Press Release for the Ballad of Sir Dinadan Published by Houghton

Press Release

The Ballad of Sir Dinadan by Gerald Morris

• About the Book • Reviews

"This will . . . satisfy Arthurian buffs as well as those who like their history and fantasy mixed with humor." — Kirkus Reviews

About the Book

Young Dinadan has no wish to joust or quest or save damsels in distress or do any of the knightly things expected of him. He'd rather be a minstrel, playing his rebec and writing ballads. But he was born to be a knight, and knights, of course, have adventures.

So after his father forces his knighthood upon him, he wanders toward King Arthur's court, in the company of a misguided young Welsh lad named Culloch. There Dinadan meets Sir Kai and Sir Bedivere, and the three find themselves accompanying Culloch on the worst sort of quest.

Along the way, Dinadan writes his own ballads, singing of honor, bravery, loyalty, and courtly love—and becomes a player in the pathetic love story of Tristram and Iseult. He meets the Moorish knight Palomides, the clever but often exasperating Lady Brangienne, and an elvin musician named Sylvanus, along with an unusual collection of recreant knights and dimwitted defenders of chivalry. He learns that while minstrels sing of spectacular heroic deeds,

Reviews

"These three tales put a humorous spin on Camelot and its denizens while still providing plenty of adventure, dimensional characters, and fresh, modern dialogue." — Booklist

Parsifal's Page (2001) "Morris serves up another engaging take on Arthurian legend." — Kirkus Reviews

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf (2000) "A rare action-fantasy title that crosses age and gender lines." — The Bulletin

The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady (1999) "Fast moving and easy to read, this novel will lure youngsters into wanting to read more about Camelot, while those familiar with the Arthurian legends will enjoy this new interpretation." — School Library Journal, starred review

The Squire's Tale (1998) "Librarians will find a great choice of comic and breathtaking quests for book talks." — School Library Journal, starred review