Thomas Malory
Biography
Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1415–1471) was an English writer, almost certainly the author of Le Morte d’Arthur, the definitive English-language version of the legends of King Arthur. Malory’s identity has been debated, but he is most commonly identified with Sir Thomas Malory of Newbold Revel, Warwickshire, a knight who spent much of his later life in prison. His great work, completed around 1469–70 and printed by William Caxton in 1485, compiled and adapted French and English Arthurian romances into a single, sweeping narrative that has defined the Arthurian legend for English-speaking readers ever since.
Common themes in Thomas Malory's work
Arthurian legend
A recurring theme throughout Thomas Malory's writing.
Medieval romance
A recurring theme throughout Thomas Malory's writing.
Chivalry
A recurring theme throughout Thomas Malory's writing.
Holy Grail
A recurring theme throughout Thomas Malory's writing.
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Why Thomas Malory is still read today
Le Morte d’Arthur is the foundational text of the Arthurian legend in English. Its influence on literature, film, and popular culture—from Tennyson to Monty Python—is incalculable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thomas Malory?
Sir Thomas Malory was a fifteenth-century English knight who wrote Le Morte d’Arthur, the definitive English Arthurian legend. Read it free on TextStack.
What is Le Morte d’Arthur?
The most comprehensive English-language retelling of the legends of King Arthur, the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail.
When was Le Morte d’Arthur written?
Malory completed it around 1469–70 while in prison. It was first printed by William Caxton in 1485.
Where can I read Le Morte d’Arthur online?
TextStack offers the full text free to read online.
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