The Acts of King Arthur and his Noble Knights by John Steinbeck

The Acts of King Arthur and his Noble Knights, the modern retelling of Sir Thomas Malory’s compelling tales of King Arthur, immerses the reader in the ultra-classic through John Steinbeck’s views. The novel chiefly chronicles the beginnings of Arthur through King Uther and Igraine and subsequently his involvement with the Knights of the Round Table as well as their own personal exploits. Steinbeck leads the reader through the tragic lives of the brother knights Balin and Balan, fated to kill one another; the three journeys of the knights Ewain, Gawain, and Marhalt; the epic tales of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, as well as many others. This rendition of a classic tale through Steinbeck’s words from the stories he once enjoyed allows the reader to experience the same nostalgia that Malory once gave to him. The Acts of King Arthur and his Noble Knights is a must-read for any fan of Steinbeck, King Arthur, and medieval tales alike. - Mike K., Cody K., and Mike R., class of 2012