(New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913).

A FINE AND VERY HANDSOMELY BOUND SET OF THE FOUR BOOKS OF STORIES OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE. THE STORY OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS was the first in a series of four books which Pyle both wrote and illustrated concerning the legend of King Arthur. Following the first book came: THE CHAMPIONS OF THE ROUND TABLE, SIR LAUNCELOT AND HIS COMPANIONS and THE GRAIL AND THE PASSING OF ARTHUR. Perhaps one of the most monumental undertakings of his career, the books were originally issued from 1903 until 1910. As a boy, Pyle had been deeply impressed especially by Sir Thomas Malory s portrayal of the story, and drew heavily from it in his own retelling. As we turn the pages of these volumes, we are immediately drawn into the world of castles, knights, wizards, and chivalry. The black and white illustrations are rich with old world tapestry and texture and are inspirited with noble movement and emotion.
Pyle emphasized to his  art students the importance of total immersion, a kind of physical and mental projection into the picture until the artist senses that he has actually become the object. Only in this manner, Pyle emphasized, can the subject come to life in the painting.  Pictures are the creations of the imagination and not of technical facility...I subordinate that technical training entirely to the training of the imagination.  -Susan Meyer. We grasp Pyle s immersion in his medieval subject as we journey into these powerful scenes with him. He was personally inspired by the Arthur Legend and wrote in his introduction, For I believe that King Arthur was the most honorable, gentle Knight who ever lived in all the world. And those who were his fellows of the Round Table-taking him as their looking-glass of chivalry-made, altogether, such a company of noble knights that it is Hardly to be supposed that their like will ever be seen again in this world. Wherefore it is that I have had such extraordinary pleasure in beholding how those famous knights behaved whenever circumstances called upon them to perform their endeavor. Through Pyle s passionate and sensitive writing and illustration, we too can be stirred once again by this inspiring legend. Item #31976

Together 4 volumes, the complete series. Each volume is illustrated throughout by Howard Pyle, including illustrated frontispieces, illustrated title-pages and a great profusion of illustrations in each volume, both full-page and within the text. 4to, each volume very handsomely bound to match by Zaehnsdorf of London for Scribner's in New York in period three-quarter black morocco over marbled paper covered boards, the spines with gilt stopped raised bands separating the compartments, two compartments lettered in gilt, one compartment numbered in gilt, four compartments with central gilt ornamental devices, gilt rules to the turnovers and corners, marbled end-leaves, top edges gilt. [xviii], 312, [1]; xviii,328, [1]; xviii, 340; xviii, 258 pp. A fine set, beautifully preserved, with very little evidence of age or use, the bindings strong, tight and handsome, the tips and edges all in good order, the text-blocks and illustrations all clean and bright.