Idylls of the King

?Idylls of the King? is a collection of 12 poems about the Arthurian legends that is adapted for a Victorian audience. 19th-century Victorian society, which valued the ideals of honor and chivalry, witnessed a revival of the centuries old King Arthur tales. Malory?s ?Le Morte d?Arthur? was back in print for the first time since the 17th century and various poets, authors and artists began to create their own versions of the legendary stories. Alfred Tennyson?s poetic chronicles proved to be influential in the evolution of the legend as we know it today. His Arthur is a tragic and blameless character attempting to create a perfect kingdom, but inevitably failing from the infidelity of his beloved wife and the malevolence of the vengeful Modred. Tennyson?s narrative, which is written in unrhymed blank verse, follows the life of Arthur from his birth and ascension to the throne to his heroic death and resulting legacy. The ?Idylls of the King? ranks among the greatest poetic works in history and is a vital piece of Arthurian literature.