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Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, was King of the Franks from 768 until his death in 814. Often married, and father of at least 18 children, Charlemagne gained the mythical status that Bulfinch explores. The stories blur the line between historical events and fictional embellishments and include tales of Charlemagne’s most loyal knights. Themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and magic are central to these narratives, along with encounters with fantastical creatures and enchanted objects.

This edition of the “Legends of Charlemagne” features cover art, endpapers, title page and 8 color plates designed by N.C. Wyeth, a towering figure in American art who is celebrated for his dramatic contributions to book illustration. His work brings stories to life and has captured the imagination of readers across generations.

Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, was King of the Franks from 768 until his death in 814. Often married, and father of at least 18 children, Charlemagne gained the mythical status that Bulfinch explores. The stories blur the line between historical events and fictional embellishments and include tales of Charlemagne’s most loyal knights. Themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and magic are central to these narratives, along with encounters with fantastical creatures and enchanted objects.

This edition of the “Legends of Charlemagne” features cover art, endpapers, title page and 8 color plates designed by N.C. Wyeth, a towering figure in American art who is celebrated for his dramatic contributions to book illustration. His work brings stories to life and has captured the imagination of readers across generations.

“Ogier dismounted and took some steps along the stream, but was soon stopped by meeting a young beauty, such as they paint the Graces.”

Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, was King of the Franks from 768 until his death in 814. Often married, and father of at least 18 children, Charlemagne gained the mythical status that Bulfinch explores. The stories blur the line between historical events and fictional embellishments and include tales of Charlemagne’s most loyal knights. Themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and magic are central to these narratives, along with encounters with fantastical creatures and enchanted objects.

This edition of the “Legends of Charlemagne” features cover art, endpapers, title page and 8 color plates designed by N.C. Wyeth, a towering figure in American art who is celebrated for his dramatic contributions to book illustration. His work brings stories to life and has captured the imagination of readers across generations.

“Legends of Charlemagne,” the third volume of Bulfinch’s Mythology, delves into the legendary tales surrounding a real historical figure, Charles the Great, or Charlemagne (c. 742-814), and his knights. Charlemagne was the King of the Franks and later crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD. He played a crucial role in shaping medieval Europe – he expanded his empire through military conquests, promoted education, and fostered a revival of art, culture, and learning known as the Carolingian Renaissance.

The mythology surrounding him grew over time, largely because of the impact of his reign and the cultural significance of his court. Bulfinch’s “Legends” weave together medieval romances and epic poetry that highlight chivalry, heroism, and mythical adventures. The stories blur the line between historical events and fictional embellishments. They include notable figures such as Roland, one of Charlemagne’s most loyal knights, and tales of their valor, battles, and quests. Themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and magic are central to these narratives, along with encounters with fantastical creatures and enchanted objects.

Bulfinch’s writing aimed to make mythology and classic literature more accessible to the general reader, and this volume reflects his signature style – rich in detail yet easy to follow. It serves as an engaging introduction to the myths and legends of medieval Europe.

Is there life on Mars?

“Perhaps of all the tantalizing questions about the red planet that astronomers have been trying to solve for 300 years, this is the most exciting.

“Mars is the ‘mystery planet’ of our solar system; near enough to earth to encourage investigation, and yet just far enough away to make investigation difficult.

“What are its mysterious ‘canals?’ Some astronomers have suggested that they may be gigantic waterways built by intelligent beings, and yet others believe them to be nothing more than optical illusions.

“Are the dark areas that change in size, shape, and color every year really large areas of plant life, and if so, does this mean that animal life may also exist there?

“Are its great polar caps thick deposits of ice, such as our own North and South Poles, or just a blanket of snow only inches deep?

“The author of this book is well qualified to explore these interesting facts. He gives all the most up-to-date scientific information available and has written it in a clear and lively manner that will be enjoyed by any reader who has an interest in this subject.” [Description on the dustjacket]

Illustrated cover image for a book of writings for children by Jan Brzechwa

“Cutting through the earth in an extraordinary burrowing device, David Innes and Abner Perry fear they may be incinerated in the planet's fiery core. Instead, they come upon Pellucidar - a savage, primordial world hidden several hundred miles beneath the earth's crust. There in an eerie, subterranean realm of vast oceans, lush jungles, and eternal noon, they encounter primitive humans and their beautiful, courageous queen, Dian.

“At the Earth's Core is a 1914 fantasy novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the first in his series about the fictional ‘hollow earth’ land of Pellucidar. It first appeared as a four-part serial in ‘All-Story Weekly’ from April 4-25, 1914.” [Source: Goodreads.com]

Excerpt:
“But when I saw these sleek, shiny carcasses shimmering in the sunlight as they emerged from the ocean, shaking their giant heads; when I saw the waters roll from their sinuous bodies in miniature waterfalls as they glided hither and thither, now upon the surface, now half submerged; as I saw them meet, open-mouthed, hissing and snorting, in their titanic and interminable warring I realized how futile is man’s poor, weak imagination by comparison with Nature’s incredible genius.”

James Allen St. John, born on October 1, 1872, was an American author, artist, and illustrator renowned for his pioneering contributions to the world of fantasy art. His career began in earnest in 1898, after studying under notable artists at the Art Students League of New York. St. John's early work included a commercial relationship with the New York Herald, but it was his time in Paris at the Académie Julian between 1906 and 1908 that further honed his artistic prowess. Eventually settling in Chicago around 1912, he became a prominent figure at the Tree Studios art colony, where he lived until his death.

St. John is perhaps best remembered for his iconic illustrations for the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, bringing to life the thrilling adventures of Tarzan and John Carter of Barsoom. His work for the publisher A.C. McClurg & Co., especially the self-written and illustrated “The Face in the Pool” in 1905, marked a significant milestone in his career. Beyond his illustrations, St. John imparted his knowledge as an educator at the Chicago Art Institute and the American Academy of Art, influencing a generation of artists, including the likes of Roy Krenkel and Frank Frazetta. His legacy as “The Godfather of Modern Fantasy Art” endures, with his art continuing to inspire and captivate fans of the genre. St. John passed away on May 23, 1957, leaving behind a rich tapestry of fantastical imagery that transcends time. [Sources: Wikipedia and SF Encyclopedia]

"This verse speaketh also of Lancelot the Bold"

"In this verse is spoken of the coming of Sir Lancelot the Bold"

"The fourth verse describing the Galant Knight, Sir Lancelot the Bold"

"The third verse describeth also, the coming of the Bold Knight"

"The Lady brings the curse upon her"

Frontispiece illustration of 'Perfection: A Translation from the Portuguese of Eça de Quieroz'. by Charles Marriott. (London: Selwyn & Blount Ltd., 1923)".