"Idylls of the King" is a collection of twelve narrative poems by Alfred Tennyson, first published in 1859. The poems are based on the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Tennyson's work is a retelling of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the themes of love, loyalty, and courage. The poems are written in a variety of styles, from the lyrical to the epic, and are filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions. Tennyson's work is considered to be one of the greatest works of Victorian literature, and has been an inspiration for many authors and poets since its publication. Alfred Tennyson (1809 - 1892) was an English poet who was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign. He is best known for his works such as "The Lady of Shalott" (1832), "Ulysses" (1842), and "In Memoriam A.H.H." (1850).