A few months ago, Malcolm Guite published Galahad and the Grail, the first volume of a four volume epic poem on King Arthur. The poem is a tour de force, and the illustrations by my friend Stephen Crotts are a wonderful enhancement to the book. Add to that the high quality binding in both the regular and deluxe releases, and this is the kind of book I will cherish and often return to.

I had planned to write a full review of the book, but for once I am at a loss for words. I simply can’t do the book justice. So instead, I decided to write about the themes in the story. In the first article, I outlined the history of the development of the Holy Grail. The idea has its origins in the Middle Ages and it wasn’t always depicted as the chalice Christ used at the Last Supper. The second article deals with the Fisher King, the Dolorous Stroke that wounded him and thus produced the wasteland around the Grail Castle, and his healing. The way this story evolved is full of theological significance. Whether or not you are into Arthuriana, I hope you enjoy the articles.