Arthurian Literature X

The tenth volume of Arthurian Literature continues some ofthe themes of earlier issues, as well as exploring unfamiliar andcontroversial ground. The second part of CHRISTINE POULSON’s survey of the Arthurian legend in 19th-century art is an analysisby subject of the works catalogued by artist in Arthurian Literature IX. A. H. W. SMITH provides a substantial update to MaryWildman’s bibliography of modern Arthurian literature which appearedin Arthurian Literature II, adding not only recent works butalso many items missing from the earlier list. Mr Smith also contributesan article on Ponticus Virumnius and the text of Gildas, one of themore intriguing mysteries ofArthurian text history, and sets outVirumnius’ claim to have seen a poem by Gildas which has since disappeared. ARMEL DIVERRES writes on the origins of Chretien de Troyes'Conte del Graal; he argues that we should seek thepoet’s inspiration in the crusading activities of Philip of Flanders, supporting his case with a careful examination of many otherwise difficult passages in the poem.