Arthur: The always king by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Riddell

Carnegie Medal-winner Kevin Crossley-Holland and former Children's Laureate Chris Riddell have collaborated in a breathtaking retelling of the Arthurian legends, from Arthur’s early childhood, the sword in the stone, the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, the love of Sir Lancelot and Guinevere and Merlin in his house of glass. The contents page sets out eleven key chronological events commencing with Arthur’s childhood and continuing to last of the legends. It also contains portraits of the twelve knights of the Round Table, each with distinct features and having a shield with an emblem behind.

Crossley-Holland’s language is lyrical and beautifully descriptive: “Arthur! called the knight across the dark and shining water, “You will live, and live for ever. Our always king.”  The pageantry, the castles, the magic, and the chivalry all come alive for the reader. The author’s retellings are not simple stories for young children and will appeal to an older audience. They could well become a valued part of an adult’s collection.

Each legend is complemented by Riddell’s wonderful illustrations. Many are stunning full page or double page drawings, all in vivid colours, giving the reader an insight into the characters in the stories as well as a background of the castles, clothing, and happenings. Other drawings form borders, some in full colour, others in black and white and the horses in particular stand out. Readers will want to flick through the pages repeatedly to look at particular illustrations, each time finding more details to marvel at: beautiful castles, blood and gore, a fierce Green Knight and a Fisher King in agony.

Arthur: The always king is a sumptuous production and a must for fans of the King Arthur legends. It is one that will be treasured by those who are lucky enough to own it and will be sought after in libraries for its outstanding retelling. Readers interested in Arthurian legends may enjoy The sword in the stone by T.H. White or the Merlin series by Mary Stewart.

Themes: King Arthur, Legends, Folklore, Middle Ages.

Pat Pledger