Tennyson's Idylls of the king: The coming of Arthur, Gareth and Lynette, Lancelot and Elaine, The passing of Arthur

Front matter

PR

1 TENNYSON'S v nil

DENNEY

Preface

Appreciation of Tennyson's "Idylls of the King*' begins with an understanding of the significance, ethical and aesthetic, of "The Coming of Arthur" and "The Passing of Arthur." In relation to these two, the intervening Idylls are as specific instances to general truth. The "Coming" and the "Passing" not only annotate each other; they annotate the series of Idylls. In this edition, therefore, the introductory matter and the notes give especial attention to the " Coming " as furnishing, with the " Passing," the key to the intent of the whole.

The editor hopes that the division of each Idyll into sections, as suggested in the notes, will prove serviceable in keeping the theme of the series in clear view. Such aesthetic values as are not easily apprehended by first readers have been pointed out in the notes ; but these, as well as the other notes that deal with history and matters of fact, may be neglected by the initiated.

Constant reference has been made to Malory not only

that the beauty of Tennyson 's workmanship may be made

apparent, but also that an abiding interest may be

aroused in mediaeval story.

v

Contents

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A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY ix