Arthurian Torso - Classic Text | Alexandria
Arthurian Torso (1948) represents a unique collaborative work combining C.S. Lewis's critical analysis of Charles Williams' Arthurian poetry with Williams' previously unpublished manuscript "The Figure of Arthur." This scholarly volume emerged as both a tribute to Williams following his death in 1945 and a crucial contribution to Arthurian literary studies of the 20th century.
The work originated during the intellectual fellowship of the Inklings, the Oxford literary group that included Lewis, Williams, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis's portion, "Williams and the Arthuriad," offers an intricate examination of Williams' complex Arthurian poems, particularly "Taliessin through Logres" (1938) and "The Region of the Summer Stars" (1944). Williams' unfinished "The Figure of Arthur" provides a historical and mythological investigation of Arthurian legend, reflecting his distinctive theological and mystical interpretations.
The volume's significance lies in its dual nature: as both a critical analysis and a window into the intellectual exchange between two prominent Christian literary figures of the mid-20th century. Lewis's exposition helps illuminate Williams' often challenging poetry, while simultaneously revealing his own deep engagement with Arthurian themes. The work also demonstrates the Inklings' broader project of reimagining medieval and mythological material for modern audiences.
Arthurian Torso continues to influence contemporary scholarship on Arthurian literature and the work of both Lewis and Williams. Its exploration of the relationship between myth, history, and spiritual truth resonates with ongoing academic discussions about the nature of mythology and its role in modern thought. The volume stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Arthurian legend and its capacity for scholarly and spiritual interpretation, while also providing valuable insights into the intellectual dynamics of the Inklings' literary circle.
Modern readers and scholars continue to mine this work for its insights into both Arthurian studies and the theological-literary approach of Lewis and Williams, making it an essential text for understanding mid-20th century literary criticism and the development of modern Arthurian scholarship.