Arthur in Britain, 1550–1700

Sjoerd Levelt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter in a book

Abstract

From the mid-sixteenth century onwards, the combined effects of religious reform, historical revisionism and changes in literary taste challenged the authority and lowered the cultural status of the Arthurian legend in Britain, while altering the forms and venues of its dissemination. Yet Arthur remained a preoccupation in numerous genres, and drew the attention of major writers, including­ Spenser, Milton and Dryden, and some lesser known: Rowley; Blackmore. Assessments of Arthur’s historicity and Arthurian literature also intersected with religious and political issues, discussed by historiographical, polemical and antiquarian writers such as John Leland (d. 1552) and his followers, Ascham, Dee and Camden.

(8,000 words, including all notes and references)
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCambridge History of Arthurian Literature and Culture
EditorsRaluca Radulescu, Andrew Lynch
PublisherCambridge University Press
Publication statusIn preparation - 2021

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