Malcolm Guite explores King Arthur as a model for modern masculinity

British poet and Cambridge scholar Malcolm Guite is addressing contemporary challenges regarding masculinity through his latest work, The Coming of Arthur. The book, which serves as the second installment in his four-volume epic poem series, Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad, examines the legendary king’s development from youth to a leader defined by humility, sacrifice, and service.

Speaking at the recent Sing! Conference in Nashville, Guite argued that young men are currently caught between conflicting cultural narratives, ranging from the denigration of masculinity to the dominance-focused ideologies promoted by online figures. He suggested that these fragmented social media messages contribute to a crisis of identity. By revisiting the Arthurian legend, Guite aims to provide a more coherent, virtuous narrative that he believes offers a biblical alternative to modern cultural trends.

Published by Rabbit Room Press, the 372-page volume features illustrations by Stephen Crotts and a foreword by mythographer Martin Shaw. The work follows the success of the series' first book, Galahad and the Grail, and is scheduled for official release on November 9.