The Mists of Avalon (Inscribed)

Bradley, Marion Zimmer

ISBN 10: 0394524063 / ISBN 13: 9780394524061

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, NY, 1982

About this Item

8vo. xi(i),876,(iv)pp. Black cloth spine, dark gray paper over boards, both blocked in copper foil. A trace of sunning along the top and a touch of foxing on the top edge else a fine copy. The dust wrapper is not price-clipped and is also fine. Inscribed by the author in the title page: "For George". The author was involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism ("SCA"). In 1968 The East Kingdom was founded in the SCA; it was started by Elfrida and Walter of Greenwalls (Marion Zimmer Bradley and her then husband Walter Breen). The Annotated History notes the following about the first Kingdom event (June 2, 1968 - AS III): "Held at the Cloisters, New York City, New York. A tourney was planned but it was rained out. Elfrida and Walter of Greenwalls were the seneschals and the autocrats." This copy is signed on the title page, not on a plate or slip of paper pasted in. "Historical writing on a grand scale, with all the magic conviction and resonance of ballad and ancient lore." - Barron (ed), Fantasy Literature 4A-48. Seller Inventory # 17662

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Mists of Avalon (Inscribed)

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, NY

Publication Date: 1982

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First edition, first printing.

About this title

Synopsis:

Retells the legend of Arthur as perceived by Viviane, the Lady of the Lake and high priestess of Avalon, Arthur's mother Igraine, his Christian wife Guinevere, and the sorceress Morgaine

Review:

Even readers who don't normally enjoy Arthurian legends will love this version, a retelling from the point of view of the women behind the throne. Morgaine (more commonly known as Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (a Welsh spelling of Guinevere) struggle for power, using Arthur as a way to score points and promote their respective worldviews. The Mists of Avalon's Camelot politics and intrigue take place at a time when Christianity is taking over the island-nation of Britain; Christianity vs. Faery, and God vs. Goddess are dominant themes.

Young and old alike will enjoy this magical Arthurian reinvention by science fiction and fantasy veteran Marion Zimmer Bradley. --Bonnie Bouman