- Paperback: 157 pages
- Publisher: Harpercollins (May 1990)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060161957
- ISBN-13: 978-0060161958
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 13.5 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,488,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In this book, the characters of Guinevere, Lancelot, and Mordred emerge as actual people wracked with concerns and fears that the reader can understand, even if they are not part of his or her life. The most engaging and complex character of the book by far is Arthur, and this is one of the few pieces of literature that addresses the Arthur behind the crown, the man within the king.
Arthur is more than a figurehead for the British people; he is deeply concerned with their welfare, tormented by some of the changes he sees in the world around him, and battling with his own anachronism in this new world.
The author's blending of chilvaric codes and modern behavior allows each of the characters to have their own voice separate from the traditional personas of legend. Each must acknowedge or deny their own anachronism and their role in the world.
The story, the characters, and Arthur's struggle are set in England in the darkest days of WWII, and it is written with an engaging non-traditional style. For scholars of Arthurian legend or the casual reader who enjoys a unique experience, The King is an intriguing piece of fiction.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
I annoyed everyone around me with this book!
25 Jun 1997
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Donald Barthelme's "The King" is the loudest laugh I've ever had from a book! It is the tale of Arthur and his knights fighting World War II, though the tale is told primarily through these characters' sad and outdated dialogue. I read this book almost non-stop through breakfast at a coffee shop, a trounce through my favorite bookstore and then dinner, all the while grabbing anyone close at hand to read passages to. Nasty looks and possibly even violent reactions would not assuage me, for the humor, joy and pure inventiveness of Barthelme's writing kept me as humble and courteous as a chivalrous knight
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
A Cheeky, But Shallow Romp with King Arthur in WWII England
15 Jan 2007
Format:Paperback
"The King" is a tongue in cheek fable of King Arthur and his Round Table being transported to 1940 England. They rabble rouse away with all bravado while their exploits become fodder for the propaganda out of Nazi Germany.
Funny at times, but all the while I was wishing for a more what if? tale of King Arthur and his Knights doing battle in WWII Europe. Would have made for an interesting story...but, it would have been written by a different writer as this is more Barthelme's style.
Funny at times, but all the while I was wishing for a more what if? tale of King Arthur and his Knights doing battle in WWII Europe. Would have made for an interesting story...but, it would have been written by a different writer as this is more Barthelme's style.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Witty, original and easy-to-read
27 April 2006
Format:Paperback
I was assigned this book to read for a class on Arthurian legends as part of one of the units entitled "The Arthur We Inherited." Because the book's been out of print so long, the professor had to photocopy it for all of us. Having read it, I can say that I'm so glad it seems to be back in print!
I read it in one night. The characters are fantastic, the dialogue is literally laugh-out-loud funny. It's such an original plotline. I can honestly say it's the best reading I had to do for that course, and certainly among the best novels I've ever read!
I read it in one night. The characters are fantastic, the dialogue is literally laugh-out-loud funny. It's such an original plotline. I can honestly say it's the best reading I had to do for that course, and certainly among the best novels I've ever read!
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