Perceval: King Arthur's Knight of the Holy GrailThe story of Perceval originated in the late twelfth century when Chretien de Troyes, the premier poet of that era, wrote romances for the courts of Marie of Champagne and Philip of Flanders. Chretien's version, although unfinished, inspired a multitude of variants that followed immediately afterward. Young Perceval, awed by five knights from King Arthur's Round Table, decides that he, too, wants to become a knight. After training for a short while, he quickly achieves his goal, defeating many an enemy and sending them back to King Arthur's court. During his travels, he stumbles upon a mysterious castle inhabited by an ailing king. There he witnesses an unusual procession of maidens and pages who are escorting a dazzling cup to a secret chamber. When Perceval is afraid to ask the one question that would relieve the king from his suffering, he discovers that there's more to being a knight than mastering the arts of chivalry. There is a higher, divine calling, which Perceval, with the aid of a hermit, finally realizes. Author and illustrator notes are included. Russian-born painter Gennady Spirin used an ancient technique, similar to that in creating icons, to prepare canvas over a piece of wood with ten layers of gesso before painting it wih egg tempura. The remarkable result enhances and heightens the drama of this timeless tale about the wisest fool who ever lived. |
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Perceval: King Arthur's Knight of the Holy Grail John Perkins,Gennady Spirin,ChreÌ tien (de Troyes) No preview available - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
1855 UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES Anguiguerron Arthur's pavilions awoke Beaurepaire begged for mercy Blanche Fleur bleeding lance boy rode boy's chain mail CHAPTER Chrétien de Troyes Clamadeu sent clothing crimson curiosity DATE DUE PENNSTATE dazzling cup dear mother drawbridge drops of blood DUE PENNSTATE 1855 entered fight Fisher King foolish forest gate gentleman knight gesso God's Gorne Gornemant of Gohort Gornemant's greeted hall Holy Grail javelin JOHN PERKINS kill King Arthur's court kissed knight who begged knighthood knightly combat knights and ladies mant's advice master of chivalry medieval miraculous morning mother told mysterious chamber name is Gornemant never noble nobleman PENNSTATE 1855 UNIVERSITY Perceval the Welshman pray Prince Clamadeu rapture red armor Red Knight replied the youth riding river Sagremore scabbard shouted silk Sir Gawain Sir Kay softest ivory squire Yonet story sword tale three drops trance urged his horse venison wish young knight youth rode