During the 17th Century, British writer John Milton wrote the epic poem Paradise Lost, one of the most famous literary works in the English language. However, Milton's original intent was to base his poem on the legend of King Arthur rather than the biblical Fall of Man. I've always been fascinated by this idea and have long wondered what an Arthurian epic by Milton might have been like. So I finally decided to write one myself. Now, my novel is written in prose rather than verse, and I imagine that fact will be much appreciated by modern audiences who may not have the patience or stamina to endure epic poetry. However, I do see clear similarities between the legend of King Arthur and Milton's masterpiece. Both stories are tragedies marked by an idyllic land (Camelot / Eden) beginning in perfection but eventually being lost due to the sins of mankind. The title of my novel, Camelot Fallen, is even a play on Paradise Lost, and a careful reader may even notice the handful of lines I adapted from Milton and placed throughout my own text.
I have also always been a lover of the Arthurian canon, specifically The Once and Future King by T.H. White and Idylls of the King by Alfred Tennyson. In recent decades, authors and filmmakers have highlighted the pagan, druidic roots of the original Celtic legends, the possible historical sources for the iconic characters, and the grit and grime of Post-Roman Britain over the romantic sheen of the High Middle Ages. However, in many of the early medieval stories, especially The Quest for the Holy Grail, Arthur and his knights were not just chivalric heroes, but spiritual champions as well. While drawing on classic aspects and influences throughout the Arthurian canon, Camelot Fallen returns the tale to its medieval Christian legacy, full of theology and allegory, telling an epic story of love, faith, despair, and redemption.