The Prince of Thieves is the first volume of Alexandre Dumas' two-part interpretation of the legendary story of Robin Hood, which was popularized for nineteenth-century audiences by Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Set in England from 1162 to 1166, this tale offers a captivating exploration of Robin Hood's youth.

In this book, Dumas narrates how Robin Hood is delivered by an unknown man to be raised by poor but honest foresters. He grows to possess great skill as an archer and comes into conflict with the Baron of Nottingham. Along the way, he meets iconic characters such as Friar Tuck, the Maid Marian, Little John, and Will Scarlett.

Declared an outlaw by the King, Robin Hood and his followers decamp into Sherwood Forest, where they wage a bold war against the oppressive Baron. This enchanting narrative transports readers to the charm and adventure of a Sherwood Forest of former, fanciful days.