The Death of King Arthur

Simon Armitage's verse translation of the Alliterative Morte Arthure, an anonymous English poem of about 1400 that survives in a single manuscript. It follows Arthur's campaign from Carlisle across the Channel almost to Rome, until trouble at home forces him back, and it is frank about the brutality of war and the King's own failings. Armitage keeps the alliterative rhythm of the original, as in his earlier Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Suited to readers of Arthurian legend, medieval literature and modern poetry.

The book is in very good condition, with light rubbing and minor edge wear to the dust jacket, especially at the head of the spine and the corners. The boards and the gilt spine lettering are clean and bright. The title page carries a signature in black ink, which shows faintly through to the reverse. See photos