[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]

[THE BOOK OF KING ARTHUR]

[Preface of William Caxton][1]
[The Table Or Rubrysshe of the Contents of Chapters][3]
[The Book of King Arthur, Books I to XXI][25]
[Notes][488]
[Glossary and Index][493]