The new book by Katy Mac ‘In the Shadow of Knucklas Castle: A Tale of Arthur, Guinevere and the Giants’ will be launched on Thursday, June 22 from 6-7pm at Knighton Fine Art. At the launch there will be a chance to meet the author and publisher, find out more about the story and get a personal signed copy of the book.
The children’s book, set in the upper Teme Valley, retells the ancient legend of Arthur’s marriage to Guinevere at Knucklas Castle and has lively full-page illustrations, including an imaginary, but usable, ancient map of the area, big giants and hidden faces as well as some lovely photographs. These will hopefully catch the interest of readers and non-readers in all age groups, as will the story itself with its unsolved mysteries. Today, in the upper Teme Valley, you can find traces of the story, not least in the river’s Welsh name, Afon Tefediad, so-called after Arthur’s words.
There’s a huge stone near Beguildy that looks like a giant’s head, the great rock at Craig-y-Don where the devil sat, and the old castle hill itself where the wedding took place.
For those who want to know more about the story and its origins there are notes in the back and reference to sources. There is also information about Knucklas Castle Community Land Project. All proceeds go to the Knucklas Castle Community Land Project
Katy has long wanted to write a children’s story and the local tale of King Arthur seemed waiting to be told. She hopes readers will wonder with her at the rich history, both real and legendary, of this beautiful landscape and its secrets.
The book, published by YouCaxton Publications, costs £12 and is available from Knucklas Castle Community Land Project (visit: www.knucklascastle.org.uk, email: [email protected]) or buy it in local shops.