Idylls of the King

Idylls of the King retells the legend of King Arthur, his knights, his love for Guinevere and her tragic betrayal of him, and the rise and fall of Arthur's kingdom. The whole work recounts Arthur's attempt and failure to lift up mankind and create a perfect kingdom, from his coming to power to his death at the hands of the traitor Mordred. Contents: The Coming of Arthur Gareth and Lynette The Marriage of Geraint Geraint and Enid Balin and Balan Merlin and Vivien Lancelot and Elaine The Holy Grail Pelleas and Ettarre The Last Tournament Guinevere The Passing of Arthur To the Queen

Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. Tennyson excelled at penning short lyrics. Much of his verse was based on classical mythological themes. Tennyson also wrote some notable blank verse including 'Idylls of the King', 'Ulysses', and 'Tithonus'. A number of phrases from Tennyson's work have become commonplaces of the English language.