The Quest of the Holy Grail (Penguin Classics), Packaging May Vary

This book is special for me. Now I feel like Galahad, Perceval and Bors would always stay in my heart. Being part of a busy everyday city life this book carries you away from it, somewhere very far away, and somewhere within you. The way heroes of this book act while facing their trials is very very inspiring and is presented in such a way that you question yourself: "How can it be otherwise?" For those who are interested to understand the Bible on a deeper level, it does explain some of the Christian symbols and parables. Fantastic book, I would give more than 5 stars, but unfortunately that's not an option.

I teach the Arthurian legend in my 9th grade English class at a college preparatory Christian high school, using excerpts from T. H. White, Thomas Malory, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Our textbook explains how every generation makes the legend its own, and the Grail story is a good example of that. Though the author of the Quest of the Holy Grail is unknown (see author's introduction for educated guesses), this particular set of legends shows the spiritual side of the Middle Ages. I find it quite good for teaching symbolism to young adults as there are a series of events and dream sequences whose meanings are eventually explained as spiritual metaphors. Though the adulterous relationships in the legend are mentioned, one clearly sees how the dark side of human nature can bring about disastrous results. It doesn't read like a modern novel, of course, but students are certainly capable of understanding that medieval quest literature and modern popular novels and/or movies are completely different genres. All in all, I find it enjoyable, but I would use it as a supplement rather than a text.

For me this was one of the 4 or 5 books that changes your life. The high ideals of the characters and QUEST still blows me away. Worth the endless footnotes - for if you persevere with the reading you are left feeling you've encountered the grail yourself!

Before reading The Quest of the Holy Grail, one must remember that it is a work of Medieval literature, not a popular novel. With that proviso in mind, this complex and highly allegorical work will delight those interested in the Medieval quest for the Holy Grail--but it will disappoint those wanting a modern page-turner. It is also interesting to compare this volume from the French "Vulgate" Cycle with Malory's later version of the Grail Quest in his Le Morte D'Arthur. Malory streamlines the intricate interlacing of the French version to produce a more compelling read but loses much of the deeper religious symbolism of his source. For those readers willing to delve into Medieval religious allegory I would highly recommend The Quest of the Holy Grail. I have already read it three times, and each time I do I get more out of it.

The cycle of 'grail romance' from which this book comes from was unfairly slammed by the late Joseph Campbell to millions of people. Comparing it to Eschenbach is like comparing Spenser to Shakespeare. Yes, von Eschenbach's PARZIVAL is the greater work (and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in these worlds), but the QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL is a jewel in its own right. It's a book that radiates light. The influences and impressions one receives from a book like this should not be passed up. They won't make you rich or satisfy your sexual desire, but they will help to build your spiritual body. Did you know you have a spiritual body?