The Chronicles of Robin Hood, by noted author Rosemary Sutcliff, is a straightforward re-telling of the legend. Here, Robin is a minor landowner who is falsely accused and deprived of his holdings; he turns to the forest, gathers a band of similarly-mistreated peasants (and gentry alike), has numerous adventures, and becomes the famous noble outlaw. He lives through the reigns of Henry II (1154-89), Richard the Lion-Hearted (1189-99), and John (1199-1216). During Richard's reign, Robin is pardoned and is restored to property for sixteen years; he returns to outlawry, and the forest, when the cruel John turns against much of England and sows injustice.
As she did with King Arthur (see here), Sutcliff does a good job painting a complete Robin Hood story, closely following the original [surviving] tales and weaving them together in a simple but good way. Some unique elements of her version:
- Robin has hideouts in both Barnesdale and Sherwood Forests
- There are two Sheriffs of Nottingham (the first is slain)
- Robin does a good amount of nationalist freedom-fighting against King John's foreign mercenaries
A recommended offering for children and adults alike.
Rating: A-
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