Arthur in Medieval Welsh Literature
Author(s) Oliver Padel
Language: English
Genre(s): Welsh Interest
Series: Writers of Wales
- May 2013 · 166 pages ·216x138mm
- · Paperback - 9780708326251
- · eBook - pdf - 9780708326589
- · eBook - epub - 9781783165698
A fascinating survey of the numerous references to Arthur found in medieval Welsh literature emphasising the diverse literary genres used and the multifaceted portrayal of the character. New edition.
'Although the title indicates that this is a book on Arthurian literature, any book on Arthur will have something to interest folklorists. This one, unlike so much which is published on this famous hero, is an excellent survey-cum-study, written with authority and assurance.' Folklore '...fills a major gap by providing a concise and easily digested introduction to Arthur as he appears in medieval Welsh literature...If this elegantly written and intelligent guide may be primarily intended for tyros, the freshness and perceptiveness with which the author approaches his subject is also sure to please the old salts.' Gwales.com "Few scholars could have undertaken the present work with more success. The volume has the distinction of imposing order on enormously diverse texts, genres, and periods and is additionally controlled by Padel's judgement and fluid prose. It is never an entirely easy task for an expert in any field to change tone and level in order to write a book for non-experts. Padel has done so admirably in a work that is assured, accurate and eminently readable" -Zeitschrift fr celtische Philologie
Preface to the new edition Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The Earliest Texts 3. Arthur's World: Culhwch and Pa Wr yw'r Porthor? 4. Other Texts of the Central Middle Ages 5. Three Dialogue Poems 6. The Matter of Britain 7. The Continuing Tradition 8. Some Arthurian Characters 9. Was there an Arthur of the Welsh? Select Bibliography