for political reasons more than for either love or childbearing. The plot also explains Morghe's marriage to Urien. Ending suggests a sequel.

Hetley, James A. The Summer Country. New York: Ace, 2002 (Penguin/Putnam).

Marginal connection. A descendent of Arthur, Brian Albion Pendragon, Identifies, contacts, and saves two young women in Maine in modern times. Maureen and Jo have "The Power" and are at the center of a power struggle between two other Old Ones who live in the Summer Country, a parallel universe to the ordinary world. Magic is central to this novel. No central characters from the legends appear.

Holdstock, Robert. The Broken Kings: Book Three of the Merlin Codex. New York: Tor, 2007.

Merlin narrates most of this novel with a timeline more confusing than either of the previous books in the series. Merlin, Jason [of Argonaut fame], Urtha, and others struggle against an invasion of ghosts and spirits. Their struggle includes a trip to Crete that also includes a trip into the ancient past. One of Merlin's allies is the spirit of the unborn Pendragon.)

---. Celtika: Book One of the Merlin Codex. New York: Tor, 2003.

Merlin narrates this novel that only marginally deals with Arthurian themes; Arthur's name appears once as part of a prophecy: "He [Urtha] will die, you live on. But one of the sons of the sons of his son will be the reason of your life and the death of everything you love. His name is Arthur. Oh, Merlin, you will reach such heights of power!" (page 329 of paperback edition). Urtha of Alba--England--is a main character and an ancestor of Uther. The novel takes place in 278 BCE in Alba and Greece, involving a resurrected Jason and a rebuilt Argo.

---. The Iron Grail: Book Two of the Merlin Codex. New York: Tor, 2002.

Merlin narrates this sequel to Celtika. Zombies threaten Urtha's hill fort in southern Alba. Merlin, Jason, and Urtha travel on the Argo into Ghostland to find Jason's son and to defeat the army of the dead. Pendragon shows up as one of the Unborn, suggesting the content of the next book in the seires, The Broken Kings.

Hollick, Helen. The Kingmaking (Book One of Pendragon's Banner). (*) New York: St.Martin's, 1994.

This story begins in 450 when Arthur is ten. It continues until 457 when he becomes king of Britain.

---. Pendragon's Banner (Being the Second Part of a Trilogy). New York: St. Martin's, 1995.

This novel starts in 459 AD when Arthur is 24. It continues until June 466. The third-person narrator devotes extensive attention to the battles against the Saxons and Jutes though the focus is on the relationship between Arthur and Gwenhwfyr.

---. Shadow of the King. New York: St. Martin's, 1997.

This third novel in the Pendragon's Banner trilogy begins in 468 as Arthur leaves England to fight wars in Europe. Gwenhwfyr faces many conflicts in England to maintain peace and the throne.

Housman, Clemence [Annie]. The Life of Sir Aglovale de Galis. London: Jonathan Cape, 1905 (also available in a 2000 edition published by Green Knight Press).

This third-person narrative focuses on one of Pellinore's sons and the feud between his family and Gawaine's family.

Hugh, Dafydd ab. Arthur War Lord. New York: Avon, 1994.

A twentieth-century British anti-terrorist goes back in history and enters Lancelot's consciousness. He is trying to keep another twentieth-century character from changing history. The novel ends in the middle of the story. Students picking this novel should also read the sequel; both books together will earn extra credit.

---. Far Beyond the Wave. New York: Avon, 1994.

This novel continues Arthur War Lord. Peter Smythe still occupies Lancelot's body, and others are struggling in the bodies of other characters of legend..

James, Cary. King and Raven. New York: Tor, 1995.

The narrator of this novel tells the story of his involvement with the nobles of Camelot from the time he is a peasant boy through the fall of Camelot. His name is Micah, but he calls himself Raven as he seeks revenge on the nobles of court for their unjust and uncaring treatment of serfs. He again renames himself Michael de Verdeur while he is learning to be a knight in France.

Johnson, Barbara Ferry. Lionors. New York: Avon, 1975.

The title character is mother of Arhtur's blind son. The story goes to the place where she buries Arthur in Avalon.

Jones, Courtway. In the Shadow of the Oak King. New York: Pocket Books, 1991.

Pelleas narrates this account of the legends from before Arthur's birth up through his marriage to Guinevere and the building of Camelot. It is the first volume of a trilogy.

---. Witch of the North. New York: Pocket Books, 1992.

