Ancient Tales Newly Told brings together two works of historical fiction by Jason M. Rubin. The first novel, King of Kings, concerns the meeting of (and romance between) King Solomon and Makeda, the queen of Sheba. Based on the Ethiopian tradition, the two wise and powerful rulers are drawn together and eventually have a son, Menelik, who is placed in the unique position of being qualified to inherit two thrones. Which will he choose? The second novel, The Grave and the Gay, originally published in 2012, is based on a 17th-century English folk ballad commonly known as "Matty Groves." In this retelling, Matty, a handsome rogue who tends the horses of Lord and Lady Barnard, becomes ensnared in his masters' floundering marriage. The dramatic climax alters the lives of every character—both masters and servants—in the Barnards' grand house.