The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
on May 3rd, 2009Scholars have found a 13th century manuscript which makes an unflattering reference to Robin Hood. Apparently, his merry adventures were not merry to all how encountered him.
Translated, the 550-year-old note reads: ‘Around this time, according to popular opinion, a certain outlaw named Robin Hood, with his accomplices, infested Sherwood and other law-abiding areas of England with continuous robberies.’
Russell Crowe is to play Robin Hood in an upcoming film.
The linked article has very little info, but the pics are nice.
An illustration from the 1883 edition of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, written and illustrated by Howard Pyle, scanned directly from the book. This is my favorite version of the tale.
This book is in the public domain. You may download it for free at Ebooktakeaway.com
You may find other Howard Pyle classics at this link, including The Story of the Champions of the Round Table, and Men of Iron. Men of Iron spawned a film starring Tony Curtis, who spoke these words in his thick urban New York/New Jersey accent; “Yondah, lies da castle of my foddah.”
Early editions of these books are worth tracking down for the beautiful bindings and lavish illustrations. You can find them at reasonable prices on ebay. Beware of cheaper, later editions which are sometimes heavily edited or feature the illustrations of other artists. Worse yet, the handsome plates are sometimes removed from the books.
Below, the cover of the first edition of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Pyle.
c
The first story is quite inspiring, in that it shows that there are important/interesting historical documents to be ‘rediscovered.’
I’ve finally starting watching season one of the BBC Robin Hood series, and I’m finding it quite entertaining. BBC has certainly had a number of good shows in recent years (my favourite being Hustle).
Which series is that? The recent one, or the one going back to Michael Praed’s Robin?
I’ve only seen a few of each series.
I was always an Errol Flynn girl.
It’s the most recent Robin Hood. I think the third season is being completed now.
CBC used to play movies early Sunday morning, and one Sunday when I was six, the network broadcast Errol Flynn’s film. I remember being overwhelmed by the richness of the colors and by the elaborate sets (at least from my perspective at the time). The mannered acting in the film (which was totally appropriate) really won me over.
OK. I saw a little bit of the new Robin, but just never got into it. Maybe if they have a marathon on BBC America I will be able to give it another look.
I also find the over-the-top old fashioned costume drama charming. Old movies make me giddy. Errol Flynn is the perfect Robin for me, though I always pictured him as a blonde. So maybe more Cary Elwes? LOL!
BTW, speaking of old films and mannered acting, I swoon for Rudolph Valentino. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse was incredible.