As I write, my translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is in its very final pre-publication stages, being prepared for printing and delivery to you. Not long now! Yet the story is not over, for out of the alliterative revival of the fourteenth century emerges more from the court of King Arthur...
News!
Now, with Sir Gawain being sent to print, I have some great news. Unbound has commissioned me to explore my passions further by translating one of the truly epic poems of the Revival: the Alliterative Morte Arthure, or, in modern English, King Arthur’s Death.
King Arthur’s Death is wholly different to Gawain. Whereas the latter is a reflective work with many interwoven strands, the former is a literary epic, on a par with the myths and legends of the Greeks. It’s not a mediaeval “romance” with damsels and dragons, it is a vigorous, fast and empowering work which is packed with fascinating insights into the realms of the mediaeval mind. Above all, it acts as a reminder of the consequences of rash political moves, which we can still heed today in our own uncertain world.
Illustrated throughout with over 30 of my hand-drawn pen-and-ink illustrations based on contemporary mediaeval illuminated manuscripts (snippets shown), King Arthur’s Death will handsomely complement Gawain on your shelves. More, with its extensive notes, bibliography and detailed insights into the political and military history of the fourteenth century, it will (I hope) be a door-opener onto a distant time where, strangely, things were perhaps not that much different to how they are now. Like Gawain, King Arthur's Death can't happen without your help.
Special Saving!
Of course, as a thank you for all your support to date, I wanted to offer supporters of Gawain a special discount on King Arthur’s Death. If you’d like to pledge for your own copy, and help this epic poem reach a new audience, please pledge by midnight, Wednesday 4th April, using the code Gawain10 to save 10% on any pledge up to £100.
There are some great pledge options to choose from too (including some rather special ones for the dedicated mediaevalists amongst you!). (note, If you have already pledged for the book as a Gawain supporter, and wish to receive this discount, please contact Unbound who will show you how to apply it to your order).
He's Alive!
Remember, as it says at the end of this epic work (albeit in a different hand), Arthur is indeed the once and future king. Despite the title of this magnificent poem, Arthur does not die – and always lives on in our minds.
Because without hope and faith there is nothing.
Kindest regards - and thank you for all your continued support,
Michael Smith
PS - if you are in Bradford, Yorkshire, on 1st July, I shall be talking about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at the Bradford Literature Festival. It would be great to see you there.
