Idylls of the King is Lord Tennyson's epic retelling of the Arthurian legend through twelve lengthy poems, depicting Arthur, his Knights, Queen Guinevere, and the mythic kingdom.
Published between the years 1859 and 1885, Idylls of the King is arguably Tennyson's greatest work. Based chiefly from authoritative sources such as Mallory's Le Morte d'Arthur and the Mabinogion, Tennyson would expand upon and alter the legendary canon in order to fit the narration he sought to convey. The twelve idylls are all written in blank verse, and for their references to movements dated after his sources (Romanticism and Gothic architecture in particular) Tennyson's work may also be read as allegorical to the lofty ideals of the Victorian era.
The first idyll introduces Arthur and describes his coronation and accession to the throne. His first task as monarch is to aid Leodogran, whose holdings have been waylaid by both monsters and heathens. Arthur's success in repelling the antagonists cements his reputation, and marks the start of his success. On the personal front, Guinevere and Arthur are married - in a break with tradition, Arthur refuses to pay tribute to Rome, famously stating:
“The old order changeth, yielding place to new.”
Each subsequent idyll examines the lives of various characters in the Arthurian lore. We see a vivid description of Gareth and Lynette, and the introduction of Enid as a potential wife for Geraint. A further idyll tells the tragic tale of Lancelot and Elaine, wherein the latter perishes after her affections go unrequited. Thus the backstory to Arthur's finest knights is told, lending a layer of narrative to the plot and its characters.
The later idylls cover the adventures of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, in particular their quest for the Holy Grail of legend. Finally, Tennyson details the downfall of Guinevere as the precursor to the final, disastrous battle of King Arthur and the traitor Mordred.
This edition presents the poetry in an attractive, columned format, complete with a table of contents for ease of reference.
