Mythology nuts (of which I might be the only one here) and people interested in the legend of King Arthur (which I believe to be of general appeal): I have two books to recommend.
The Search for King Arthur
I found this book at the Stormville flea market over Memorial Day for $4. It sat on the trunk next to my bed for a while and then I finally got around to reading it – and finished it in the space of two days. In this book the author reveals and explores some of the historical basis for the legend of King Arthur. This legend was born after the Saxon invasion of Great Britain after the Roman occupation. With the Empire collapsing, Rome recalled their legions and the Welsh (original ethnic British) were left to fend for themselves. On the verge of extermination by the Saxon hoards, the Welsh found their savior in one Artorius, a man of mixed Welsh and Roman descent. The disjoint tribes agreed to fight under the leadership of this one man, who took the title Dux Bellorum – Lord of Battles. While the Saxons were never forced off the British Isles, the conquests of the Dux Bellorum ensured the continuing sovereignty of the Welsh people.
Side note: the Welsh don’t like being called “Welsh” as it is actually the Saxon word for “slave”. However, their own word for themselves, “Cymraeg” is unpronounceable. This highlights the fact that even in the middle ages, good marketing is important.
Amazon Link: The Search for King Arthur
The Mists of Avalon
If you are going to read one book about the legend of Arthur in your life, it should be The Mists of Avalon. I noticed in the bookstore the other day that it has recently been reprinted in hardcover. Unlike other books which attempt to tell the story of King Arthur, this book focuses on the character of Arthur’s sister, Morgaine (Le Fay). This is a more interesting approach, in my opinion, since the story of Arthur is more or less preordained and set in stone. The Mists of Avalon also attempts to frame the tale in a more (semi-)historic context than Mallory or White. It demonstrates establishment of Arthur’s reign, the hayday of Camelot and it’s eventual fall against a backdrop of the wanning of pagan mysticism and the coming of Christianity to Britain.
Amazon Link: The Mists of Avalon
Absolutely indited content , Really enjoyed reading .