Available Formats
The Great Book of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table: A New Morte DArthur
By (Author) John Matthews
Foreword by Sir John Boorman
Illustrated by John Howe
HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins
30th September 2025
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Historical fantasy
Ancient, classical and medieval texts
European history: medieval period, middle ages
823.92
Paperback
448
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 38mm
380g
The most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever published, reimagined for a new generation of readers by John Matthews, one of the worlds leading Arthurian experts, and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe.
Journey back to the legendary time of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, of Merlin and dragons, of the Great Quest for the Grail and the mysterious Otherworld of Faerie. A time of bravery, treachery and love.
Here, you will read of Avenable, the girl brought up as a boy who becomes a famous knight, and of Gawain's strange birth and his rise to the highest possible rank: Emperor of Rome. Here too are some of the earliest Celtic tales of Arthur, and a completely new version of Merlin the Enchanter's story. There is also the story of Morien, whose adventures are as fantastic and exciting as any to be found in Malorys Le Morte DArthur.
THE GREAT BOOK OF KING ARTHUR presents for the first time many long-forgotten tales, dramatically brought to life by acclaimed Tolkien artist, John Howe, to deliver a unique reimagining of the most famous and influential work of English fantasy ever written.
John Matthews new book, beautifully crafted in words and images. The writing style and structure enhances the reader's experience.
Colin Gunn
Now for an ambitious volume, The Great Book of King Arthur & His Knights of the Round Table, the Arthurian scholar John Matthews has gone back to the well, as it were, from which Malory drew his shining pails and brought out a fresh supply.
The Wall Street Journal
John Howes artwork is incredible, evoking the otherworldly atmosphere that so pervades the Arthurian legends.
Amazon Review
John Matthews has made a lifetime study of the legends of King Arthur, and more recently of the history of piracy. His list of publications totals over 150, including the New York Times bestselling Pirates. He has acted as an advisor on several big budget movies, including King Arthur, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Prince of Persia. His work on the educational DVD to accompany King Arthur won a BAFTA award.