First edition, first impression, of the most significant work of Arthurian literature in the 20th century. Based on Malory's Morte Darthur, the novel reinvigorated the mythology for new and younger readers. Initially intended as a stand-alone work, the success of the novel led to White continuing it into an eventual tetralogy of Arthurian novels, The Once and Future King. The first novel was adapted by Disney into an animated film in 1963. Octavo. Original black cloth, spine lettered in white. With dust jacket. Line-drawing chapter head- and tailpieces. Spine ends lightly bumped, mark to fore edge, top edge dusty; jacket unclipped, spine toned, else bright, edges nicked, couple of shallow chips to upper edge, 2 inch closed tear to rear panel: a near-fine copy in very good jacket.