The Oxford Guide to Arthurian Literature and Legend is both a critical history of the Arthurian tradition and a reference guide to Arthurian works, names, and symbols. It offers a comprehensive survey of the legends in all of their manifestations, from their origins to their adaptation in modern literature, arts, film and popular culture. Not only does it analyse familiar Arthurian characters and themes, it also demonstrates the tremendous continuity of the legends by examining the ways that they have been reinterpreted over the years.

This indispensable guide contains seven essays that trace the development of the Arthurian legend, encyclopedic entries, bibliographies and a comprehensive index. The essays explore the chronicle and romance traditions, the influence of Malory, the Grail legend, the figures of Gawain and Merlin, and the story of Tristan and Isolt. The entries offer quick and easy reference and extensive bibliographies augment the general bibliography of Arthurian resources.