One great example is 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It offers a feminist retelling of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the female characters like Morgaine. Another is 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White. It's a classic modern take that delves deep into the character of Arthur and his knights, with a mix of humor and poignant moments. And then there's 'Gawain' by Lavie Tidhar, which gives a fresh perspective on the character of Gawain in a more contemporary context.
Finding the best modern Arthurian fiction can be a bit of a journey. First, consider looking at the works of well - known fantasy authors who might have dabbled in Arthurian themes. For example, Neil Gaiman has some works that touch on Arthurian elements. Then, check out specialized fantasy bookstores. They tend to have a curated selection of Arthurian - related books. Another approach is to search for anthologies of Arthurian fiction. These often collect some of the best short stories or excerpts from longer works in the genre, which can give you a good starting point to discover more.
Modern arthurian fiction often has updated characterizations. The knights might not be the chaste and noble figures of old. They could have flaws like insecurities or moral dilemmas relevant to today. The magic in these stories can also be more metaphorical, representing power or knowledge in a modern sense.
Another great piece of Arthurian fiction is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. This is a classic that has been a major influence on many subsequent Arthurian stories. It contains a vast collection of Arthurian tales, from the rise of Arthur to his tragic end.
Another good one is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. It was one of the first to compile the Arthurian stories comprehensively, and it gives a very in - depth look at the characters and the world of Camelot.
Another great Arthurian fiction is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. This work is sort of the foundation for many modern interpretations of the Arthurian legend. It contains a vast collection of Arthurian tales, from Arthur's birth to his death, and all the adventures in between, told in a very traditional and richly detailed style.
Bernard Cornwell is quite popular. His works often bring a fresh take on the Arthurian legend. Marion Zimmer Bradley is also well - known for her contributions to modern arthurian fiction.
For beginners, 'The Once and Future King' is a great start. It's written in a relatively accessible style and it has a great blend of adventure, humor and moral lessons. It's not too difficult to understand and it gives a good overview of the main Arthurian characters and concepts.
Modern Arthurian novels have reimagined the legend in various ways. For example, they often give more agency to female characters. In 'The Mists of Avalon', Morgaine is a central figure with her own complex story, not just a side character as in traditional versions. They also explore different aspects of the knights' personalities. In 'The Once and Future King', White shows Arthur as a more human and fallible figure, rather than the perfect king of old tales.
Definitely 'Le Morte d'Arthur'. It's been around for a long time and is well - known among Arthurian enthusiasts. Its influence can be seen in many modern retellings of the legend, which shows how popular it still is.