This seminal new study explores how and why historians and writers from the Middle Ages to the present day have constructed different accounts of this well-loved figure.

N. J Higham offers an in-depth examintaion of the first two Arthurian texts: the History of the Britons and the Welsh Annals. He argues that historians have often been more influenced by what the idea of Arthur means in their present context than by such primary sources

King Arthur: Myth-making and History illuminates and discusses some central points of debate:

* What role was Arthur intended to perform in the political and cultural worlds that constructed him?
* How did the idea of King Arthur evolve?
* What did the myth of Arthur mean to both authors and their audiences?

King Arthur: Myth-making and History is fascinating reading for anyone interested in the origins and evolution of the Arthurian legend.

About the Author
N. J. Higham is Professor of Early Medieval and Landscape History at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the society of Antiquaries. His recent publications include (Re)Reading Bede: The Ecclesiastical History in Context and he is the editor of Britons in Anglo-Saxon England (2007).

Reviews

'Nicholas Higham has made a valuable contribution to the case of seeing Arthur as a mythical construct rather than a historical reality.' - History

'This thought-provoking volume is worth reading' - Guy Halsall, THES

'Higham's survey is an admirably measured and wide-ranging contribution.' - Ecclesiastical History

'This thought-provoking volume is worth reading' - Guy Halsall, THES

'Higham's survey is an admirably measured and wide-ranging contribution.' - Ecclesiastical History

Book Information
ISBN 9780415483988
Author N. J. Higham
Format Paperback
Page Count 310
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 544g