Summary of the Theme
Whether it’s Walt Disney or Monty Python, a Broadway musical or a bestselling book, the myth of King Arthur still holds sway in our culture today. Told as a religious quest, a love triangle, a tale of chivalry, a bawdy romp – this classic story still fascinates artists of every medium.

But it is in the realm of literature that perhaps the greatest variation on the Arthurian tale is to be found. This series explores some of the many different forms this story has taken over the centuries and looks at why it continues to both fascinate and instruct.

Book List

• Le Morte D’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
• Idylls of the King by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
• The Once and Future King by T. H. White
• The Lyre of Orpheus by Robertson Davies

Program Brochure
The humanities scholar's essay was written in 1994 by medieval scholar Ruth E. Hamilton, exhibits officer at the Newberry Library, Chicago.

To access these program materials, you will need Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, click here for a free download.

   Scholar's essay, annotated book list, and supplementary texts (pdf)*

"How To" Discussion Programming Guide
Developed to aid participants in “The Millennium Project for Public Libraries,” this programming guide provides basic information about developing and promoting book discussion programs.

* The American Library Association is the copyright owner of this essay and annotations. The credit lines embedded in the program materials and/or sponsor and funder logos must remain on all published (print and web) materials derived from these materials.