This novel follows Jones's In the Shadow of the Oak King, with Morgan Le Fay telling the story from Arthur's birth to Lancelot's rescue of Guinevere from being burned at the stake.

---. A Prince in Camelot. New York: Pocket Books, 1995.

Mordred narrates this novel and is the prince of the title. The novel covers ten years of his life, from 11 to 21.

Kane, Gil, and John Jakes. Excalibur! New York: Pendragon, 1980.

Set in post-Roman Britain, this novel covers Artoris's full life and introduces some new characters, including Amlodd and Guenhumera.

Karr, Phyllis Ann. The Idylls of the Queen. New York: Ace, 1982.

Sir Kay narrates this version of the saga set up as a murder mystery, starting with Malory's poison apple incident.

---. The Follies of Sir Harald. Oakland: Green Knight, 2001.

A third-person narrator tells the adventures of Sir Harald de Folgeste with silly plot conflicts, characters, and adventures. The style and attitude resembles the novels on this list by Tom Holt, Robert Nye, and Nicholas Seare.

Kay, Guy Gavriel. The Fionavar Tapestry *. New York: Penguin, 1992.

Only the second and third novels of this trilogy directly involve Arthur. Fionavar is a world parallel with earth to which a mage transports five Canadians to combat evil incarnate. The Wandering Fire and The Darkest Road are the names of the novels in which Arthur (called The Warrior), Lancelot, and Guinevere play parts. Because of plot connections, readers need to read all three volumes.

Kennealy, Patricia. The Hawk's Gray Feather. New York: Penguin, 1990.

Set on the planet Gwynedd in the future, this version tells the whole saga from Taliesin's point of view. He is Arthur's foster brother, and they go through much of their childhood together. It is first in a proposed trilogy also to include The Oak Above the Kings and The Hedge of Mist.

---. The Oak Above the Kings. New York: Roc (Penguin), 1994.

Taliesin continues the story that he began in The Hawk's Gray Feather.

---. The Hedge of Mist. New York: HarperPrism, 1996.

Taliesin continues the story from the first two volumes of this trilogy: The Hawk's Gray Feather and The Oak Above the Kings. .

King, J. Robert. Mad Merlin. New York: Tor, 2000.

Though a short Prologue is in Merlin's voice, the novel has a third-person narrator. Merlin also speaks in italicized passages occasionally. The novel starts with Uther's quest for control of Briton and continues through the victory of Mount Badon and Mordred's youth.

---. Lancelot du Lethe. New York: Tor, 2001.

This novel with an omniscient third-person narrator covers the legends of Camelot with a focus on Lancelot from his birth until his madness at the death of Arthur and Guenevere. In this version, Lancelot has a link to the Otherworld.)

---. Le Morte D'Avalon. New York: Tor, 2003.

This novel focuses on the life of Morgan Le Fey and her reasons for struggling against her half-brother Arthur's social and political goals.

---

[TOP] [A-D] [E-H] [I-L] [M-P] [Q-T] [U-Z] [END]

---

Landis, Arthur H. A World Called Camelot. (@ ) New York: Daw, 1976.

This novel is the first of a science fiction trilogy with marginal parallels to the Arthurian legends. Magic pervades.

---. Camelot in Orbit. ( @) New York: Daw, 1978.

The second in a trilogy of science fiction and fantasy, this one continues the story started in A World Called Camelot.

---. The Magick of Camelot. (@) New York: Daw, 1981.

The third book of a trilogy.

Latham, Aaron. The Code of the West. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2001.

Jimmy Goodnight (also named Crying Coyote) is a cowboy instead of a king, but he lives with many of the moral rules and plot conflicts as King Arthur in this novel set in Texas roughly 1867-1885. Jack Loving mirrors Lancelot, and Revelie Sanborn Goodnight mirrors Guinevere. The narration is third-person with non-standard usage such as "hisself" and "that there."

Laubenthal, Sanders Anne. Excalibur. New York: Ballantine, 1959.

A descendant of a Welsh prince discovers the sword of power in twentieth-century Alabama.

Lawhead, Stephen R. Arthur. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1989.

Third of the six-part series called the Pendragon Cycle which also includes Taliesin, Merlin, and Pendragon. Three narrators tell the story of Arthur's adult life and his disappearance: Pelleas, Bedwyr, and Aneirin (whom Lawhead equates to Gildas).

---. Avalon: The Return of King Arthur. New York: Avon, 1999.

