'a stand out' The Bookseller
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A peerless evocation in words and pictures of the myth and magic of King Arthur.
Combining the talents of a Carnegie medal winning author and a thrice winning Greenaway medal winning illustrator, this highly anticipated book was always going to be very special indeed and with its lavish production it proves to have exceeded expectations. […] They make a compelling read ensuring that Arthur will indeed always be the King of our literary landscape. A really worthwhile investment.' Joy Court
'a fantastic Christmas gift' BBC Radio York
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Something for the little knight in shining armour in your life. The legends of King Arthur have been polished and sharpened until they gleam thanks to the words of the Carnegie medal-winner Kevin Crossley-Holland (whose Norse Myths and Norse Tales particularly impressed) and the illustrations from the prolific former children’s laureate Chris Riddell.
[...] Crossley-Holland writes like a dream and has the knack of making these yarns, which could have felt stuffy in less elegant hands, feel fresh and relevant, while Riddell’s stunning, colourful illustrations — showing handsome warriors, towering castes, fraying wizards, young lovers and plenty of gore in the battle scenes — bring the myths fighting back to life.' The Times
'This stunningly illustrated volume conjures the timeless magic, mystery, myths and romance of the ancient court, and is an absolute treasure for any age.' The Daily Mail
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This spectacular collection of stories for 10-plus moves enthrallingly from Arthur’s boyhood to the trials of his kingship, betrayal and death; Riddell’s intoxicating illustrations, full of golden light, glinting mail and memorable gore, elevate it to the sublime.' The Guardian
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Crossley-Holland has a spirited take on the tales and Riddell’s illustrations are both slightly creepy (especially Lancelot) and beautifully drawn. Gawain and the Green Knight is particularly fine.' The Spectator
'Kevin-Crossley Holland’s captivating Arthur: The Always King is the best account of the leadership that our benighted country needs since Roger Lancelyn Green’s 1953 retelling of the legends. The illustrator Chris Riddell’s glowering Green Knight is a particular treat. A great present for 6-9.' New Statesman
'The sword in the stone, the knights of the round table, Merlin, the overbearing green knight – threads from all the establishment of Avalon fables are here. And they are drawn together lyrically, without bombast, by Crossley-Holland. […] The richness and depth of Riddell’s illustrations are both real and fantastical, and yet somehow still add a sense of being in the moment. […] An old legend that had fallen out of contemporary fashion is reclaimed in this, a classic edition in the making.' The Big Issue