Idylls of the King

Annotated Content Historical Context Detailed 19th Century Historical Map Idylls of the King, written in the middle of Tennyson's career, is his longest and most ambitious work. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892; Poet Laureate from 1850) had a lifelong fascination with the legend of King Arthur and following the enormous success of his poem 'Morte d'Arthur,' he expanded on the theme with this set of twelve narrative poems published between 1859 and 1885. The Arthurian legends have always had a firm hold on the English imagination, due to the heroic and evocative picture of the British past which they present. The poems recount King Arthur's legendary tale, including his famed Knights of the Round Table, his tragic love affair with Guinevere, and the rise and fall of his kingdom. The epic poem Idylls of the King, which reflects the author's lifelong interest in Arthurian themes, is told with lyrical and dreamy excellence. Unmissable read and a beautiful retelling of the Arthurian legend.