The sixth novel in the author's series based on the Arthurian saga. This novel tells the story of James Arthur Stewart, distantly related to the British royal family, who becomes Arthur II of England and discovers he is the reincarnation of Arthur. The narration is third-person.

---. Grail. New York: Avon, 1997.

Fifth book in the Pendragon Cycle (following Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur,and Pendragon). After a short, cynical prologue narrated by Morgian, Gwalchavad narrates this novel that follows the events of the other four. He is Lawhead's equivalent of Gawain. The Grail heals Arthur, but through deceit Morgain steals it, and the companions must seek it as blight strikes Britain.

---. Merlin. Westchester,IL: Crossway, 1988.

Second book of a six-part series called the Pendragon Cycle also including Taliesin, Arthur, and Pendragon. Merlin (Myrddin Emrys) narrates this tale of Arthur's birth and youth in Britain.

---. Pendragon. New York: Morrow, 1994.

Myrddin Emrys (Merlin) narrates this fourth book of a six-part series from the time of the defeat of the Saxons. The story overlaps Lawhead's other books in time.

---. Taliesin. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1987.

First of a six-part series (the Pendragon Cycle) which also includes Merlin, Arthur, and Pendragon. Charis, lady of the lake, narrates 2/3 of the novel which accounts the destruction of Atlantis to the birth of Merlin..

Lehmann, Ruth P. M. Blessed Bastard: A Novel of Galahad. San Antonio: Wings Press, 1997.

A third-person account of Galahad's life and how parental neglect and a spiritual affinity led to his adult talents and prejudices.

Lewis, C[live] S[taples]. That Hideous Strength: a Modern Fairy Tale for Grown-ups. New York: Macmillan, 1946.

Jane Studdock and her husband Mark are the main characters of this novel set in twentieth-century Britain. Competing forces unearth Merlin who plays an important part in the plot.

Lindsay, Phillip. The Little Wench (*). London: Nicholson and Watson, 1935.

Gwinevere is the "wench" of the title. The novel concentrates on the love life of Camelot.

Linkskold, Jane M. Changer: A Novel of the Athanor. New York: Avon, 1998.

Changer is a shape-shifter who must abandon animal form to combat evil threatening Arthur's realm in the 20th Century. Arthur and the Changer are Athanaor, nearly immortal beings.

---. Legends Walking: A Novel of the Athanor. New York: Avon, 1999.

The sequel to Changer, this novel involves Arthur less than the earlier book.

MacGregor, Kinley. New York: Avon, 2006.

This third-person account describes an adventure of Varian duFey, son of Lancelot and an evil fairy creature named Narishka. The action takes place in Camelot and Avalon, realms accessible to the ordinary world only by means of magic. Morgen le Fay is one of the primary villains. Creatures like gargoyles, kobolds, mandrakes, and adoni populate this fantasy. Some explicit sex occurs.

Mancusi, Marianne. A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthur's Court. New York: Dorchester, 2005.

Katherine "Kat" Alyssa Jones, 29 years old, narrates this pastiche of Twain's Connecticut Yankee. Kat is the tool of Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, to keep Lancelot and Guenevere from becoming lovers. The author calls the book "chick lit.")

Manfredi, Valerio Massimo. The Last Legion. New York: Washington Square Press, 2002.

This novel begins in 476 and continues through the decline of Rome and the battle of Mount Badon, emphasizing political and military conflicts. More than three-fourths of the novel takes place in Italy, only the end occurring in Britain. Uther (not called by that name but by Romulus, the emperor of Rome) is only 14 at the end of the novel. The prologue and epilogue are Merlin's first-person explanation, but the 37 chapters of the novel itself are third-person narrative. Throuh most of the novel, Merlin has the name Ambrosinus.

Marshall, Edison. The Pagan King. New York: Doubleday, 1959.

Arthur narrates this account of his legend set in the fifth century.

Massie, Allan. Arthur the King. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003.

Michael Scott, a medieval scholar, narrates this story in the model of Machiavelli, using Arthur as an example of how to rule a country. The story covers Arthur's life from his fosterage through his death. Merlin is a manipulative pedophile in this version, and Arthur and Morgan la Fay are willing, passionate lovers through much of the story. The novel is the second book in a trilogy, but neither of the other books deals with Arthurian characters or themes.

McCaffrey, Anne. Black Horses for the King. (@) New York: DelRey, 1996.

Galwyn Gaius Varianus, a young adolescent boy, narrates this novel covering the few years preceding the first of Arthur's twelve great battles. The novel concentrates on horses and their role in Arthur's early success.

