Imagining Robin Hood: The Late Medieval Stories in Historical Context

by A.J. Pollard

A.J. Pollard takes us back to the earliest surviving stories, tales and ballads of Robin Hood, and re-examines the story of this fascinating figure. Setting out the economic, social and political context of the time, Pollard illuminates the legend of this yeoman hero and champion of justice as never before. Imagining Robin Hood questions: Answering these questions, the book looks at how Robin Hood was ‘all things to all men’ since he first appeared; speaking to the gentry, the peasants and all those in between. The story of the freedom-loving outlaw tells us much about the English nation, but tracing back to the first stories reveals even more about the society in which the legend arose. An enthralling read for all historians and general readers of this fascinating subject.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Literature

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2004

About the author

Anthony James Pollard (born 1941) is a British medieval historian, specialising in North-Eastern England during the Wars of the Roses. He is considered a leading authority on the field.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant overview to the historical and literary figure of Robin Hood

[MichaelK · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are already somewhat familiar with the oldest surviving Robin Hood stories, then this book provides good extra information and well-argued interpretation.

However, for someone unfamiliar with the medieval Robin Hood ballads this book is not a good starting point - for that I would recommend Robin Hood: The Life and Legend of an Outlaw by Stephen Basdeo.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"All new governments fail in their promise to put right the evils of the past. A Henry V, an Edward IV, or Henry VIII may claim that a new age is dawning, but it never does. Everything is changed, but everything remains the same. Robin Hood is deeply distrustful of the exercise of power, and of people in power."

Robin Hood has been popular since most likely the 14th century, and this is why. This book does a deep dive into the 1300-1500s and how the lore of Robin Hood changed and also how it stayed the same from then until now. It's a little dry but the subject mostly makes up for it. Truly some things will never change.