On That Matter of Britain and Star Trek

[tascius]

Comments

[thatpotteryguy]

I hates me some M Z Bradley's postmodern Arthurian legends. Didn't find her to be a particularly pleasant person, either.

Haven't read Cornwell's yet, but now I'll know not to. I like Mary Stewart's stuff, tho.

[cunian]

I haven't read the book. This does seem common to the times ie the perversion of Lord of the Rings. It is almost traditional, when introducing a new "exemplar knight" to the round table to run down the old top knight as a flawed character, but that is only to refine/change the view of the ideal, not to discount the whole.

[morienmacbain]

I'm a fan of Cornwell's stuff, especially the early Sharpe novels, his 14th and 15th Century "Archer" books, and most especially his Anglo-Saxon "Uhtred" books. He can really spin out a battle scene. However, I share some of your reservations regarding his Arthur books.

Although I appreciate the glimpse into a the era, and always esteem Cornwell's evocation of setting, I found it very difficult to care about any of the characters, and this lack of identification was crippling.

Juicy violence, of course, and an intriguing vision of Merlin, but no soaring spirit.

For that, I'll be rereading Conan Doyle's "Sir Nigel" and "The White Company" again this summer. Wonderful! Do you know them? I have spare copies.

[tascius]

Heard of but never read them. I would love to read them though. Thanks

[morienmacbain]

No worries! Will you be at Aethelmearc War Practice or Wicker Man? I'll bring the 2-in-1 edition. Incredible swashbuckling stuff, strong research, and characters you never forget. Sir Nigel reminds me more than a bit of Sir Jehan.

[tascius]

As of now I am not going to the War Practice as I have too much HRMelees prep to do.

[mieszko]

The image of of Arthur in Cornwell's books seems to me more Greek hero like that destructive of Arthur. I have to say I really enjoyed his take on the legend. Arthur seems more realistic for the times he would have been in. Just my opinion though.