"An absorbing portrait of the Arthurian age."
-San Francisco Chronicle
Among the first to look at the story of Camelot through Guinevere's eyes, Woolley sets the traditional tale in the time of its origin, after Britain has shattered into warring fiefdoms. Hampered by neither fantasy nor medieval romance, this young Guinevere is a feisty Celtic tomboy who sees no reason why she must learn to speak Latin, wear dresses, and go south to marry that king. But legends being what they are, the story of Arthur's rise to power soon intrigues her, and when they finally meet, Guinevere and Arthur form a partnership that has lasted for 1500 years.
This is Arthurian epic at its best-filled with romance, adventure, authentic Dark Ages detail, and wonderfully human people.
Praise for Persia Woolley's Guinevere Trilogy
"Original...accurate in detail...Child of the Northern Spring is rich and sweet."
-New York Times
"Vivid...dramatic...once again we are captivated by the magic of the legend that has long fed our appetite for pageantry and romantic adventure."
-Washington Post
"Vividly re-creates sixth-century Britain in the throes of change...Child of the Northern Spring portrays a sensitive young woman who will appeal to modern readers."
-Publishers Weekly
"Richly textured, evoking the sights and sounds of castle and countryside, the qualities of knight and servant. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"The writing was sophisticated, the characters stem from legendary stories and there was enough action and romance to keep readers engaged." - Palmer's Picks for Reading
"Guinevere is bold and strong, a true heroine in every sense of the word. Guinevere truly gets a rework here. Rather than being the wishy-washy fair-headed maiden of the romantic legend, she is a formidable Queen." - Queen of Happy Endings
"An enthralling read with fascinating three-dimensional portrayals of Arthurian legendary characters set in a historical accurate Britain. " - Laura's Reviews
"This is quality storytelling that has stood the test of time, and I look forward to seeing the other two volumes in this trilogy back in print." - Historical Novels Review
"Fans of the Arthurian legends will appreciate and love this re-telling." - Debbie's Book Bag
"It is evident from the beginning that Woolley took her time researching the history of the time period as she goes into extraordinarily vivid description. Her characters come to life. " - Rundpinne
"The world of Arthur and Guinevere was masterfully created." - The Maiden's Court
"eeing developments through the eyes of Guinevere... gave the story an entirely different feel, rhythm, and emphasis." - Apprentice-Writer
"Persia Woolley delivers in Child of the Northern Spring... it has garnered itself a spot in my permanent collection." - Read All Over Reviews
"Every little detail was so spot on and it was very impressive. You feel as if you are a part of it. " - Books Like Breathing
Persia Woolley is the author of the Guinevere Trilogy: Child of the Northern Spring, Queen of the Summer Stars, and Guinevere: Legend in Autumn. She lives in Northern California.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. 1791459572. 10/8/2026 11:39:32 AM. Seller Inventory # U9780586074695
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR010505711
Quantity: 4 available
Seller: Darkwood Online T/A BooksinBulgaria, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Paperback. Condition: Very Good-. Reprint; Second Printing. Slight reading creases to cover, some edge wear and cover scuffs, some toning to inside covers and edges of reading block, remainder line to base of reading block. ; Second printing of Grafton mass market edition, 1988. Nice tight copy, no names inside, possibly unread. Wrap around cover artwork by Kevin Tweddell. Heavy book and priced accordingly. ; Guinevere and Arthur; Vol. 1; 544 pages; Arthurian legend retold from the viewpoint of Guinevere. Mass Market PB. Seller Inventory # 6181
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3788059
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Fair. There are Arthurian novels that focus on kings, knights and heroic quests. Then there are novels like Child of the Northern Spring , which quietly ask whether perhaps the women of Camelot might have something interesting to say about the whole affair. Published in 1987 by Grafton, Persia Woolley?s novel reimagines the Arthurian legends through the eyes of Guinevere, transforming one of literature?s most famous queens from a supporting figure into the centre of the story. The result is a rich and atmospheric historical fantasy that explores Camelot from a refreshingly different perspective. At first glance, retelling the Arthurian legend might seem an ambitious undertaking. After all, countless writers have spent centuries adding their own interpretations to the story. Persia Woolley responds to this challenge by stepping away from the familiar image of shining knights and focusing instead on the human beings living within the legend. The novel follows Guinevere from her youth, tracing her development against a backdrop of political uncertainty, ancient traditions and the gradual emergence of the world that will eventually become Camelot. Rather than presenting legendary figures as distant icons, Woolley portrays them as complex individuals navigating difficult choices. There is a wonderful irony in the history of Arthurian literature. The legends have generated hundreds of books, poems and films, yet for generations many of the female characters were largely defined by their relationships to the men around them. Woolley turns that tradition neatly on its head and invites readers to view the story from a different angle. What makes the novel particularly engaging is its blend of historical realism and mythic atmosphere. The Britain of the book feels grounded and believable, yet never entirely loses the sense of mystery that surrounds the Arthurian world. Ancient beliefs, political struggles and personal ambitions combine to create a setting that feels both familiar and magical. Readers expecting endless jousting tournaments may be surprised by the book?s emphasis on character and relationships. This is not a tale primarily concerned with heroic deeds, but with the people who must live alongside them. In many ways, that makes the story more compelling. Woolley also excels at creating an immersive sense of place. Her Britain is a land caught between worlds, where old traditions are fading and new powers are emerging. The atmosphere is richly textured, drawing readers steadily into the narrative. There is something deeply satisfying about revisiting legendary material through a fresh lens. Arthur, Guinevere and their contemporaries have become cultural landmarks, yet Woolley succeeds in making them feel alive again. Familiar events acquire new meanings when viewed from a different perspective. This 1987 Grafton edition remains in fair condition and comes from the shelves of Crappy Old Books. It shows the honest signs of a book that has been read and enjoyed, but remains perfectly intact and entirely readable, ready to transport another reader to the mists of post-Roman Britain. An excellent acquisition for fans of historical fantasy, Arthurian fiction, strong female protagonists or anyone who enjoys seeing classic legends reinvented with intelligence and imagination. Richly atmospheric, thoughtful and engaging, Child of the Northern Spring proves that even the oldest stories can still surprise us when viewed from a new direction. Seller Inventory # 6657
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Book Express (NZ), Shannon, New Zealand
Paperback. Condition: Good. 541 pages. In the tradition of The Once and Future King and Mists of Avalon, Persia Woolley has created a rich, highly readable, startlingly original r ecreation of the ta le of Arthur--seen from Guinevere's point of view. Seller Inventory # 3344ap
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Book Express (NZ), Shannon, New Zealand
Paperback. Condition: Good. 541 pages. cover worn, spine faded, text tannedIn the tradition of The Once and Future King and Mists of Avalon, Persia Woolley has created a rich, highly readable, startlingly original r ecreation of the ta le of Arthur--seen from Guinevere's point of view. Seller Inventory # 5762ah
Quantity: 1 available