Origin of the Book.—Its claim to be called a poem.—Epic in
plan.—Malory’s use of the old romances.—His History and
Geography.—Camelot.—Glastonbury.—Almesbury.—Joyous Gard.—The
Sangreal.—Influence on our language, letters, life.—Morality of
the Book.—Spenser, Milton, Tennyson.—Malory, Caxton
ix
§2. THE TEXT AND ITS SEVERAL EDITIONS.
The edition of Caxton, 1485.—Those of Wynkyn de Worde, 1498
and 1529.—Of Copland, 1557.—Of East, without date.—Of
Stansby, 1634.—Editions of 1816.—Southey’s edition of
1817.—Discovery of interpolations in that edition.—Mr.
Wright’s editions, 1858 and 1866.—Character and object of
the present edition.—Abridgements.—Extracts.—Dr. Sommer’s
edition, 1889-91
xxxi
§3. AN ESSAY ON CHIVALRY.
Origin of Chivalry.—Contest of Civilization with Barbarism.—The
Chevalier and the Knight.—His education.—Amadis and
Oriana.—The Black Prince.—Birth not essential to
Knighthood.—The Lady.—Queen Philippa.—Decay of
Chivalry.—Knights of Malta.—Modern Manners
xxxviii