Development of Arthurian Romance

by Roger Sherman, Loomis and Loomis, Roger Sherman,

Stimulating and masterly study examines the evolution of the great mass of fiction surrounding the Arthurian legend in Western literature — from Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393005186
• ISBN13: 9780393005189
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: R.S. Means Company
• Length: 199 Pages

Customer Reviews

Indispensable

ANY book by Roger Sherman Loomis is an indispensable addition of any self-respecting Arthurian library. His work was ground-breaking when it was written, and much of it stands firmly today against the work of more recent scholars. The original editions are rare and long out of print. To find new and reasonably-priced editions like this one may not have the romance of chance finds in libraries or antiquarian bookshops, but it is certainly a more than satisfactory solution.

From the Beginning

Roger Sherman Loomis is probably the doyen of Arthurian scholars. He has written countless works on the subject, and has made a name for himself as an academic who has a very clear picture of what is fact, what is legend, and what is fantasy. And in the realm of Arthurian scholarship there is no more important differentiation to make. For the student trying to make sense of the stories of a 6th Century chieftain and the legacy of legend and story that follow him about life without Loomis would be 'through a glass, darkly.'Loomis features completeness, an unbiased approach, and a lucid writing style that brings the confusion into focus. I have several of Loomis's more scholarly works (most of which have sadly gone out of print) but this is really the most accessible of the bunch. Keep in mind, though, that this is still intended for students of the subject rather than for those seeking popular treatments. It provides much material for thought, and many pointers to other sources that might interest the reader.