King Arthur is often written off as a medieval fantasy, the dream of those yearning for an age of strong, just rulers and a contented kingdom. Those who accept his existence at all generally discard the stories that surround him.

The author's investigation argues not only that Arthur did exist, but that many of the romantic tales--of Merlin, Camelot and Excalibur--are rooted in truth. He carefully scrutinises up-to-date archaeological and documentary sources, from which a picture emerges of Arthur as a genuine sixth-century military commander-in-chief, responsible for leading the Britons of Wales and the West Country.

In his quest for the real King Arthur, Rodney Castleden reconstructs the kingdoms, frontiers and political power centres of sixth-century Britain, and recreates the royal dynasties, chronologies and life-styles of the Dark Age kings. The various theories regarding the whereabouts of Arthur's kingdom and power base are evaluated, with the West Country seen as his most likely home territory. New evidence revives the idea that Tintagel was a royal residence, probably one of many used by Arthur on his travels.

One of the most exciting aspects of the book is Rodney Castleden's proposal of a radical new theory--that Arthur escaped alive from his final battle, to a retirement far from home. A location is even suggested for perhaps the greatest mystery, the whereabouts of Arthur's grave.