Cover of Excalibur

Excalibur

a novel of Arthur

  • 1997 first published
  • 436 pages
  • ★ 4.4 (5 ratings)
  • 23 editions

Excalibur is a 1997 historical fantasy and mythic fiction novel by Bernard Cornwell. The story is set in Great Britain, in To 1066. Characters include Arthur King. Key subjects include kings and rulers, britons, adaptations and legends.

Open Library readers give it an average of 4.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, and 41 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 23 editions across 6 languages.

At about 436 pages, most readers finish it in 7–8 hours.

About Excalibur

A story of love, war, loyalty and betrayal, EXCALIBUR begins with the failure of Lancelot's rebellion and the ruin of Arthur's marriage to Guinevere. The Saxons, sensing the disunity of the Britons, seize the chance to destroy Arthur. The climax of the war comes with the legendary triumph at Mount Badon, and Arthur's great victory. But the promises he made then come back to haunt him after the years of peace and glory.
Description from Open Library

Themes, setting & tropes

Genres

Setting

Era

Characters

Subjects

  • Kings and rulers
  • Arthur, in fiction
  • Britons in fiction
  • Great Britain in fiction
  • Britons
  • Arthurian romances
  • Adaptations
  • Kings and rulers in fiction
  • Legends
  • Rulers
  • Sixth century
  • Saxons
  • War
  • Merlin
  • Historical Fiction
  • Historical fantasy

Quick answers

Who wrote Excalibur?

Excalibur was written by Bernard Cornwell and first published in 1997.

What genre is Excalibur?

It is usually shelved as Historical Fantasy, Myth & Legend Fiction and Historical Fiction.

How long is Excalibur?

The median edition has 436 pages, about 7–8 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.

What books are similar to Excalibur?

Readers who like it often enjoy The Last Enchantment, The Hollow Hills and Pendragon's Banner.

More by Bernard Cornwell

All books →
  • Cover of The Winter King

    The Winter King

    Bernard Cornwell

    1995★ 4.5

  • Cover of Sharpe's Tiger

    Sharpe's Tiger

    Bernard Cornwell, Frederick Davidson

    1997★ 4.2

  • Cover of Enemy of God

    Enemy of God

    Bernard Cornwell, Concepcion Cardenoso

    1996★ 4.2

Books like Excalibur