Camelot

Courtesy of Starz

Starz is soon going to release their new TV series, Camelot. It seems that they are trying to reconcile the legend with real life. Based on trailers and interviews this one is not the idealistic view of a perfect king and ideal knights. Instead, the viewers see a brutal war, love and human flaws. Hopefully, this one will try to stick to a more historic Britain of Arthur's time, not the knightly Britain of the medieval war. Afterall, Arthur was no chivalrous knight. If he did indeed live, he was probably a warrior chieftain, more worried about survival and probably more brutal than the legends. Only time will tell if this show does justice to the top, but it is showing signs of being a very interesting adaptation.

The Spanish Ballad or the Jewess of Toledo

Lion Feuchtwanger's historical fiction tells the story of a young woman, Raquel, a Jewess, who becomes the beloved of the Spanish king Alfonso. However, their story is not meant to have a happy ending. As discontent over a dreadful defeat rises the citizens of Toledo turn on Raquel and her father Yehuda, the king's financer. The two are murdered as they await the king's return.

The Jewess of Toledo shows how one woman is able to change a king. At the beginning of the story Alfonso is a proud knight, a courageous, but foolish king. He can only think of war, not what is best for his people. However, love for Raquel changes him, makes the king see peace as a good thing. Unfortunately, his jealous wife uses his knightly pride to force Alfonso into a war he can't win. Sadly, Alfonso is truly able to become a great king only after he has lost his only love, Raquel. He death leaves him hallow, but able to posses the patience and prudence necessary to be a good king to his people.

Courtesy of geometry.net

A truly moving tale, The Jewess of Toledo is a must read. Unlike many older books it is neither stuffy or boring. It is highly descriptive and the language is very accessible. I highly recommend it.