Before his sudden death, Charles Williams—a brilliant poet and close friend of C. S. Lewis in the legendary Inklings literary group—was working on a monumental prose history of the Arthurian legend. Arthurian Torso brings together the surviving chapters of Williams' unfinished masterpiece, "The Figure of Arthur," which traces the evolution of the Grail myth and the Knights of the Round Table from their earliest historical roots into a deeply mystical, symbolic mythology. This brilliant, unfinished fragment offers readers a rare and profound glimpse into the mind of one of the twentieth century's most unique theological and poetic thinkers as he unpacks the spiritual weight of Camelot.

In the second half of the book, C. S. Lewis steps in to honor his late friend by providing a masterful, illuminating commentary on Williams' complex and often challenging cycle of Arthurian poetry. Acting as a brilliant scholarly guide, Lewis breaks down the dense, highly symbolic imagery of Williams' mythos, explaining the intricate theology of the Byzantine Empire, the sacred Grail quest, and the mystical realm of Logres. Together, these two sections create an indispensable volume for fans of the Inklings, Arthurian mythology, and profound literary criticism, blending rich historical analysis with deep spiritual insight into the legends of King Arthur.