The Complete King Arthur

"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 *

John and Caitln 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.

Acknowledgments Dates, Names, and Time Line of Significant Events Introduction: The Once and Future King 1 Arthur of Rome: Commander of Legions 2 Arthur of the Shadows: A Hero in the Making 3 Arthur of the Battles: Defender of the Land 4 Arthur of Myth: Granter of Quests 5 Arthur of Britain: The Making of a King 6 King Arthur: Lord of Camelot 7 Arthur of Fable: A Nations Hero 8 Arthur Everywhere: Rex Quondam, Rexque Futurus Appendix: The Sovereigns Chair Notes Bibliography/Further Reading Arthurian Societies and Resources Index