On the trail of the real King Arthur

Entertaining yet scholarly account of how a poorly understood Dark Age British ruler has become the star of Hollywood movies, television shows, novels and comics across the world. King Arthur is one of the most instantly recognisable figures in world history - but scholars are still arguing about whether he ever really exist? We are all familiar with the legends of the Knights of the Round Table, the beautiful Queen Guinevere, romantic Sir Lancelot, gallant Sir Gawain, boastful Sir Kay and the magical Merlin.

But whether any of them existed is a matter of dispute. In this book, the truth behind the legend is revealed.

Using newly translated genealogies of the earliest Welsh princes and noble families, the author has managed to track down the real historic figures behind the legendary heroes.

He reveals the flawed humans behind the paragons of the stories.

Above all he shows that there really was an Arthur, though he was no king, and that he formed a key link between Roman Britain and today's monarchy. This fascinating book draws on the most recent academic research into folklore and legends to put together an accurate account of Arthur's original life story, and how he has developed in folklore and legend to become what he is today.

The "On the Trail of" series has been running successfullly since spring 2012.

This is the third title in this continuing series.