Robin Hood: Legend and Reality

Detailed research into documentary sources offers a new identification of the real Robin Hood. He was a myth, a literary concoction, with no traceable original, and that seeking to pin him down to a particular time and location is futile and unnecessary. This survey traces the development of the legend, and contemporary views about it, between the thirteenth and early twenty-first centuries, taking account of new interpretive literature and discoveries from the author's research in the early records of the English royal administration and common law. The concluding chapters deal with the administration of criminal law in medieval England and the evidence that points to the possible origins of the legend in the activities of a notorious Yorkshire criminal, tracked down and beheaded in 1225.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2020
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Scholars have been engaged in an intriguing debate for over a century and a half, concerning the origins and identity of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. While some argue that he was merely a myth, without any historical basis, others suggest that he may have been a real person, although his precise identity remains elusive. This comprehensive survey explores the evolution of the Robin Hood legend, from its thirteenth-century origins to the early twenty-first century. It examines both new interpretative literature on the subject and the author's own research in early records of the English royal administration and common law.

The survey begins by tracing the development of the legend, considering various contemporary perspectives. It explores the notion that Robin Hood may not have been a legend but rather a myth, an idea rather than a concrete person who can be traced in historical records. Furthermore, some writers argue that Robin Hood is a literary creation, with no discernible original, rendering attempts to pinpoint his time and location futile.

The survey then delves into the places associated with the legend, including Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, and York. It presents evidence highlighting the significance of the outlaw's name in the development of English surnames. The concluding chapters examine the administration of criminal law in medieval England and explore the evidence suggesting that the legend may have originated from the activities of a notorious Yorkshire criminal, who was tracked down and executed in the county in 1225.

Through extensive research and analysis, this survey provides a fresh perspective on the enigmatic figure of Robin Hood, shedding light on his historical significance and the enduring allure of his legend.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783275434