McCormack, Patrick. Albion: The White Phantom. London: Constable and Robinson, 2000.

A third-person narrator tells this story about Nai, a warrior, who seeks for Gwenhwyvar ten years after Arthur's death to protect her.

McDowell, Ian. Mordred's Curse. New York: Avon, 1995.

Mordred narrates this crude novel that puts Arthur's refusal to name him as heir or acknowledge him as a son as the cause of Camelot's decay.

---.Merlin's Gift. New York: Avon, 1997.

Mordred narrates this version of the story that shows him and Guenevere joining forces to protect Britain as Arthur plans to conquer Europe.

McKenzie, Nancy. The Child Queen. New York: Ballantine, 1994.

Guinevere narrates this novel that starts before her birth and continues through the first part of Arthur's reign. McKenzie's novel parallels Mary Stewart's books. (Ballantine published Queen of Camelot in 2002, combining this novel with The High Queen.)

---. The High Queen. New York: Ballantine, 1995.

Guinevere narrates this tale that begins when Morgause brings her sons to Camelot. It continues to Arthur's death. (Ballantine published Queen of Camelot in 2002, combining this novel with The Child Queen.)

---. Grail Prince. New York: DelRey, 2003.

The narrative present of this third-person novel begins six weeks after Arthur's death and the ascension of Constantine to the British throne. Shifting back and forth between that narrative present and the latter years of Arthur's reign, the narrative extends ten years into Constantine's rule. Departing from Malory, Galahad and Percival both survive Arthur.

Middleton, Hadyn. The King's Evil: A Mordred Cycle Novel. London: Warner, 1995.

An omniscient third-person narrator tells the story of Mordred's life from his first words at 10 until he stabs Arthur's corpse at 18. The plot changes several of Malory's details, and Middleton's style includes crass language and some explicit sex.

---. The Queen's Captive. London: Warner, 1996.

The queen of the title is Morgan. Following The King's Evil, Mordred washes up on the shore of Avalon where Morgan "cares for" him (including raping him while he is unconscious). Their son is the newly-born Arthur who will create Logres out of the ruins of Albion. Arthur is still an infant at the end of the novel.

---. The Knight's Vengeance. London: Warner, 1997.

As with the first two novels of the Mordred Cycle, this conclusion treats Arthur negatively, as a despot. The "reborn" Mordred is the central figure.

Miles, Rosalind. Guenevere: Queen of the Summer Country. New York: Crown, 1998.

In this first novel of a trilogy, Guenevere becomes queen of the summer country near the start of this novel with her mother's death. Arthur has just become king of Britain. One of the central conflicts is Guenevere's devotion to the old religion. The narration is third-person omniscient.

---. The Knight of the Sacred Lake. New York: Crown, 2000.

This second novel of the trilogy picks up where Guenevere ends at a peaceful time of Camelot. It reports events of the saga until Mordred comes to Camelot to start training as a knight. The narration is third-person.

---. Child of the Holy Grail. New York: Crown, 2001.

This is the third novel of the author's trilogy emphasizing Guenevere. It begins ten years after Mordred comes to court as Arthur prepares to knight him. Arthur and Guenevere have ruled for 20 years, mostly in peace. It covers events until Arthur's death.

---. Isolde: Queen of the Western Isle. New York: Crown, 2002.

This fantasy novel in third person begins with Tristan and Isolde both young nobles, slightly outside the struggle between Ireland and Cornwall. By the end of the novel, the first of a series, they are lovers and monarchs of Lynoesse and Ireland, respectively.

---. The Maid of the White Hands. New York: Crown, 2003.

The second of three novels in the Tristan and Isolde trilogy, this third-person narrative concentrates on Blanche of France, also called Isolde. The ending resembles the close of Wagner's opera, but Tristan is not actually dead.

---. The Lady of the Sea. New York: Crown, 2004.

The third of three novels in the Tristan and Isolde trilogy, this third-person narrative concentrates on Isolde of Ireland. She leaves Mark and returns to Ireland to defend the throne.

Monaco, Richard. The Final Quest. New York: Pocket Books, 1980.

The book is third in a trilogy of which Parsival is first and The Grail War is second.

---. The Grail War. New York: Pocket Books, 1979.

The novel is second in a trilogy concentrating on Parsival (Perceval). The first is Parsival, the third The Final Quest.

---. Parsival, or a Knight's Tale. New York: Pocket Books, 1977.

