Reading the Classics: Review of Paul Creswick's "Robin Hood"

Many belonging to the older generations are usually familiar with "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" by Howard Pyle, but not many are familiar with the even older "Robin Hood" or "The Adventures of Robin Hood" by Paul Creswick. Those who have seen the Disney film by the same time would know of it, as the film was based on Creswick's interpretation (minus the foxes).


The book, though fanciful in its own right, focuses on the more historical aspects of Robin Hood (or Robin Whode or Wood). Many have marked Robin Hood as a high-minded Saxon fighting Norman lords, and some have even gone so far as to try to trace his possible lineage to a Robert Fitz'Ooth, a Saxon-Norman lord and ranger's son. Here is where Paul Creswick's story begins, for though many would claim that the name Robin Whode was a name taken by many Saxon outlaws in the day as a motto for the under-trod peasantry, Creswick blends the slender historical value of Robin with the fanciful. 


Written in the true classical English style, witty with tragic undertones, this version of Robin Hood's tale is my favourite. From young master Robin's first enchantment at meeting Will of the Green, to his disappointment of his being trapped as a lord's son and heir, to his glory at becoming one of the most celebrated English legends, and collecting all of his Merry Men, this book is excellent in every means. At times light, at times woeful, I highly recommend this classic for those who love hearing of Robin and for those who love historical adventure. As it is out of print, you can read it for free as part of Project Gutenburg.