h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

So many books - both fiction and nonfiction - have been written about King Arthur that there is now a subgenre devoted to him. Why are we so fascinated about Arthur and Camelot?

Arthur's story has it all, the adventure, the bonding,the challenge, the love affair, the betrayal. It is a story of human achievements and human frailties. The fact that it is shrouded in a mist makes it even more fascinating. My The Mists of Avalon would be top of my Arthurian list and Arthur of the Britton's most favourite TV show...nothing to do with Oliver Tobias of course.

Mists of Avalon is brilliant. I'm still furious at Marion Zimmer Bradley for dying. Have you noticed that several books by her have been published since her death? That always makes me uncomfortable. I imagine they are using her notes then putting her name as a coauthor in order to sell the books.

I think that since the dying Arthur was put on a boat and taken away to Avalon with the hope that he will return one day also makes the legend more enduring. The immortality angle always appeals to readers. How else can you explain the popularity of vampire novels?

To be honest I didn't even know she was dead. I am c**p. That is the only book of hers I have read but I was knocked out by it.
The vampire appeal is surely good over evil and the temptation of evil being the more exciting path...everlasting immorality eh?

Bradley died in 1999.

There is actually a series of Avalon books. They were written out of chronological sequence and the final one - actually a prequel - was released after she died. All are good, but the prequel "Priestess of Avalon" isn't as good as the original trilogy. Begin with "The Forest House". Then read "Lady of Avalon". Then "Mists of Avalon". Actually, any of them are good stand-alone novels.

Thanks for that, will go to my most favourite second hand bookshop and place order!
take care
boots

My pleasure.