For a beginner, 'The Sword in the Stone' by T.H. White is a wonderful option. It focuses on the early life of King Arthur and how he pulls the sword from the stone. It's written in a simple yet engaging way and shows the beginnings of the Arthurian legend. 'The Black Arrow' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also suitable. It's set in medieval England during the Wars of the Roses. The story follows a young man's journey through the turmoil of that time, and it's a good introduction to the political and social unrest often seen in medieval themed novels.
Sure. 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' is a great start. It's a well - known story set in medieval England, full of action, with Robin Hood and his merry men stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. It's easy to follow and gives a good sense of the social divide in medieval times. Another beginner - friendly one is 'The King Arthur Collection' which compiles various Arthurian tales. These tales are full of knights, magic, and quests, which are all common elements in medieval themed literature.
I'd recommend 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman. It has a medieval - like setting with a princess, a hero, and a villain. The story is engaging and has elements of humor and adventure. It's not too complex and can introduce you to the medieval world. Also, 'Beowulf' is a good choice. It's an old English epic poem, but there are modern translations that make it accessible. It shows the heroic deeds of Beowulf against monsters in a semi - medieval Scandinavian setting, and it gives an idea of the values like courage and loyalty in that era.