Thomas Malory, whose life spanned the tumultuous years of the 15th century, is best known for compiling and in some instances translating the quintessential collection of Arthurian legends, Le Morte d'Arthur. This seminal work, which was published by the renowned London printer William Caxton in 1485, has profoundly influenced the perception and retelling of the King Arthur myth in the English language and beyond.

Much of Malory's life is shrouded in mystery. He has been identified as a "knight prisoner"—a term that hints at a life filled with turbulence, possibly encompassing criminal activities, imprisonment for political reasons, or other forms of confinement. Despite the lack of definitive evidence regarding his identity, recent scholarship has favoured Sir Thomas Malory of Newbold Revel in Warwickshire, who experienced imprisonment on several counts, possibly related to criminal acts or political affiliations during the Wars of the Roses. Another candidate, based on recent evidence, suggests Thomas Malory of Hutton Conyers, Yorkshire.

Malory's contributions to literature represent a transition from medieval romantic adventure to the modern novel, infusing the Arthurian stories with a simple chivalric morality. His work is characterized by a clear, smooth style, accessible to modern readers and marked by a musical narrative. The impact of Le Morte d'Arthur on subsequent literary and cultural works is immeasurable, influencing a wide array of modern interpretations of the Arthurian legend.