Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Life of Merlin: A New Verse Translation
For the first time in English, Mark Walker presents a verse translation of the epic twelfth-century poem by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Life of Merlin shows us the original Merlin – who is not only mysterious and mad, but also a king, prophet and a modern Renaissance man.
Geoffrey remains best known today for his earlier work, the History of the Kings of Britain, which describes many of the Arthurian legends which endure to this day – including Arthur’s final showdown with Mordred and the wounded King’s removal to the Isle of Avalon.
Mark Walker provides a detailed introduction which places this work in the context of Geoffrey’s life and writings, whilst also explaining some of the more obscure references. The translation is in English hexameter verse, which gives the reader a feel for the original, Latin, version.
Life of Merlin is an interesting read, in which Geoffrey mixes together various historical sources to create the figure of Merlin, a character that continues to fascinate people today.
