Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-151) and index.
Contents
Mark Twain -- Steinbeck's Early Novels -- Raymond Chandler -- Writers in World War II -- Steinbeck's Later Works -- John Gardner -- Donald Barthelme, et al.
Summary
Mathis (English, Temple U.) examines the use of Arthurian legend in modern American writing. Coverage includes, for example, how Mark Twain used the myth for political reasons in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, how the legend served cultural and aesthetic purposes in the writing of John Steinbeck, and how it continues in the writings of contemporary novelist Donald Barthelme.