He robbed from the rich to give to the poor, or so the legend goes. But who was the outlaw known as Robin Hood? How did his legend develop, and how has it changed over the passing centuries? This new title in the Osprey Myths and Legends series takes a detailed look at the famous outlaw, beginning with a retelling of the early ballads that established his stories. From there, the book explores how the legend grew and how famous names such as Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, and Alan-a-Dale became associated with Robin Hood. It also enters the perilous world of Robin Hood scholarship with a critical analysis of the case for a 'historical' Robin Hood and a review of the mostly likely candidates. A perfect primer for young and old alike, this book covers both the fact and the fiction of Britain's most famous outlaw.

Autorentext

Neil Smith works as a freelance writer near Oxford, England. He holds an undergraduate degree in Classics & Mediaeval History from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and a Masters Degree in History from the University of Georgia in the United States of America. Neil also earned his PhD in History from the University of Georgia in 2011. Neil's main interests are in military history and writing narrative history.

Inhalt

Introduction /Part I: The Legend of Robin Hood /Robin Hood and the Knight /Robin Hood and the Sheriff /Little John and the Sheriff /Robin Hood and the King /Robin Hood his Death /Part II: The History of Robin Hood /When was Robin Hood active? /Where did Robin Hood roam? /Who was Robin Hood? /Part III: Robin Hood in Popular Culture