Sir James Knowles

About the Author

Sir James Knowles (1831-1908) was a distinguished British journalist, editor, and author, best remembered for his pivotal role in reviving interest in Arthurian legend during the Victorian era. Born in London, he pursued a career in publishing, founding and editing the influential magazine The Contemporary Review before turning his attention to historical and literary compilations. Knowles's passion for medieval tales led him to curate and edit the renowned King Arthur Collection, which masterfully assembles key works such as Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, Alfred Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King, Howard Pyle's King Arthur and His Knights, the anonymous Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Mark Twain's satirical A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. His editorial vision bridged classical mythology with modern sensibilities, making these timeless stories accessible to a broad audience and cementing his legacy as a guardian of chivalric romance.