The Book of Merlyn

Historical Context and Significance

The Book of Merlyn by T.H. White is the concluding part of the cycle about King Arthur, which began with The Sword in the Stone. In this book, White revisits the myth of King Arthur to explore philosophical and political themes such as the nature of war, power, and human nature. The book was written in 1941 but published only in 1977, after the author's death. It has had a significant impact on popular culture by reimagining the legend of King Arthur, adding new layers of meaning and depth. White uses the character of Merlyn to convey his ideas about wisdom and moral dilemmas, making the book important for understanding both the literary legacy of Arthurian legend and broader humanistic themes.