This novel is the first in a trilogy focusing on Parsival (Perceval). The Grail War and The Final Quest are the other two.

Munn, H. Warner. Merlin's Godson. New York: Ballantine, 1976.

Ventidius Varro, a Roman soldier, narrates the first half of this novel that concentrates on his son, Merlin's godson, Gwalchmai.

---. Merlin's Ring. New York, Ballantine, 1974.

The central character in this fantasy is Gwalchmai (Gawain), Merlin's godson.

Newport, Cris. Queen's Champion: The Legend of Lancelot Retold. Radnor (Ohio): Pride Publications, 1997.

Lancelot narrates this version, which places the center of Arthur's realm in Carlisle rather than in Camelot. The novel has a lesbian plot thread.

Newman, Sharan. The Chessboard Queen. New York: St. Martin's, 1983.

This novel is second in a trilogy also including Guinevere and Guinevere Evermore.

---. Guinevere Evermore. New York: St. Martin's, 1985.

This novel is third in a trilogy also including Guinevere and The Chessboard Queen.

---. Guinevere. New York: Bantam, 1981.

This first novel of a trilogy tells the story of Guinevere from her birth up to her marriage. The second two novels are The Chessboard Queen and Guinevere Evermore.

Norton, Andre. Merlin's Mirror (@). New York: Daw, 1975.

This novel is a science fiction version of Mary Stewart's novels. It places Merlin's accomplishments in the context of interplanetary communication.

---. Steel Magic. (@). New York: Starscape, 2005 (reprinted from Cleveland: World, 1965).

This third-person short novel tells the story of three pre-teenaged siblings who enter the parallel dimension of Avalon and help Merlin Ambrosius retrieve three talismams that can keep evil at bay: Excaliber, Merlin's ring, and Huon's horn. The story has many parallels with C. S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Nye, Robert. Merlin: A Very Adult Fantasy. New York: Bantam, 1978.

Merlin narrates this raunchy version of the legends.

O'Meara, Walter. The Duke of War. New York: Harcourt, Brace, & World, 1966.

Flavia, a teenaged young woman of Roman descent, narrates this account of the fall of the year 500 when Duke Arthur defeats the Saxon leader Aelle at Mons Badonis (Mount Badon).

Parker, Mark F. X-Calibre: The Absurd Legend of Cantiger the Wizard. New York: Carroll and Graf, 2000.

This comic novel has extensive British dialect. The lowbrow humor recounts Cantiger and Orson's adventures in medieval England with a few of the characters from the Arthurian saga. The narration is third-person.

Paxson, Diana L. The White Raven. New York: Morrow, 1988.

The novel tells the story of Tristan and Isolde.

---. The Book of the Sword (Book One of The Hallowed Isle.) (@) New York: Avon, 1999.

Covering the years 424-473, this novel covers the history of the Sword that Artor draws from a stone to become king when he is 15.

---. The Book of the Spear (Book Two of The Hallowed Isle.) (@) New York: Avon, 1999.

Covering the years 470-495, this novel concentrates on Oesc, a Saxon leader and enemy of Artor for control of Britain.

---. The Book of the Cauldron (Book Three of The Hallowed Isle.) (@) New York: Avon, 1999.

This novel covers 487-502 and concentrates on Gwendivar.

---. The Book of the Stone (Book Four of The Hallowed Isle.) (@) New York: Avon, 2000.

This final novel of the series covers the years 502-515, concentrating on Medraut, and ending with Artor's death.

Phillips, Marti. The Road to Camelot. Brentwood: Southern Press, 1998.

This "collection of novels set in the Arthurian era" includes three short love stories set near three different possible locations of Camelot. "Lancelot's Crystal" takes place in northern Scotland in 1316 and tells the story of Janna Maclachlan, a protege of Emrys and her love for Liam. "Prince of the Mists" follows the adventures of Corinna Swift, a twentieth-century writer who travels back in time to Wales to fall in love and witness the last days of Camelot. "Swords and Roses" takes place around Cadbury Castle in 1485. (For class credit you must read all three novellas.)

Price, Anthony. Our Man in Camelot. New York: Mysterious, 1975.

This novel, set in twentieth-century England, tells the story of international intrigue as spies try to discover the geographical truths behind the Arthurian legends.

Roberts, Dorothy James. The Enchanted Cup. New York: Appleton Century Crofts, 1953.

This first novel in a series tells the story of Tristan. The other two novels are Launcelot, My Brother and Kinsmen of the Grail.

