Robin Hood, The Prince of Outlaws

Carola Oman (author)

JMDent & Sons, UK: 1949; 242pp

ISBN: 0460050079

Genres: adventure, classics, fantasy

Issues: friendship, values

Advanced vocabulary

Here is Robin Hood in all his glory, robbing from the rich to give to the poor - and to support his band of merry men - and fighting the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and the cruel Sir Guy.

 In the true romantic tradition, this Robin Hood is brave, gallant, witty and an outstanding guerilla fighter. Maid Marian is of a more mettlesome make than is generally portrayed in film, and while she can embroider daintly and sing like a lark, she can also shoot and wrestle with the best of Robin's band.

One of the first children's version of this classic tale, Carola Oman's version is also one of the best. The formality of the language may prove an obstacle to younger readers but gives a strong sense of the period in which Robin Hood was supposed to have lived. Unlike so many of the Robin Hood interpretations, Oman follows him right through to his death by a traitorous nun.

Oman's father was a Professor of Modern History and her writing shows a certain respect for keeping most of the historical aspects of her writing accurate and convincing.