Le Morte D'Arthur, arguably the most famous and praise-worthy body of Arthurian legend, has been brought to the modern book-enthusiast's shelves in a beautiful and scholarly manner in this Barnes & Noble publication. Malory's flowing 15th century English, about a century older than Shakespeare, is here left unchanged, complimented by lovely imaginative artwork, depicting events just as they are described in the text. This is a singularly beautiful edition, and I know of no other publication, of this or any other text, that compares. They simply don't make books like this anymore!
Of the text itself, there is much to say, and I can add little to what others have already expounded. But I will say this: Le Morte is a timeless classic, and there is much to be gained from investing the time and energy needed to conquer this imposing book. Not only does Malory offer us the chance to learn a great deal about Medieval and pre-Medieval society, but also of what it is to be human. The language may be lofty, but it is easily accessible once you are used to it. And as is the case with any great work, each of these stories gives a glimpse of the different aspects of humanity, of how and why we act as we do. Malory seems to focus not so much on development of individual characters, but rather on the presentation of human action. Given the cultural difference between the time of Chivalry and today, this can be a very thought-provoking theme.
Something should be said of the format. The "Table or Rubrysshe of the Content of Chapters" is not quite in the typical modern format of "Chapter 1...p3, etc." It identifies the next Book of the volume, and gives its page, followed by a list of its chapters, the pages of which are not given. Each chapter's title is more like a summary, such as "And how Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur, Chap. v." There are twenty-one books, ranging from six to eighty-eight chapters each. The format of the text and chapter divisions is standard, so I will say no more of it.
All things considered, this is a brilliant, nay fantastic publication of one of the richest pieces of English literature. I am delighted to have it on my shelf (ok, really on my stacks), and since it often goes for $40 to $100, I highly recommend buying it on Amazon. Including shipping, I was able to get the hardcover edition for about $5, and you can bet I'm pleased!
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Reviews with images
Not "Like New" condition, but good for the price.
So let me first say that copies of this particular Barnes and Noble classic go for about 100 bucks used in "acceptable" condition. That being said, the book was listed as being in "Like New" condition by the seller. For 28 bucks, I was expecting some imperfections with this copy, but since it was such a good deal for even "acceptable" condition, I went and took the plunge. A more accurate description would have been "good condition" with some minor flaws, so I deducted a star for this dishonesty. Some of the minor flaws included bent pages in the top corner, a slight divet in the edge of the leather cover, and a small, barely noticeable blob or what appears to be glue on the lower left side of the cover's arch. Considering the rest of the book is damn near pristine, I'd still classify this as a win. I only ask that the seller be more careful in the future about what they consider "Like New" because this is not. For the most part, I am satisfied.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2011
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
Arrived in only 4 days, like-new condition! Well-made with beautiful illustrations!
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
The book came quicker than I expected. Condition was as good or better than indicated by the seller. It's a beautiful volume with lovely illustrations. I am very happy with this putchase!
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
Not "Like New" condition, but good for the price.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
So let me first say that copies of this particular Barnes and Noble classic go for about 100 bucks used in "acceptable" condition. That being said, the book was listed as being in "Like New" condition by the seller. For 28 bucks, I was expecting some imperfections with this copy, but since it was such a good deal for even "acceptable" condition, I went and took the plunge. A more accurate description would have been "good condition" with some minor flaws, so I deducted a star for this dishonesty. Some of the minor flaws included bent pages in the top corner, a slight divet in the edge of the leather cover, and a small, barely noticeable blob or what appears to be glue on the lower left side of the cover's arch. Considering the rest of the book is damn near pristine, I'd still classify this as a win. I only ask that the seller be more careful in the future about what they consider "Like New" because this is not. For the most part, I am satisfied.
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
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Top reviews from other countries
Ellison F
Beautiful edition just like new
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2020