Le Morte d'Arthur (Modern Library)

Many readers praise this retelling of the King Arthur legends by Sidney Lanier, adapted from Sir Thomas Malory, for its enduring appeal and literary merit. It is often described as a cherished book from high school or childhood, appreciated for its faithful retention of much of Malory’s archaic language. This linguistic style, while challenging, is seen by some as a positive, offering a poetic charm and revealing connections between older and modern English words. The book is lauded for presenting a detailed account of the knights' activities and for creating a "dream romantic world" filled with honorable heroes and the values they uphold, such as kindness, honor, and fighting for justice. A significant highlight across reviews is the "stupendous" and "gorgeous" artwork, particularly the N.C. Wyeth illustrations, which are frequently cited as a major draw and an immense addition to the storytelling.

Despite its strengths, the book receives considerable criticism, primarily concerning its challenging language. Many reviewers find the archaic English cumbersome, difficult to understand, and even "incoherent" or "nonsensical" in places, requiring frequent recourse to a dictionary. This makes it unsuitable for younger readers, despite its "Boy's King Arthur" title, which is widely considered misleading. Another common complaint is the repetitive nature of the narrative, with many stories featuring knights embarking on adventures that largely consist of jousts and conflicts, leading some readers to find it boring or lacking continuity. Some editions are also criticized for typos or poor formatting, such as words breaking across lines. Additionally, some purists note that Lanier's version, while edited for accessibility, sanitizes some of Malory's original gore and adult themes, which some feel diminishes character consistency or the original intensity.

In conclusion, Sidney Lanier's "The Boy's King Arthur" is a classic retelling that evokes strong, often polarized, reactions. While it can be a challenging read due to its archaic language and episodic structure, it is widely regarded as a fine introduction to the Arthurian legends, particularly for those who appreciate classic literature and medieval chivalry. This book is best suited for highly literate young adults and adults who are prepared for a linguistic challenge and enjoy tales of valor, honor, and adventure. Readers who appreciate historical retellings, beautiful illustrations, and the opportunity to engage with a more traditional literary style will likely find much to enjoy, even if it requires effort. However, those seeking an easy, fast-paced read or a modern interpretation might find it less appealing, and may prefer other, more contemporary versions of the Arthurian tales.