---. Kinsmen of the Grail. New York: Appleton Century Crofts, 1963.

Third in a series including The Enchanted Cup and Launcelot, My Brother, this novel deals with the quest of the grail.

---. Launcelot, My Brother. New York: Appleton Century Crofts, 1954.

This novel is second in a series starting with The Enchanted Cup and ending with Kinsmen of the Grail. It tells the story of the fall of Camelot from Bors's point of view.

Rowley, Gwen. Knights of the Round Table: Geraint. New York: Jove, 2007.

This third-person narrative covers two or three months in the lives of Geraint and Enid loosely following Chretien de Troyes's narrative of Eric and Enid (almost no parallels with Tennyson). Rowley provides vastly more characterization of Enid including a family and tribe as well as temporary magical ability through the Lady of the Lake. Arthur plays a minor role, yet no other major characters of the legends appear significantly.

---. Knights of the Round Table: Lancelot. New York: Jove, 2006.

This third-person narrative follows Malory but combines Elaine of Astolat and Elaine of Carbonic into the same character who is both Galahad's mother and Lancelot's eventual wife. The narrative covers roughly four years between the time of a disguised Lancelot's wearing Elaine's sleeve in a tournament thorough Lancelot's insanity. Guinevere and Lancelot are not lovers in this version, but they are half-siblings (same father, Ban of Benwick). Morgause is an evil influence and uses some magic.

---. Knights of the Round Table: Gawain. New York: Jove, 2007.

Aislyn/Dame Ragnelle is the primary character in this retelling of the legend of the loathly lady. Though Morgause and Morgana both influence the plot of this novel, neither Merlin nor Mordred appears. As in Chaucer's Wife of Bath's Tale, Gawain must find out what women most desire and apply its lesson. In this novel, Gawain is heir to the throne. Lanacelot is a newcomer to court and has not yet met Elaine--see Rowley's previous novel.

Saberhagen, Fred. Dominion. New York: Tor, 1982.

In modern Chicago, Merlin (referred to here as Ambrosius, Hawk, and Falcon) recovers from a thousand-year-old spell to battle Nimue and two vampires who use human sacrifice to seek "the Sword." Some scenes take place in sixth-century Britain with Artos. Contrast to Farren's More than Mortal.

---. Merlin's Bones. New York: Tor, 1995.

This novel has multiple narrators as well as a third person omniscient storyteller. The action takes place in modern times and in ancient England (Logres) both before and after Arthur's reign. (This novel does not relate to Dominion.)

Sampson, Fay. Daughter of Tintagel (**). London: Headline, 1992.

This novel originally appeared in five parts, each with its own narrator (Wise Woman's Telling in 1989, White Nun's Telling in 1989, Black Smith's Telling in 1990, Taliesin's Telling in 1991, and Herself in 1992). Morgan Le Fay is the center of this novel that begins with the night of Arthur's birth and continues until after his death.

Seare, Nicholas. Rude Tales and Glorious ( @). New York: Clarkson Polter, 1983.

Nine stories or "staves" make up this novel. An old wizened man tells them; he later turns out to be Lancelot. The audience is the baron of Dolbadarn..

Shwartz, Susan. The Grail of Hearts. New York: Tor, 1992.

This third-person novel follows the plot of Parsifal fairly closely, following the interactions of Amfortas, Klingsor, Kundry, and Parsifal.

Springer, Nancy. I Am Morgan le Fay (@). New York: Firebird, 2001.

Morgan narrates this first-person novel covering her life from six, at the time of Arthur's conception, to about 20, the time of Arthur's coronation. She writes most about her training as a wise woman at the hands of her nurse and the many figures at Avalon.

---. I Am Mordred (@). New York: Firebird, 1998.

All but the prologue and epilogue of this novel is in first-person with Mordred reflecting on his life from his first memories growing up in a fishing village until Nyneve took him to grow up with Morgause and King Lothe. In this version Gawain and Garet are Morgause's only other children with Lothe. Nyneve and Morgan le Fay use Mordred for their own purposes to save or destroy Arthur. He struggles against that manipulation as well as against Merlin's prophecy that he would kill his father.

Stewart, Mary. The Crystal Cave. New York: Morrow, 1970.

The first of her four books about the Arthurian saga. This one covers Merlin's childhood. The others are The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day.

---. The Hollow Hills. New York: Morrow, 1973.

