Idylls of the King

Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s
Idylls of the King
is a captivating retelling of the legendary tales of King Arthur, presented through twelve lyrical poems that chronicle the rise and fall of Camelot. Drawing inspiration from his earlier success with
Morte d’Arthur
, Tennyson spent nearly two decades crafting this epic series, delving into themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the inevitable decline of an idealized age. The narrative follows Arthur from his fateful encounter with Guinevere, through the noble yet tragic quest for the Holy Grail, to the heartbreak of Guinevere’s affair with Launcelot and the King’s death in a climactic final battle. Tennyson’s eloquent and dreamlike style captures both the grandeur and fragility of the Round Table, reflecting a Victorian longing for chivalry and moral purity. His Arthur emerges as not just a legendary hero but as a symbol of the highest ideals of manhood and kingship.
Why You Should Read?
Explores timeless themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the decay of ideals.
Tennyson’s eloquent style evokes the grandeur and fragility of Camelot.
Part of the
Penguin Classics
collection, with authoritative notes and scholarly context.
A modern edition that continues to inspire readers with the allure of Arthurian legend.