LE MORTE DARTHUR Sir Thomas Malory's Book of King Arthur and of his Noble Knights The Text of Carton EDITED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY SIR EDWARD STRACHEY, BART. Si quando indigenas revocabo in carmina reges, London MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED 1901 823.2 M257 cop. 8 566057 First Edition (Globe 8vo) printed March, 1868; Reprinted with slight alterations August, 1868; Reprinted (Index added) 1869, 1871, 1876, 1879, 1882, 1884, 1886, 1889, (Introduction re-written) 1891, (Crown 8vo) 1893, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1901. OXFORD HORACE HART, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY ΤΟ FRANCES STRACHEY HER FATHER INSCRIBES THIS BOOK THE INTRODUCTION TO WHICH COULD NOT HAVE BEEN NOW RE-WRITTEN WITHOUT HER HELP IN MAKING THE EAR FAMILIAR WITH WORDS WHICH THE EYE CAN NO LONGER READ. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE PRESENT EDITION. THE Introduction to, the first edition of this volume included an account of the Text in the various editions of Sir Thomas Malory's 'Morte Darthur,' and an attempt to estimate the character and worth of his book. The publication of Dr. Sommer's edition of the Text and Prolegomena, demands that I should complete my bibliography by an account of this important work; and it enables me, by help of this learned writer's new information, to confirm, while enlarging, my former criticism. I have, therefore, revised and re-written the two first sections of the Introduction. The Essay on Chivalry remains, but for a few verbal changes, as it was first printed. SUTTON COURT, November, 1891. CONTENTS. Origin of the Book.-Its claim to be called a poem.-Epic in plan.- Malory's use of the old romances.-His History and Geography.- Camelot.-Glastonbury.—Almesbury.—Joyous Gard.—The Sangreal. -Influence on our language, letters, life.-Morality of the Book.— Spenser, Milton, Tennyson.-Malory, Caxton § 2. THE TEXT AND ITS SEVERAL EDITIONS. The edition of Caxton, 1485.—Those of Wynkyn de Worde, 1498 and 1529. Of Copland, 1557.-Of East, without date.-Of Stansby, 1634.-Editions of 1816.-Southey's edition of 1817.-Discovery of interpolations in that edition. Mr. Wright's editions, 1858 and 1866. -Character and object of the present edition. Abridgements.- PAGE Origin of Chivalry.-Contest of Civilization with Barbarism.-The Chevalier and the Knight.-His education.-Amadis and Oriana.-The Black Prince. - Birth not essential to Knighthood. The Lady. - Queen Philippa. Decay of Chivalry.~Knights of Malta.—Modern Manners. xxxviii |