The Ill-Framed Knight: A Skeptical Inquiry into the Identity of Sir Thomas Malory embarks on a meticulous and spirited investigation into the enigmatic figure behind the Le Morte d'Arthur. Author William Matthews recounts a decades-long scholarly quest sparked by a deceptively simple question, weaving through archives, libraries, and historical records in search of answers. This book offers not only a critical exploration of Malory's identity but also a vivid journey through the fields of genealogy, linguistics, and medieval history, inviting readers to join the intellectual "hunt" that has captivated the author for years.

With its lively prose and sharp skepticism, Matthews’ work is more than an academic inquiry—it’s a celebration of the process of discovery. Acknowledging the collaborative contributions of scholars, archivists, and institutions worldwide, Matthews presents a study that is at once rigorous and deeply personal. This book challenges established assumptions and raises new questions, providing readers with the excitement of unearthing historical puzzles and a fresh perspective on one of literature's enduring mysteries.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.