63 pages • 2 hours read
Thomas Malory, Peter AckroydThe Death of King Arthur: The Immortal Legend
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1485A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Death of King Arthur by Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd chronicles the rise and fall of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, beginning with Arthur's ascendancy after pulling a sword from a stone. Arthur faces internal and external challenges, marries Guinevere, and oversees his knights' quests, including Lancelot's love for Guinevere and the search for the Holy Grail. The narrative ends with Arthur's betrayal by Mordred, a final battle, and Arthur's departure to Avalon.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Death of King Arthur by Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd has garnered praise for its rich, vivid storytelling and the seamless blend of Malory's classic tale with Ackroyd's modern narrative voice. However, some critics find the adaptation lacks originality, feeling it sometimes deviates too much from the medieval spirit. Overall, it is an engaging read for Arthurian enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Death of King Arthur?
Readers who relish chivalric adventures and medieval lore will enjoy Thomas Malory and Peter Ackroyd's The Death of King Arthur. Comparable to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and T.H. White's The Once and Future King, this book appeals to those captivated by epic quests, noble knights, and Arthurian legend.