Sorry, Professor Xavier, I haven’t finished it yet. But I will tomorrow, I promise.
Undertones? I’d say it’s pretty overt… :eek: 
ouisey, I’ve always been fond of that line, too. My sisters and I used to get a good deal of mileage out of it. (We used to read it aloud, with voices for all the characters – I can still do them. Granted, this wasn’t that long ago… ;))
Skopo – yes, White does describe Lancelot as really ugly, which I think is a great touch. Really a spectacular bit of characterization – although the same goes for all three of the principals, really. And the severely dysfunctional Orkney family, too.
I definitely need to reread it – it’s been a few years. And I’ve done a lot of graduate work in medieval studies since then, so I imagine I’d get a lot more of the references (and the book is fairly packed with them)…but first, I need to get a copy that’s not in danger of falling to pieces if you look at it the wrong way.
I read The Book of Merlyn too. It’s weird.
I read it way back in high school, I think. In fact I just mentioned this book in another thread about reading. I do remember enjoying it, but not much of the acutal story. I do have the Book of Merlyn, but don’t think I ever read it.
I read this book back in high school on my own and I loved it. My Mom bought it for my birthday when I turned 18 but I’ve lost it. It’s on my “Must buy” list though, I can’t wait to share it with my kids.
I own it, but I haven’t read it yet. Hopefully, after the re-read.
I like how they call Guinevere “Jenny.” It just adds that little touch.
And how Merlyn keeps mentioning Freud and Victorians.
If I’m not mistaken, it’s also a comment on fascism-the symbol that Mordred chooses is actually a swastika. Wasn’t White an avowed pacifist?
A lovely read. I also liked Berger’s Arthur book. I’m blocking on the title, but IIRC there’s a line something like “Godsf***! I do not like this dying!”
Arthur Rex. Also : “Shut thine ancient meat-trap!”
Not a good book for children, I’m afraid.
Read it 20 years ago, need to read it again…Thanks for jogging the memory on it!
-Tcat
I rescued it from the garbage at church (they were getting rid of it because it had unicorns and magic in it. Oooooo, the horror.) I really, really liked it and should probably re-read it. I suppose it’s been about ten years.