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Sir Thomas Malory was an English writer, the author credited with composing 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' a seminal work of English-language Arthurian literature. It is believed that Sir Malory was born around 1415 to 1420, and he may have been a knight with a career that suffered due to the political turmoils of the Wars of the Roses. 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' completed around 1470, is his only known work and was first published by William Caxton in 1485. This extensive compilation of Arthurian tales delineates the legendary stories of King Arthur, Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. The narrative brings together a variety of Arthurian myths and legends, systematically setting them within a chivalric framework that showcases themes of loyalty, honor, and courtly love while intertwining them with the fates of its noble characters. Although 'The Boy's King Arthur' is an adaptation of Malory's work for a younger audience, it preserves the original's rich Middle English prose and narrative structure. Literature recognizes Malory's masterpiece as the principal foundation for the proliferation of King Arthur's legend, influencing numerous adaptations and renditions across various forms of media. Malory's legacy endures through his contribution to the Arthurian genre, with his intricate storytelling and characterizations echoing throughout successive literary traditions and studies. |
