The Complete King Arthur: Many Faces, One Hero - Softcover

Matthews, John; Matthews, Caitlín

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620555999 ISBN 13: 9781620555996

Publisher: Inner Traditions, 2017

Synopsis

Presenting the culmination of more than 40 years’ research, John and Caitlín Matthews examine the historical and mythological evidence for every major theory about the existence of King Arthur. Drawing on modern techniques in archaeology and scholarship, they reconstruct the history of the 6th century in Britain, the period when the first unambiguous references to Arthur appear. They explore the history of every Arthur candidate, the geographical arguments that have placed him in different locations, and the evidence for his life and famous battles fought against the Saxons. Was the greatest British hero of all time not a king but a 2nd-century Roman officer active around Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria? A 5th-century soldier who operated in areas as far apart as Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, or Brittany? Or an entirely mythical fiction that provided a figure of light during a dark period of British history?

About this title

Review:

"Certain figures of myth and history have an ability to touch us deeply and take up residence in our imaginations, becoming a touchstone for inspiration and inner power. King Arthur is one of these. Whatever his historical veracity may be, he is a cultural icon that has lived through the centuries and continues to influence us in many ways today. In this book, John and Caitlin Matthews bring the importance of this figure to vibrant life. Far more than simply retelling familiar tales, they go deep into the spiritual, historical, literary, artistic, and mythic heart of Arthur to demonstrate most eloquently the wide reach of his cultural influence and why he continues to be the once and future king of our hopes and our imaginations." (David Spengler, educator and author of Apprenticed to Spirit)

“The Matthews have done it again! Here is a compact assembly of Arthurian sources from ancient Rome through the classics, including many obscure bits. A wonderful and entertaining read.” (Greg Stafford, designer of the King Arthur Pendragon game)

“Beautifully written and extensively researched, The Complete King Arthur provides a thorough overview of past and present examples of the tradition and the possible sources from which they sprang. Accessible to scholars and general readers alike, this study is a necessary addition to the library of anyone who loves King Arthur.” (Linda A. Malcor, coauthor of From Scythia to Camelot)

“What a treasure this book is, a gift of great magnitude from the Matthews to all the rest of us. I so wish I had had it when I was immersing myself in Arthur in college many decades ago. The Mathews are the rarest of writers: scholars who are poets, poets who are scholars, singers of myth and history. They understand that facts are the basis of story, but equally, story is the basis of facts. Over the years of their phenomenal body of work, they have never set aside one for the other but have fed them together, in great measure.” (Rachel Pollack, author of Unquenchable Fire)

"Because the Matthews have been studying Celtic traditions, including the Arthurian legends, for forty years, The Complete King Arthur really is complete." (Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D., Witches & Pagans Magazine)

About the Author:

John and Caitlín Matthews have been studying the Arthurian legends and their background for more than 40 years. Recognized authorities on myths and legends of the Celtic tradition, they are the authors of more than 100 books, both separately and together, including Taliesin: The Last Celtic Shaman, Walkers Between the Worlds, King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land, and the award-winning Arthur of Albion, as well as several tarot decks and oracles. The Matthews live in Oxford, England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Inner Traditions
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1620555999
• ISBN 13: 9781620555996
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 424