"The Oxford Guide to Arthurian Literature and Legend presents the Arthurian legends in all their manifestations - from their origins in medieval literature to their modern interpretations in literature, art, film, and popular culture. It takes the reader through the chronicle and romance traditions, the influence of Malory, the Grail legend, and the stories of Sir Gawain, Merlin, and Tristan and Isolt." "Each area is explored chronologically, tracing the stories from their earliest versions to the present day, and includes an analysis of the works covered, as well as a synopsis of their plot, and a discussion of their significance and relationships to other works. Complemented by an A-Z reference section and an extensive index, the Guide is both a critical history of the legends and an easy-to-use reference book."--BOOK JACKET.