THE STORY OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS

Howard Pyle’s 1902 retelling of the English classic captures all the mystery, language, and legend of the early days of King Arthur. Pyle’s collection begins with King Arthur’s parents and Merlin's prophecy of his birth. It continues through the king’s childhood, marriage, and creation of the Round Table. Stuart Langton offers a respectful and entertaining interpretation, with only slight characterization and light dramatization. His mastery of Old English formality transcends its intimidation factor, and the listener soon becomes blissfully unaware of all the “forsooth’s” and “foreby’s” throughout the text. The old stories take on a fresh vitality under Langton’s skillful touch and leave us looking for the next volume. R.P.L. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]