Le Morte Darthur: The Winchester Manuscript (Oxford World's Classics) Paperback – December 15, 2008

I purchased the Oxford World's Classics edition of "Le Morte d'Arthur: The Winchester Manuscript" for a school reading assignment, and I can say with confidence that this is the version you want. The original Old English is present (it was virtually a new language), complete with very useful footnotes to assist with antiquated words and phrases. The story was intriguing, colorful, and poignant (it's a downer, but a well-written one), filled with memorable characters such as Sir Gareth and Sir Launcelot. If you have a taste for classic literature and are looking for a challenge, definitely give "Le Morte d'Arthur" a read, especially with this version.

If you are looking to just understand Le Morte, this is a good book. It's written in modern English, due to the fact the author decided he wanted it to mirror the Winchester manuscript as closely as possible, that is, he wanted it to be written in the most easily accessible language of the time. Therefore, the Oxford edition of Le Morte is less bogged down in old spellings and archaic language as other versions of the text.

I received this book one week ahead of the expected shipping date. It was new and in good quality as described. Highly recommend this seller.

The book is exactly what it claims to be: a scholarly edition of the saga/tragedy of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table based upon the Winchester Manuscript. It’s my fault for not researching more carefully, but this edition is heavily abridged which I dislike. Abridged versions are fine if you’re only interested in the core stories, but I really am interested in many stories that were omitted. Special to me are the very elements the scholar left out, namely: exploits of several major (if auxiliary to the main story) quests of certain knights. I mean, come on! Does everyone really think Sir Kay is just a blowhard bully? Yes, thanks to Walt Disney. But he’s a major hero to whom Arthur entrusts the safety of his kingdom while away on campaign! Another painful cut are tactical details of battlefield maneuvers, planning and strategy of companies and armies writ large, with the sole focus of any action scenes being at the micro-level of individual combat between two knights. There is so much more I want to read in Arthur. Just be aware of the version you buy. This was a very inexpensive soft cover printed on cheap pulp paper. It tells a good story, and was easy to finance, but there are other versions out there I’d rather read.

one needs to really be interested. if you are, great read.

I got this book for class, so I've only read large segements of it. This copy is an excellent modernization of Malory's text with helpful footnotes and endnotes. The footnotes were always available to explain unfamiliar words without interrupting the flow of the story.

The most important collection of medieval chivalric romance literature. Well worth the time. Great combination of nobility, courage, devotion, and humility—all virtues which need to be celebrated today.

I enjoy the insights and notes in the back, but it is heavily abridged. I feel like I'm missing out on the full story. I should have researched more before buying.