THe Arthurian legends continue to fascinate us as a culture and this helps introduce young readers to its many forms. Though the look of the book is a bit jumbled, its layout allows the reader to pick and choose and explore. THere is a central nicely illustrated, re-telling of the story that runs through the book, supplemented by sidebars about movies, plays or lesser known myths and characters. SHould appeal to the younger generation who does research via hyperlinks. I can see both boys and girls being interested in delving into this book. Probably most appropriate to ages 8 and above as the themes of of seduction and infidelity are not ignored.

If there is one story in history that conjures up romance, valiant knights and visions of a golden age of valor, this story is the one.

The author, Rosalind Kerven has written and edited several highly acclaimed collections of myths and legends from all over the world. She trained as an anthropologist and her writing reflects an understanding of various cultures. With an expert storyteller's skill, she retells the original Celtic and medieval legends to show the rise to power of a boy who was decreed by fate to be the King of Britain.

Tudor Humphries was trained in London as a theater costume and set designer. When he graduated, he decided to concentrate on children's book illustration. His illustrations evoke all the magic and romance of King Arthur's story.

Photographs and paintings help to reveal Arthur's real identity and the religion and chivalry of his court. On the contents page we find all the main characters pictured in a sort of photo gallery. Then, the story of the sword in the stone, miraculous powers, the gift of Excalibur, the Knights of the Round Table, the Knights of King Arthur, evil enchantments, the Holy Grail, the end of the Fellowship, the last battle and the once and future king are revealed.

Even with all this detail, the figure of King Arthur is shrouded in mystery. It is impossible to prove he ever existed. Some historians believe he was a great warrior who lived in the late 5th century. The key events in the story are shown on two pages complete with a map of Britain in the 5th century.

Painters, poets, composers and moviemakers have been inspired and intrigued by this legend. Most recently, I enjoyed watching the 1995 movie First Knight. My other favorite is the movie Camelot from the year I was born in 1967.

Was Merlin really a Druid? Did Celtic noblewomen participate in politics and would Guinevere have been expected to play an important role in governing the kingdom? Did you know that the lady of Shalott died of grief because she loved Lancelot, but he refused her love? These are just a few of the details you will find in this book.

This book makes it possible for children to enjoy reading about the details behind the Arthurian legend while also being able to read a full story. The use of photography with narrative illustration will captivate children just as the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have fascinated generations of eager listeners.

My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "King Arthur" is part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!

My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "Aladdin" is part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!

I just wanted to advise of a correction relating to the "Editorial Review" for this book. It refers to the series "D.K. READERS" (formerly "EYEWITNESS READERS") rather than the series "D.K. CLASSICS" (formerly "EYEWITNESS CLASSICS"). The two series share some of the same titles, but the text of the D.K. CLASSICS is closer to that of the origninal works upon which they are based. There are also sidebars on most pages that describe the historical setting for the book and sometimes provide a comparison of the same setting as it is today. The D.K. CLASSICS series are great for doing book reports or for making history come alive through great literature.

As this book will reveal to many children, Disney didn't invent Aladdin - he is one of the characters found in the 1000-year-old tales of Arabian Nights. Read about an Aladdin that is closer to the original, and also about Alibaba and the Forty Thieves, and The Enchanted Garden, two other stories from The Arabian Nights. There is some violence here - but, hey, it's classic literature and it keeps the kids' attention. There are two interesting heroic women in the stories. This gorgeously illustrated book is printed on good-quality glossy paper, a rare find at this price. The main text is complemented with historic notes and photographs adding background to the story, and there is a glossary at the end. Overall, it's a first-class book that adults will enjoy along with kids.