The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood is an 1883 novel by the American illustrator and writer Howard Pyle. This book presents a series of episodes in the story of the English outlaw, Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men. The novel compiles traditional material into a coherent narrative using a colorful, invented "old English" idiom that preserves the flavor of the ballads and adapts it for children.
Pyle's work is notable for taking the subject of Robin Hood in a new direction. It influenced later writers, artists, and filmmakers through the next century. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was the first novel Pyle attempted, adapting Middle Age ballads into a cohesive story, and altering them for the tastes of his child audience.
The novel portrays Robin Hood as a heroic outlaw who robs the rich to feed the poor. This portrayal contrasts with earlier ballads, where Robin Hood's crimes are motivated by personal gain rather than a desire to help others. Pyle's book helped solidify the image of a heroic Robin Hood, which had begun in earlier works such as Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.
Pyle's novel was first published by Scribner's in 1883, meeting with immediate success. It ushered in a new era of Robin Hood stories and helped increase the popularity of the Robin Hood legend in the United States. The novel also had a significant impact on children's literature, moving the Robin Hood legend into the realm of respected children's books.
The characters here are on vacation. They'll be back with more tales! 🏖️.