Publisher's Synopsis
Chivalrous deed stories were among the most popular tales of five or six hundred years ago. Since printed books weren't around throughout the reigns of the first three King Edwards, these tales weren't described in any books. Arthur and his knights of the Round Table are by far the most well-liked figures in these early chivalric tales. The pursuit of the Holy Grail by Sir Galahad proves beyond all doubt that those with ""pure hearts"" are blessed because they will be able to perceive God, as the poet's ideal represented the essence of reality. The twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth centuries are when chivalry flourished most. Neither the German Nibelungen Lied nor the texts of the ancient Anglo-Saxons have any indication of its unusual concepts. The chivalrous customs and fantasies of the fourteenth century started to look silly, and subsequently, probably in part due to the mockery of the classic book ""Don Quixote,"" chivalry was laughed out of existence. Le Morte Darthur by Sir Thomas Malory is among the best of the older English classics. It was published in 1470, and Sir Thomas Caxton ensured its immortality fifteen years later. Generations of poets and authors have drawn inspiration from it continuously ever since.
