Robin Hood (Henry Gilbert)

Again with Robin Hood.  This time, I read Henry Gilbert's 1912 version.  Don't be fooled by the innocent-looking "kid Robin" on the cover here- this version isn't quite as kid-friendly.

At its heart, this version is similar to the two I've recently reviewed- by McSpadden and Pyle.  The story is basically the same: we learn how Robin came to be, how he met Little John, how he helped Alan-a-Dale and his wedding, how Robin dies, etc.  Like the others, it's set around the reign of Richard the Lionheart, and Robin is obsessed with robbing the rich and helping the poor.  That said, there are some notable differences:
- It's just a touch grittier- Robin isn't quite the happy-go-lucky guy here.  He and his crew don't hesitate to kill people (if they have it coming).
- It's more descriptive and immersive- the prose is more detailed.
- You get more back story.  Gilbert dedicates a little more time to why Robin became an outlaw, and how his band was formed, what happened after he was granted a pardon by King Richard, etc.
- In keeping with the original ballads, Robin is from Barnesdale (here, Barnisdale) rather than Sherwood, though the latter is mentioned a few times.
- Two small humans or brownie-like creatures- Ket the Trow and Hob o' the Hill- feature regularly here, and I'd never heard of them before.  They help Robin and are his eyes throughout the wood.
- You see just a touch more of history.  The Jewish massacre at York is mentioned, for example, and a little more history of Richard and King John is mentioned.

Like McSpadden and Pyle, the Gilbert version of the legend is good.  It's a close call, but I think I liked it a touch more than the former two.  You really can't go wrong with any of them- if you want a classic take on Robin.

Rating: A-