Henry Gilbert (1) (1868–1937)

'Once upon a time the great mass of English people were unfree,' begins the preface to the edition of this book that I read and reread as a girl, going on to speak of the appeal of figures such as Robin Hood to people toiling under oppressive feudal regimes. It is a testament to how deeply I loved it, and what an impact it had upon me - it sparked a life-long love of all things Robin Hood, and reinforced an interest in issues of social inequality that was already being inculcated in me by my show more parents' politics - that I have only to think of this book, and that first line floats into my mind.

However that may be, this version of Robin Hood will always be the definitive one for me, as it is the first one I can recall reading. It uses some rather self-consciously archaic language at times, particularly in the dialogue between the characters, but it's nothing a good child reader can't handle, and it's certainly no worse than the medievalism displayed in Howard Pyle's work. As some reviewers have noted, the conflicts are depicted in a whole-heartedly bloody way, but again, I found this no deterrent as a child, as it felt in keeping with the times in which the story was set. I don't know that this version is for everyone - I see a number of online reviewers disliked it - but I do recommend it. Those attempting to decide whether it's for them, might take a look at it online first, and decide whether they wish to proceed. show less

This pocket-sized retellings of the Arthurian stories is excellent. We have had it for some years but I had never picked it up but I was looking for something to read our 6 year old son at bedtime. The language is just right - and the chapters are an ideal length - to keep one's interest. Other Arthur and Robin Hood books we have are so filled with thees and thous and other anachronistic language that it is easy to get tripped up in the language.

I'll keep the other versions for their more show more interesting language but this one will be the introductory, easy to read one in our collection. show less

Of all the books of the Arthur legends, this is my favourite. It is elegently written, without being lofty, & is beautifully illustrated.

A traditional story of Robin Hood. Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that you don't know already. The stories are nice and well written and its a good read for any age.