Short History Of Robin Hood: A Pocket Essential

Robin Hood is England's most famous folk hero, and Nick Rennison's book explores the search for the historical Robin, examining the many ways he has been portrayed in literature and on the screen. He began as the hero of dozens of late medieval ballads, appeared in plays by Shakespeare, was reinvented by Walter Scott, and has been portrayed as a proto-socialist man of the people to an anarchist thug. He is still present in the twenty-first century, with graphic novels, computer games, and films.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 15 November 2018
\n Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd
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Robin Hood, the legendary folk hero of England, has captured the hearts of people for centuries. His story of an outlaw who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor is well-known and has been retold in various forms of media. In his book, Nick Rennison delves into the search for the historical Robin Hood, examining the candidates proposed over the years and the different portrayals of the character in literature, theater, and film.

Robin Hood's origins can be traced back to late medieval ballads, where he was initially portrayed as a hero. He appeared in plays by Shakespeare's contemporaries and was reinvented by Walter Scott in the Romantic era as a Saxon champion in the struggle against the Normans. Throughout the nineteenth century, Robin became a beloved hero in children's literature. In recent years, he has been portrayed as a diverse range of characters, from a proto-socialist man of the people to an anarchist thug.

The cinema has also played a significant role in shaping Robin Hood's image. He made his debut in 1908 and was later brought to life by actors such as Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn, who turned him into the quintessential hero of Hollywood swashbucklers. More recently, Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe have offered their unique interpretations of the character in films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and The Legend of Robin Hood (2010).

On the small screen, Robin Hood has been the hero of numerous TV shows, including the popular 1950s series starring Richard Greene, which used writers blacklisted by Hollywood. The character has also been featured in memorable series like Robin of Sherwood in the 1980s and the recent BBC series.

As we approach the twenty-first century, Robin Hood remains a beloved figure. He has been the subject of graphic novels, computer games, and films, with the latest release being the Lionsgate film in November 2018. His enduring popularity is a testament to his timeless appeal and the enduring power of his story.

In conclusion, Robin Hood is England's greatest folk hero, and his story continues to captivate people worldwide. Nick Rennison's book provides a fascinating exploration of the search for the historical Robin Hood, examining the various portrayals of the character in literature, theater, and film. Whether portrayed as a hero, a villain, or a complex character, Robin Hood remains a symbol of justice, compassion, and the fight against inequality. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

\n Weight: 186g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780857303264\n \n