The Winter King - Hardcover

Bernard Cornwell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0718137620 ISBN 13: 9780718137625

Publisher: Michael Joseph Ltd, 1995

Synopsis

Physical description: 434p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm. Summary: Arthur is set in his true period, the Dark Ages, in this novel. It is not a story of romance, but one of political and religious strife, and war. It describes Arthur's love for Guinevere, Lancelot's arrival, the conflict between Christianity and magic, and the Saxon invasions on Britain. Subjects: Arthur King - Fiction.

About this title

Review:

Essentially this is a modern political thriller, told in flat American diction. Narrated by Derfel, an ordinary, likable man who rises through the ranks to become Arthur's friend and advisor in peace and war, the story doesn't follow the traditional patterns. Mordred is Uther's infant grandson, the legitimate king; Arthur is one of Mordred's guardians, sworn to hold the kingdom against the Saxon warlords until Mordred comes of age. Warfare is incessant. Arthur's dream of peace and unity seems unattainable. Derfel's own story--his strange origin, his love for Nimue, his worries and his triumphs--parallels Arthur's as he fights for and beside him.

Bernard Cornwell downplays the magic that enlivens the traditional stories, depicting it more as a combination of superstition and shrewd wits. I recommend this with reservations; though it's absorbing to read, the emphasis on battles and politics means that this will greatly appeal to some fantasy readers, but disappoint others.

From the Publisher:

13 1.5-hour cassettes

About this edition

• Publisher: Michael Joseph Ltd
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0718137620
• ISBN 13: 9780718137625
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 448