Howard Pyle: Robin Hood

Illustration from "Robin Hood"

"There is an appreciable link between Howard Pyle's stories of fairyland and his work in the period of the Middle Ages, by which term is not meant necessarily the definite historical era, but a somewhat imaginary time when knights and ladies experienced unusual adventures and when chivalry was an undeniable fact of society. Pyle described it as 'the land of Fancy, and is of that pleasant kind that, when you tire of it, you clap the leaves of this book together and 'tis gone, and you are ready for everyday life, with no harm done.'

The stories are based, at least partly, on materials which have been handed down from the Middle Ages themselves. His first book in this series is 'Robin Hood' was based on two collections of old ballads: Percy's 'Reliques of Ancient English Poetry,' and Ritson's 'Robin Hood.' Pyle read and re-read them, becoming thoroughly conversant with every detail of plot and character that could be drawn from them. Then he set about writing his own story. 

His Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, are all intensely human personages, yet all move in an atmosphere that is brimming with fanciful notions. The descriptions are superb, and the ballads and songs which figure pleasingly throughout are largely Pyle's own. Perhaps the greatest charm of the book lies in its pictures. The large, full-page plates masterfully tell in the story of Robin Hood, while delightful vignettes and highly decorative initial letters add glowing details.

Artist Joseph Pennell said: 'The book made an enormous sensation when it came out here and even greatly impressed the very conservative William Morris, who thought up to that time...nothing good artistically could come out of America.' It grew to be one of the best sellers for children. By 1902, it was so well known and appreciated, that a curtailed edition was brought out for schools and used with great success throughout the country.

Howard Pyle said that in looking back on his past work he felt that 'Robin Hood' was probably the only book of his which could in any sense be called a classic."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "Howard Pyle, A Chronical" by Charles D. Abbott.)