The Death of King Arthur
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Product Description
Review
Armitage, on top form, renders [Arthur] expertly. --Bill Greenwell
Book Description
A brilliant new translation of the legendary tale of King Arthur
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is not quite as good as Armitage's version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - as far as content and level of sophistication are concerned - but that is the fault of the original medieval poem which I seem to remember from my student days was regarded very much as a second-rate text. But if you like Armitage's robust and athletic style and rich word-hoard you will not be disappointed.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Simon Armitage follows up his exquisite translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with this translation of the Alliterative Morte d'Arthur. Again, as Heaney also did so brilliantly with Beowulf, he manages to render into contemporary language the poem while remaining true to the original's spirit and content. The almost monotonous relentlessness of the violence in this poem however makes it a somewhat less satifying work that those other two, but it is still an entertaining excursion to the Dark Ages.
The story begins with envoys of the Roman Emperor showing up in Arthur's court demanding tribute. Arthur responds by declaring war on Rome and setting off on a campaign to assert his own rights in Europe. Behind him, in Britain, he leaves his nephew Mordred as regent... a bad mistake.
Much blood and internal organs are graphically shed as Arthur fights his way across Europe, with Gawain, the greatest of his champions, in the thick of the fighting. Armitage notes in the book's introduction, that this is an older, more seasoned Gawain than the one we encountered in the Green Knight, but he remains, in his chivilrous concerns, recognisably the same character even in the midst of some very sanguinary battles.
One other thing that struck me about this poem: in it Britain is very much a nation at the heart of Europe, a Celtic kingdom that extends from southern Scotland to central France. Arthur is explicitly represented amongst the Nine Worthies as pre-figuring the unmistakeably pan-European Charlemange and Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade. Hence he is more entitled to the throne of the Roman empire than the man who has demanded tribute of him. It is Ireland and the Scottish Highlands that are the place apart, the uncivilised Atlantic fringes beyond the European mainstream. How times change.
Overall this is a fine, compelling piece of work by one of the most interesting and entertaining of English poets, one who is also currently working at the top of his game.
The story begins with envoys of the Roman Emperor showing up in Arthur's court demanding tribute. Arthur responds by declaring war on Rome and setting off on a campaign to assert his own rights in Europe. Behind him, in Britain, he leaves his nephew Mordred as regent... a bad mistake.
Much blood and internal organs are graphically shed as Arthur fights his way across Europe, with Gawain, the greatest of his champions, in the thick of the fighting. Armitage notes in the book's introduction, that this is an older, more seasoned Gawain than the one we encountered in the Green Knight, but he remains, in his chivilrous concerns, recognisably the same character even in the midst of some very sanguinary battles.
One other thing that struck me about this poem: in it Britain is very much a nation at the heart of Europe, a Celtic kingdom that extends from southern Scotland to central France. Arthur is explicitly represented amongst the Nine Worthies as pre-figuring the unmistakeably pan-European Charlemange and Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade. Hence he is more entitled to the throne of the Roman empire than the man who has demanded tribute of him. It is Ireland and the Scottish Highlands that are the place apart, the uncivilised Atlantic fringes beyond the European mainstream. How times change.
Overall this is a fine, compelling piece of work by one of the most interesting and entertaining of English poets, one who is also currently working at the top of his game.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The rolling force of the language carries you with Arthur on his journey from Carlisle to Rome and back to Britain again. A great combination of epic and descriptive detail. Worth reading for the description of the giant and following battle at St Michael's Mount alone.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
poetry to read aloud
Translation of a 4000 line mediaeval poem. Wonderful language, window into the minds of the 14th century myth makers and really dramatic if read aloud! Read more
Published 1 month ago by jd
Tiny peek
This book was bought as a gift so I could only take a tiny peek. I found it easy to read, no puzzling over deeper meanings but a little strange creating your own rhythm. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ms. E. A. Kirtley
Great stuff.
Well presented, a modern {ish] style to an epic tale and i just happen to like and appreciate the works and abilities of this talented man. Good book.
Published 3 months ago by ANDY
Listmania!
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