"An astonishing achievement. . ." -- Susanna Clarke, author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Piranesi"Vigorous and fresh. . . whets the appetite for much more." -- Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of CanterburyIn this first volume of Merlin's Isle, join the prophesied youth, Sir Galahad, and the other knights of the quest as they set out from Camelot to achieve the Holy Grail. The accomplishment of their goal will not only heal the wounded Fisher-King, but will bring about the long hoped-for healing of the land itself.Acclaimed poet Malcolm Guite's masterwork, a lifetime in the makingIllustrated by award-winning artist Stephen CrottsForeword by Hugo Award-winning author Susanna ClarkeMore than 25 full-page illustrationsColor interior with unique illuminated capitalsClothbound hardcover with dust jacketAccessible for all agesA true, new epic of English LiteratureHere at the height of his poetic power, Malcolm Guite delivers a tale of adventure in ballad form that plumbs the depths of the human soul, carries readers through the Wasteland, and sets them upon the numinous shores of Faerie in all its mystery and meaning.Guite follows in the epic footsteps of Spenser, Milton, Dante, and Tennyson, yet this is not poetry destined solely for the halls of academia--it's a story to be enjoyed by young and old alike, a story to be read aloud among friends and family, a story to be cherished for generations to come.Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad is an epic ballad cycle in four volumes: Galahad and the Grail (Spring 2026)The Coming of Arthur (Fall 2026)Knights of the Round Table (Summer 2027)The Passing of Arthur (Spring 2028)