The Boy’s King Arthur (1941), lavishly illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, is a majestic retelling of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, adapted for younger readers by Sidney Lanier. This edition distills the chivalric grandeur of Camelot into a vivid, accessible narrative, featuring the legendary exploits of King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. Wyeth’s sweeping, richly colored paintings—full of towering castles, clashing swords, and haunting landscapes—immortalize the romance and tragedy of Arthurian legend. His iconic scenes, like the Lady of the Lake presenting Excalibur or the final battle of Mordred, blend theatrical drama with a painterly realism that defined Golden Age illustration.
Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, this volume is part of their classic series of Wyeth-illustrated children’s classics (Treasure Island, Robin Hood), designed to inspire wonder in young readers. Lanier’s prose preserves Malory’s medieval cadence while streamlining the tales for modern audiences, making it a gateway to Arthurian lore.
For Fans of This Edition, Try:
- Robin Hood (1917) – Wyeth’s equally stunning take on the outlaw hero.
- The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White – A witty, modern Arthurian reinterpretation.
- The Once and Future King by T.H. White – The definitive 20th-century Arthurian saga (expanded from Sword).
A treasure for collectors and a timeless introduction to Camelot’s magic.
