- The Coming of the King
"The Coming of the King: The First Book of Merlin" is a 1988
historical fantasy novel byNikolai Tolstoy based on the Arthurian legend. The author is a relation ofLeo Tolstoy . He had previously published a nonfiction book, "The Quest for Merlin", in 1985.The first of an unfinished trilogy, it is set in 6th century Europe after Arthur's death.
Merlin and other characters live after Arthur's time. A second volume, tentatively titled "The Thirteen Treasures", has yet to be published.Plot introduction
Tolstoy's "Merlin mab Morfryn" is modelled upon Welsh legends of the prophet and madman
Myrddin Wyllt ("Wild Merlin"), originally unconnected to Arthur, who contributed to the modern composite image of "Merlin the wizard" first found inGeoffrey of Monmouth .Historical figures appearing in the novel include
Cynric of Wessex and Maelgun Gwynedd, who battle near the novel's end.The legendary hero
Beowulf appears as Cynric's ally against the British.Literary significance and reception
"
Publishers Weekly " called it "an epic with the complex quality of nectar... once tasted, never forgotten".External links
* [http://www.amazon.com/Coming-King-First-Book-Merlin/dp/0553283952 Amazon.com link]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.