Howard Pyle's The Story of King Arthur and His Knights is praised for its engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations. Readers appreciate its faithfulness to Arthurian legends. However, some find the archaic language challenging, and the pacing can be slow for modern audiences. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for fans of chivalric tales.

The ideal reader for The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle is a fan of classic, medieval tales imbued with chivalry, heroism, and legendary adventures. They might also enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit or T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. This reader appreciates richly illustrated stories and timeless legends.

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle follows King Arthur's rise to kingship, acquisition of the sword Excalibur, and marriage to Guinevere, and continues with the adventures of Merlin, Sir Pellias, and Sir Gawaine. Sensitive topics include violence and themes of betrayal.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Inspirational / Nostalgic / Romantic

- The Story of King Arthur and His Knights was first published in 1903 and is considered one of Howard Pyle's most famous works, renowned for its detailed illustrations and storytelling style, which have influenced many adaptations of Arthurian legends.
- Howard Pyle's portrayal of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table emphasized chivalric ideals and moral lessons, aligning with the romanticized view of the medieval period that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The book marked a significant contribution to children's literature by making the legendary tales more accessible to young readers while maintaining the grandeur and adventure of medieval romance.

**King Arthur**  
An archetypal figure and central character associated with justice and leadership, whose innocence and actions provide moral lessons, with a strong Christian motif surrounding his identity.

**Merlin**  
A wise prophet known for his immortality and magical powers, who assists in Arthur's rise to kingship, but faces vulnerabilities due to his love of beauty.

**The Narrator**  
A first-person storyteller who addresses the reader directly, emphasizing the moral lessons and noble spirit of Arthur and his knights, while drawing from older sources for his tales.

**Morgana Le Fay**  
A cunning enchantress and half-sister to Arthur, known for her magical prowess and traditional role in Arthurian legends, linked to various schemes against Arthur.

**Guinevere**  
Arthur's compassionate and humble queen, admired for her beauty and moral goodness, who plays a protective role regarding Arthur's identity and secrets.

**Pellias**  
A valiant and gentle knight known for his loyalty and eventual transformation, involved in chivalric tales and courtly conflicts, reflecting the challenges faced by Arthur's court.

**Gawaine**  
A knight with a background in Welsh tradition known for his initial unpredictability and violent behavior, who undergoes a journey toward chivalry and redemption.

Howard Pyle

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The Book of King Arthur” - Book 1, Part 1: “The Winning of Kinghood”

Book 1, Prologue-Part 1

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 1, Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 2: “The Winning of a Sword”

Book 1, Part 2

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 1, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 3: “The Winning of a Queen”

Book 1, Part 3

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 1, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “The Book of Three Worthies” - Book 2, Part 1: “The Story of Merlin”

Book 2, Foreword-Part 1

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 2, Foreword-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 2: “The Story of Sir Pellias”

Book 2, Part 2

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 2, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 3: “The Story of Sir Gawaine”

Book 2, Part 3

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Book 2, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Character Analysis

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Themes

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Essay Topics

Introduction

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Before Reading

During Reading

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights During Reading

After Reading

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights After Reading

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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