Sir Thomas Malory

The Critical Heritage

Marylyn Parins

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2002
• Print ISBN:
  9780415134002
• eBook ISBN:
  9781134783892
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Criticism
• Index: Literature

The Critical Heritage gathers together a large body of critical sources on major figures in literature. Each volume presents contemporary responses to a writer's work, enabling students and researchers to read for themselves, for example, comments on early performances of Shakespeare's plays, or reactions to the first publication of Jane Austen's novels. The carefully selected sources range from landmark essays in the history of criticism to journalism and contemporary opinion, and little published documentary material such as letters and diaries. Significant pieces of criticism from later periods are also included, in order to demonstrate the fluctuations in an author's reputation. Each volume contains an introduction to the writer's published works, a selected bibliography, and an index of works, authors and subjects. The Collected Critical Heritage will be available as a set of 68 volumes and the series will also be available in mini sets selected by period (in slipcase boxes) and as individual volumes.

1. Caxton's preface

1485

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William Caxton (c. 1422–91) set up England's first printing press at Westminster in 1476. His preface to the Morte Darthur, published in 1485, provides a rationale for publication of the work, offers commentary on its worth, and suggests the proper spirit in which the book is to be read. E.G.Duff, writing in the early twentieth century, said that this preface ‘is, perhaps, the best and most interesting piece of writing the printer ever composed, and still remains one of the best criticisms of Malory's romance’ (Cambridge History of English Literature, II, 358).

The text is that of the Simmons edition, Everyman's Library, I (London: J.M.Dent, 1906), 1–4.

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After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of contemplation as of other historical and worldly acts of great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me, many and ofttimes, wherefore that I have not do made and imprinted the noble history of the Sangreal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief of the three best Christian and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be remembered among us English men tofore all other Christian kings. For it is notoriously known through the universal world that there be nine worthy and the best that ever were. That is to wit three paynims, three Jews, and three Christian men. As for the paynims they were tofore the Incarnation of Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history is come both in ballad and in prose; the second Alexander the Great; and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well-known and had. And as for the three Jews which also were tofore the Incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first was Duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into the land of behest; the second David, King of Jerusalem; and the third Judas Maccabaeus: of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And sith the said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine best and worthy, of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose to write in this present book here following. The second was Charlemagne or Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many places both in French and English; and the third and last was Godfrey of Bouillon, of whose acts and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, King Edward the Fourth. The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of the said noble king and conqueror, King Arthur, and of his knights, with the history of the Sangreal, and of the death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of Bouillon, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man born within this realm, and king and emperor of the same; and that there be in French divers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I answered, that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all such books as be made of him be but feigned and fables, by cause that some chronicles make of him no mention nor remember him no thing, nor of his knights. Whereto they answered and one in special said, that in him that should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur, might well be credited great folly and blindness; for he said that there were many evidences of the contrary: first ye may see his sepulture in the Monastery of Glastonbury. And also in Polichronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried and after found and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas, in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life; and in divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him and shall remain perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the Abbey of Westminster, at Saint Edward's shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in beryl, in which is written Patricius Arthurus, Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may see Gawaine's skull and Craddock's mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: at other places Launcelot's sword and many other things. Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but there was a king of this land named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And also he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greek, as in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the great stones and marvellous works of iron, lying under the ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living hath seen. Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith that no man is accept for a prophet in his own country. Then all these things foresaid alleged, I could not well deny but that there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men; and many noble volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea, which be not had in our maternal tongue, but in Welsh be many and also in French, and some in English, but no where nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple conning that God hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, emprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, which copy Sir Thomas Malory did take out of certain books of French, and reduced it into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in imprint, to the intent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which they came to honour; and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates, of what estate or degree they be of, that shall see and read in this said book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalries. For herein may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in; but for to give faith and believe that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty; but all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin; but to exercise and follow virtue; by which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life, to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven, the which he grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed Trinity. Amen.

Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain. I, William Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which I have emprised to imprint; and treateth of the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy and very gentleness, with many wonderful histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this volume, I have divided it into twenty-one books, and every book chaptered as hereafter shall by God's grace follow. The first book shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur, and containeth twenty-eight chapters. The second book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containeth nineteen chapters. The third book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to Queen Guenever, with other matters, and containeth fifteen chapters. The fourth book, how Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King Arthur, and containeth twenty-nine chapters. The fifth book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth twelve chapters. The sixth book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth eighteen chapters. The seventh book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay, Beaumains, and containeth thirty-six chapters. The eighth book treateth of the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and containeth forty-one chapters. The ninth book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay, La Cote Male Taile, and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth forty-four chapters. The tenth book treateth of Sir Tristram and other marvellous adventures, and containeth eighty-eight chapters. The eleventh book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth fourteen chapters. The twelfth book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness, and containeth fourteen chapters. The thirteenth book treateth how Galahad came first to King Arthur's court, and the quest how the Sangreal was begun, and containeth twenty chapters. The fourteenth book treateth of the quest of the Sangreal, and containeth ten chapters. The fifteenth book treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth six chapters. The sixteenth book treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth seventeen chapters. The seventeenth book treateth of the Sangreal, and containeth twenty-three chapters. The eighteenth book treateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth twenty-five chapters. The nineteenth book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth thirteen chapters. The twentieth book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, and containeth twenty-two chapters. The twenty-first book treateth of his last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth thirteen chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall follow hereafter.

2. Wynkyn de Worde Interpolation

1498

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Wynkyn de Worde (Jan van Wynkyn, d. 1534–5), first an apprentice to Caxton, assumed control of the printing business after Caxton's death. He is believed to have taken little interest in the literary aspects of his trade, in contrast to Caxton and continental printers, who were editors and translators as well. The following passage, however, appeared in his edition of Malory in 1498, and thereafter, at book 21, chapter 12. Sir Edward Strachey discovered the interpolation while preparing his edition of Malory (see No. 28), and the text used is from that work (Globe Edition. London: Macmillan, 1868, Note A, p. 488).

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Oh ye might and pompous lords, shining in the glory transitory of this unstable life, as in reigning over realms great, and mighty countries, fortified with strong castles and towers, edified with many a rich city. Ye also, ye fierce and mighty chivalers, so valiant in adventurous deeds of arms, behold, behold, see how this mighty conqueror Arthur, whom in his human life all the world doubted—ye also, the noble queen Guenever, that sometime sat in her chair adorned with gold, pearls, and precious stones, now lie full low in obscure foss or pit covered with clods of earth and clay. Behold also this mighty champion Launcelot, peerless of knighthood, see now how he lieth groveling on the cold mould, now being so feeble and faint that sometime was so terrible, how and in what manner ought ye to be so desirous of the mundane honour so dangerous. Therefore me thinketh this present book called La Morte Darthur is right necessary often to be read, for in it shall ye find the gracious, knightly, and virtuous war of most noble knights of the world, whereby they gat praising continual. Also me seemeth by the oft reading thereof ye shall greatly desire to accustom yourself in following of those gracious knightly deeds, that is to say, to dread God, and to love rightwiseness, faithfully and courageously to serve your sovereign prince. And the more that God hath given you the triumphal honour the meeker ye ought to be, ever fearing the unstableness of this deceivable world. And so I pass over, and turn again to my matter.

3. Tudor historians on Malory

A. John Leland

1544

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John Leland (c. 1506–52), antiquarian and librarian and collector of manuscripts (many from the dissolved monasteries) under Henry VIII, published his Assertion of Arthur in 1544, in response to the attacks on Geoffrey of Monmouth's historical veracity by Polydore Vergil and others. Leland includes ‘Thomas Melorius’ in a list of authors whose ‘testimonies’ are to be used, and directly mentions the Morte Darthur twice, in the passages recorded below. In both the ‘Dictionary of Antiquities’ (1543) and the Itinerary, Leland notes a region called ‘Mailoria’ near the Dee in Wales. Bale (see following extract) will use this information to suggest that Malory was a Welshman.

The translation of Leland's Latin treatise used here is that of Richard Robinson, made in 1582, and dedicated to the Society of Prince Arthur, a company of gentleman who called themselves by the names of knights of the Round Table while practising and furthering competitive archery. The translation, along with Leland's Latin text, is included in Chinon of England, ed. W.E.Mead for EETS (London: Oxford University Press, 1925); the passages occur on pages 39 and 53–4.

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(a)

And because I haue againe entred into the Misteries of sacred Antiquitie and am descended a curious searcher into the bowels thereof, it liketh me to bring forth to light an other matter, namely Arthures Seale, a monument most cunningly engrauen, auncient, and reuerent. Concerninge which, Caxodunus maketh mention, yet breefly and sclenderly in his preface to the history of Arthure: which the common people readeth printed in the English tongue. Being moued with the testimony of Caxodunus whatsoeuer it were, I went vnto Westminster, to the end that what so as an eare witnesse I had heard, I might at length also as an eye witnesse behold the same.¹

EDITOR's NOTE

1 Robinson's side note to this passage reads as follows: ‘He meaneth Robert Caxton who translated the history of K.Arthure.’ Mead comments on this passage, ‘Leland obviously knew Malory's work, whereas Robinson apparently had never read Caxton's preface to the Morte Darthur or the romance itself. One may wonder what he thought of Leland's reference to Thomas Mailerius 53/36’ (see (b)). (Chinon, note following Robinson's translation, n.p.n.)