This is the second of the author's four novels about the Arthurian saga. This one covers the time from Arthur's youth to his crowning. The other books in the series areThe Crystal Cave, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day.

---. The Last Enchantment. New York: Morrow, 1979.

This is the third of the author's four books on the Arthurian saga. This one covers the time between Arthur's coronation and Nimue's imprisonment of Merlin. The other books in the series are The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Wicked Day.

---. The Wicked Day. New York: Morrow, 1983.

This is the fourth of the author's four novels about the Arthurian saga. This one covers the time from Merlin's disappearance to the death of Arthur. The first three books are The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment.

Sutcliff, Rosemary. The Lantern Bearers. Walck, 1959.

This children's novel covers pre-Arthurian times, mainly dealing with the conflict between Vortigern and Ambrosius.

---. Sword at Sunset. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1963.

This children's novel covers Arthur's life. .

Telep, Peter. Squire. New York: Harper Prism, 1995.

This novel is the first of a trilogy describing the adventures of Christopher of Shores, a squire. This novel covers the time from Christopher's birth (the same day as Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone) to his becoming Arthur's squire when he is 15.

---. Squire's Blood. New York: HarperPrism, 1995.

This novel begins immediately after Squire, the first book of the trilogy. It covers battles in the Mendip Hills against the Saxons, a rescue of a friend from the occupied castle of Shores, and Christopher's loss of his title.

---. Squire's Honor. New York: HarperPrism, 1996.

This final novel of the trilogy begins immediately after Squire's Blood. Suspected of a murder, Christopher follows the mother of his child and Merlin to the port of Blytheheart (Bristol) where he has several adventures.

Thompson, Frank. King Arthur. New York: Hyperion, 2004.

A novelization of the the movie by the same name, this third-person novel treats Arthur and six of his remaining knights as they defeat the Saxons at Badon Hill the same day the Roman legions leave Hadrian's Wall. In this version, Guinevere is Merlin's daughter

Tolstoi, Nikolai. The Coming of the King: The First Book of Merlin (*). New York: Bantam, 1989.

Most of this novel is narrated by Merlin. It is the first of a proposed trilogy.

Treece, Henry. The Green Man. New York: Putnam, 1966.

This novel tells the story of Amloth, a Scandinavian knight living during Arthur's time.

Turton, Godfrey. The Emperor Arthur. Garden City: Doubleday, 1967.

Pelleas narrates this tale of most of the Arthurian saga, set in post-Roman Britain.

Vansittart, Peter. Lancelot: A Novel. London: Peter Owen, 1978.

A narrative of the Arthurian saga set in post-Roman Britain and concentrating on Lancelot; the narrator is Ker Maxim, a homosexual.

---. Parsifal. Chester Springs, PA: Peter Owen, 1989.

Modern characters appear in this new telling of the story of innocent Parsifal's search for the Grail.

Webber, Collin. Merlin and the Last Trump. London: Victor Gollancz, 1993.

Merlin, the ghost of Uther, and a knight named Griswold des Arbes are the primary Arthurian characters in this silly fantasy that involves their "travel" to 1987, 2090, and 3797 to save Mankind from the evil Nemestis.

Weber, David. The Excalibur Alternative. Riverdale, NY: Baen, 2002.

This science fiction novel covers time between 1341 and roughly 2100 and locations from earth to unspecified galaxies in deep space. A third-person narrator describes the history of Sir George Wincaster, an English feudal baron who becomes a self-styled Arthur working to free "protected" races from slavery to an intergalactic federation of "superior" races.

Wein, Elizabeth E. The Winter Prince(@). New York: Baen, 1993.

Medraut tells his story to Morgause, his mother. Wein uses the Celtic names for people and places and omits Merlin and Lancelot. Artos and Ginevra have two children in this version, marketed for young adults.

White, Steve. Debt of Ages. Riverdale, NY: Baen, 1995.

Sequel to Legacy, this novel begins in 491, yet the setting jumps often between then and the future. Artorius advises the galactic overlords.

White, T. H. The Book of Merlyn. Austin: U of Texas P, 1977.

This conclusion to White's The Once and Future King was not published in his lifetime. It covers the time near the end of Arthur's life.

---. The Once and Future King. New York: Putnam, 1939.

This novel emphasizes Arthur's youth and tells the whole saga, setting it in medieval times (1066-1399). It is the basis for Disney's animated movie Sword in the Stone and for Lerner & Lowe's musicalCamelot.

Whyte, Jack. The Skystone. New York: Forge, 1996.

