Sir Lancelot du Lac is one of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend and King Arthur's greatest companion, the lord of Joyous Gard and the greatest swordsman and jouster of the age. The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions consists of a large series of episodes in the legend of the chief knight of the Round Table, Sir Lancelot, and many of his friends, including the Lady Elaine, Sir Ewaine, and Sir Gareth.

Howard Pyle (1853-1911) is an American author known primarily for his books for young people. His best known work is The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, and his other books frequently have medieval European settings, including a set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating what has become the modern stereotype of pirate dress.