(b)

Though Polidore hold his peace it is not needfull by and by for the whole worlde to be mute: And although Italy in times past so esteemed of Arthure, and yet still doth, when bookes printed both of his prowesse, & victories (as I haue learned) are read in the Italian tongue yea in ye Spanish, and also in the French tongue: whereupon also the English collection of Thomas Mailerius his trauaile, is published abroade. The aduersarie I know will say, that many lyes haue crept into those books. Wherefore this is nothing els, but to Teach him which is fully taught. As I contemne fables, so I reuerence & imbrace ye truth of the history: neyther will I suffer this to be taken away from mee at any time, but with losse of life….

B. John Bale

1548, 1557

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John Bale (1495–1563), Bishop of Ossory, has been called the first historian of English literature, producing what we would now call biographical dictionaries. Acknowledging his debt to Leland, Bale drew on an unpublished manuscript, De Scriptoribus Britannicis, and other of Leland's works augmented by his own considerable travel and research to publish his first catalogue, Illustrium Maioris Britanniae Scriptorum at Ipswich in 1548. Although Bale ranks Malory among the ‘historians’, the following statement from this first edition makes it clear that he had not read the Morte Darthur all the way through: ‘I have assigned to Malory the most eminent place among historians until such time as I discover in whose reign he flourished.’ An expanded edition was published at Basel, 1557–9, under the title Scriptorum Illustrium Maioris Brytanniae; the extract below, which takes a more cautious view than the earlier tex...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Full Title
• Copyright
• General Editor's Preface
• Dedication
• Contents
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
• NOTE ON THE TEXT
• INTRODUCTION
• EDITIONS
• 1 CAXTON'S preface, 1485
• 2 WYNKYN DE WORDE interpolation, 1498
• 3 Tudor historians on Malory
• 4 Renaissance views
• 5 Two seventeenth-century comments
• 6 Biographia Britannica, 1747–1766
• 7 SAMUEL JOHNSON, 1765
• 8 THOMAS WARTON, 1762, 1777
• 9 SIR WALTER SCOTT, 1804–24
• 10 Early nineteenth-century scholars and bibliographers
• 11 The British Bibliographer, 1810
• 12 Walker's British Classics, 1816
• 13 ROBERT SOUTHEY, 1817
• 14 Three literary historians
• 15 FREDERIC MADDEN, 1839, 1847
• 16 THOMAS WRIGHT, 1858
• 17 Unsigned review of Wright's edition, Christian Examiner, 1859
• 18 DAVID MASSON, 1859
• 19 Unsigned review of Wright's edition, Blackwood's Magazine, 1860
• 20 Unsigned review of Wright's edition, Dublin University Magazine, 1860
• 21 JAMES T.KNOWLES, 1862
• 22 D.W.NASH, 1861
• 23 GEORGE PERKINS MARSH, 1862
• 24 HERBERT COLERIDGE, 1864
• 25 F.J.FURNIVALL, 1864–8
• 26 SAMUEL CHEETHAM, Contemporary Review, 1868
• 27 EDWARD CONYBEARE, 1868
• 28 EDWARD STRACHEY, 1868
• 29 WILLIAM BLAKE ODGERS, 1871
• 30 A.C.SWINBURNE and R.H.HUTTON, 1872, 1886, 1888
• 31 WILLIAM MINTO, 1874
• 32 HARRIET W.PRESTON, Atlantic Monthly, 1876
• 33 SIDNEY LANIER, 1880
• 34 GEORGE W.COX, 1883
• 35 GASTON PARIS, 1883, 1886
• 36 ERNEST RHYS, 1886
• 37 Brief references, 1886–90
• 38 EDWARD R.RUSSELL, 1889
• 39 FREDERICK RYLAND, English Illustrated Magazine, 1888–9
• 40 BERNHARD TEN BRINK, 1877–96
• 41 H.OSKAR SOMMER, 1889–91
• 42 ANDREW LANG, 1891
• 43 Reviews of Sommer's edition
• 44 Unsigned essay, Atlantic Monthly, 1890
• 45 STRACHEY again, 1891
• 46 Other nineteenth-century editors after Sommer
• 47 CRAIK'S English Prose Selections, 1893
• 48 MUNGO MACCALLUM, 1894
• 49 W.E.MEAD, 1897
• 50 G.H.MAYNADIER, 1907
• 51 GEORGE SAINTSBURY, 1885, 1898, 1912
• INDEX