A soldier lamed in the service of Rome, Publius Varrus, narrates this story of events in Britain before Arthur's birth. He is Arthur's great-grandfather. The skystone of the title is a meteorite with special qualities that becomes the material for Excalibur. (Visit the author's web site for excerpts from the novels in this series, called The Camulod Chronicles: The Forging of Arthur's Britain.)

---. The Singing Sword. New York: Forge, 1996.

The second volume in the Camulod Chronicles picks up immediately after the end of The Skystone in the year 387. Gaius Publius Varrus again narrates, taking the story up until 401 when Uther and Merlin are babies.

---. The Eagles' Brood.New York: Forge, 1997.

Merlyn, born Caius Merlyn Britannicus (in 401 AD), narrates this novel picking up six years after the previous one, The Singing Sword, left off and carrying the story on until Arthur's birth.

---. The Saxon Shore. New York: Forge, 1998.

Merlyn continues his narration in this novel, the sequel to The Eagles' Brood. This one begins while Arthur is an infant and continues until Arthur is eight years old.

---. The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis. New York: Forge, 1999.

Merlyn continutes telling the story where The Saxon Shore ends, picking up Arthur's story as he enters adolescence.

---. Uther. Toronto: Viking, 2000, 2001 in USA).

This third-person narrative tells of Uther's life and of Arthur's birth. Uther is Merlyn's cousin. The novel overlaps The Saxon Shore.

---. The Lance Thrower [published as Clothar the Frank in Canada in 2003.] New York: Forge, 2004.

This first-person novel focuses on two times in Clothar's life: when he is 10 and when he is 16. Most of it takes place in Gaul around 440 AD. Clothar is Whyte's version of Lancelot. Only about 80 pages of the action involve The Matter of Britain. The story focuses on military details.

---. The Eagle. Toronto: Penguin, 2005.

Clothar (Lancelot) tells more about his time in England with Arthur, starting from his meeting reported in the previous novel and continuing until he hears of Arthur's death while he is raising his family in Gaul.

Wolf, Joan. The Road to Avalon. New York: NAL, 1988.

The novel tells the entire saga from the time Arthur is eight until the final battle. Wolf protrays Merlin as Arthur's grandfather (Igraine's father).

Woolley, Persia. Child of the Northern Spring. New York: Poseidon, 1987.

The story of Guinevere's childhood.

---. Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn. New York: Poseidon, 1991.

This third of a trilogy tells the story of the last part of Arthur's reign. The first two novels are Child of the Northern Spring and Queen of the Summer Stars.

---. Queen of the Summer Stars. New York: Poseidon, 1990.

The second book of a trilogy, this one tells the story of the first part of Arthur's reign and the arrival of Lancelot. The other two books are Child of the Northern Spring and Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn.

Yancey, Rick. The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (@). New York: Bloomsbury, 2005.

Alfred Kropp, a 15-year-old orphan from Ohio, narrates this present-day novel. Alfred reluctantly agrees to help his uncle steal Excalibur. The theft results in the murder of the uncle and the decimation of the remaining descendants of the knights of the round table. Alfred turns out to be the last descendent of Lancelot.

Yolen, Jane. Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur. New York: Harcourt, 2003.

This third-person novel covers the three months prior to Arthur's pulling the sword out of a stone, a trick of Merlinnus to solidify the kingship he already holds. Morgause is the primary antagonist.

Zettel, Sarah. In Camelot's Shadow [first book in The Path to Camelot]. New York: Luna, 2004.

All but the introduction of this novel has a third-person narrator; Kai explains his historical sense from Ireland in 560 in the Introduction. This first novel of a series describes part of Risa's 19th year--she was born in the same year as Arthur's coronation--as she struggles against a sorcerer named Euberacon and a sorceress named Karra. The novel also incorporates the story of Gawain and the Green Knight and the Loathly Lady--Risa becomes Ragnelle.

---. Under Camelot's Banner [published as Camelot's Sword in England, third book of The Path to Camelot]. New York: Luna, 2006.

This novel reshapes Malory's story of Gareth, making Lynet the main character. Lynet and her sister Lauren must save their entire kingdom rather than just a castle. Morgaine is one of the primary villains. Many links to the story of Tristan and Iseult appear as part of the plot.

---. For Camelot's Honor. New York: Luna, 2005.

This third-person novel casts Elen with Geraint against Morgaine who seeks to discredit and supplant Arthur. Many plot elements match Tennyson's two idylls about Geraint.