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The epic conclusion to the Arthurian Chronicles trilogy
Excalibur is the final volume of the Arthurian Chronicles trilogy by English writer Bernard Cornwell, about the legendary warrior Arthur, who entered history with the title of king, although he never wore a crown. One of the most important British authors, Cornwell has been translated into more than 20 languages, and his novels quickly reached the top of the bestseller lists, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. The key to his success lies in the meticulous historical research and the engaging narrative with which Cornwell dissects the lives of his characters.
In The Chronicles of Arthur, Cornwell paints a picture of Arthur both familiar and unfamiliar. One of King Uther Pendragon's many illegitimate sons, utterly uninterested in power, his sole ambition is to keep his oath to his rightful king, Mordred, and help him fight for peace. At the same time, the author reveals familiar locations and expected characters: the wizard Merlin, the beautiful Guinevere, Lancelot—here portrayed as a coward—and the legendary Round Table.
In this third volume of the series, which began with The Winter King and followed by The Enemy of God , the author immerses the reader in a Britain shrouded in darkness. He presents Arthur's final efforts to fight the Saxons and triumph over a broken marriage and dreams. Excalibur also depicts the despair of Merlin, the greatest of all druids, upon realizing the defection of the ancient British gods. Without his power, Merlin finds it impossible to fight the Christians, who are more dangerous to the old island than a horde of hungry Saxon warriors. The book offers vivid descriptions of sword fights and war strategies, interspersed with depictions of common life in those days: long beards serving as napkins, pagan festivals with animal sacrifices, and common plagues such as lice. Narrated by a Saxon raised among the Britons, Derfel, Arthur's right-hand man, Excalibur follows the inner conflicts of Arthur, recently separated from his wife but still in love with his queen. Attacked by old enemies, pursued by new dangers, but always wielding the sword Excalibur, one of the objects of power bequeathed to mankind by the ancient gods of the Druids. Cornwell also shows how threats from all sides ultimately lead Arthur to turn to religion, even becoming a Christian. All sacrifices are valid to save his beloved Britain.
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