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Men of Iron
Men of Iron is an 1891 novel by the American author Howard Pyle, who also illustrated it. Set in the 15th century, it is a juvenile "coming of age" work in which a young squire, Myles Falworth, seeks not only to become a knight but to eventually redeem his father's honor. In Chapter 24 the knighthood ceremony is presented and described as it would be in a non-fiction work concerning knighthood and chivalry. Descriptions of training equipment are also given throughout.
In 1954 it was made into a movie called The Black Shield of Falworth.
In 1954 it was made into a movie called The Black Shield of Falworth.
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1891
226 people are currently reading
2574 people want to read
About the author
Howard Pyle
752 books315 followersHoward Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists and Wyeth family artists of the Brandywine region by Pitz. Some of his more famous students were N. C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover, Elenore Abbott, Ethel Franklin Betts, Anna Whelan Betts, Harvey Dunn, Clyde O. DeLand, Philip R. Goodwin, Violet Oakley, Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle, Olive Rush, Allen Tupper True, and Jessie Willcox Smith.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books, frequently with medieval European settings, include a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating the now stereotypical modern image of pirate dress. He published an original novel, Otto of the Silver Hand, in 1888. He also illustrated historical and adventure stories for periodicals such as Harper's Weekly and St. Nicholas Magazine. His novel Men of Iron was made into a movie in 1954, The Black Shield of Falworth.
Pyle travelled to Florence, Italy to study mural painting during 1910, and died there in 1911 from a kidney infection (Bright's Disease).
His sister Katharine Pyle was also a writer and illustrator. Their mother was the children's author and translator M.C. Pyle.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists and Wyeth family artists of the Brandywine region by Pitz. Some of his more famous students were N. C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover, Elenore Abbott, Ethel Franklin Betts, Anna Whelan Betts, Harvey Dunn, Clyde O. DeLand, Philip R. Goodwin, Violet Oakley, Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle, Olive Rush, Allen Tupper True, and Jessie Willcox Smith.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books, frequently with medieval European settings, include a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating the now stereotypical modern image of pirate dress. He published an original novel, Otto of the Silver Hand, in 1888. He also illustrated historical and adventure stories for periodicals such as Harper's Weekly and St. Nicholas Magazine. His novel Men of Iron was made into a movie in 1954, The Black Shield of Falworth.
Pyle travelled to Florence, Italy to study mural painting during 1910, and died there in 1911 from a kidney infection (Bright's Disease).
His sister Katharine Pyle was also a writer and illustrator. Their mother was the children's author and translator M.C. Pyle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
June 24, 2022
The story is set in early 15th century England, during the reign of Henry IV. Myles Falworth’s father, a baron, is wrongfully accused of treason by his political enemy, the Earl of Alban. Stripped of titles and lands the Falworths, with the aid of their priest, go into hiding. Young Myles is sent to the castle of his father's kinsman and friend, a powerful earl, to be trained as a knight, although Myles doesn't learn the specific purpose behind his training until later in the story.
Despite his rebellious nature and tendency to get into scrapes, he shows exceptional promise as a fighter and is knighted at the age of 20. He then fulfills his purpose as a champion who must redeem the family honor through trial by combat.
Howard Pyle was a popular late 19th-early 20th century American illustrator and author. His “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” (1883) and “Men of Iron” (1891) are classics of the genre. The detailed descriptions of medieval combat in the lists in “Men of Iron” are especially thrilling and unforgettable.
Pyle’s “Men of Iron” is a boyhood favorite that I read 60 years ago and still enjoy reading today. I also enjoyed "The Black Shield of Falworth" (1954) a Hollywood adaptation starring a young Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
Despite his rebellious nature and tendency to get into scrapes, he shows exceptional promise as a fighter and is knighted at the age of 20. He then fulfills his purpose as a champion who must redeem the family honor through trial by combat.
Howard Pyle was a popular late 19th-early 20th century American illustrator and author. His “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood” (1883) and “Men of Iron” (1891) are classics of the genre. The detailed descriptions of medieval combat in the lists in “Men of Iron” are especially thrilling and unforgettable.
Pyle’s “Men of Iron” is a boyhood favorite that I read 60 years ago and still enjoy reading today. I also enjoyed "The Black Shield of Falworth" (1954) a Hollywood adaptation starring a young Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
September 25, 2024
**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as Amy Drown and I discuss this novel at https://www.gibsongirlreview.com/seas...
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I would have so loved this book as a kid. I grew up on G.A. Henty’s medieval fiction, as well as various Robin Hood books and other medieval historical fictions. I spent many years in the medieval craze, actually, and am not fully out of it. So this book has been on my TBR for years, and I was so excited to finally read it.
When I started it, I forgot that Howard Pyle was the author of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, and thought, “This style is quite familiar somehow…” Pyle is one of the few medieval fiction authors I’ve read whose dialogue is very very medieval, similar to Mark Twain in The Prince & the Pauper and Emily Sarah Holt in Clare Avery. I didn’t find it difficult at all, nor did it jerk me out of the book.
However, the actual story itself reminded me a lot of Henty’s St. George for England somehow, though it’s rather different. We have a young boy, once noble and now impoverished, seeking to make his way in the world and becomes a squire to a powerful earl. He struggles to gain a footing among the other squires, has a few battles with the authorities themselves, and finally discovers a plot against his family forcing him to become his parents’ champion.
To be honest, I was expecting something more like Henty, with the quick plunge into action and then a series of adventure and crisis until the final climaxing battle. Instead, we spent half the book getting Myles through his squire days, which disappointed me a little because it wasn’t as interesting as I expected, and also Myles drove me crazy. I’m more of Gascoyne’s type, and I do not like rebels. Especially since I’m not entirely convinced Myles was right, anyways—or that it was so very disgraceful. Once we actually got to the plotting, I got more invested, and certainly the climax was everything I was hoping for!
The characters weren’t exactly my favourites. Lady Alice and Lady Anne were sweet; the Earl was pretty awesome, and so was Sir James; the villains were delightfully hateful; Gascoyne was a great friend; and Myles turned out a good enough man in the end. I was slightly disappointed that the book really only had to do with Myles and his prowess instead of Gascoyne + Myles growing & adventuring together, because I thought the title referred to several men, not one. I suppose the title isn’t actually misleading, but… I don’t know, I just expected more from the book and felt it didn’t quite deliver. I was impressed, however, that there was some actual thoughtful moments where Myles questioned the priest about various moral aspects, which I didn’t expect from a boys’ adventure novel.
However, I cared more for the setting and plot than the characters. The setting was actually set during the early 1400s, aka the reign of Henty IV. I haven’t read much set during that time, so I was quite pleased and appreciated how the history was heavily interwoven with the climax. I also just plain loved the medieval setting. ;P I know I would have adored this as a teen—like absolutely loved it. And I’m quite sure I’ll enjoy it more upon a reread, knowing what to expect. In the meantime, I’m looking forwards to reading more by Howard Pyle, and also I’m in a medieval fiction mood right now…
A Favourite Quote: He made no protestation of virtue; he always accompanied the Prince in those madcap ventures to London, where he beheld all manner of wild revelry; he never held himself aloof from his gay comrades, but he looked upon all their mad sports with the same calm gaze that had carried him without taint through the courts of Burgundy and the Dauphin. The gay, roistering young lords and gentlemen dubbed him Saint Myles, and jested with him about hair-cloth shirts and flagellations, but witticism and jest alike failed to move Myles's patient virtue; he went his own gait in the habits of his life, and in so going knew as little as the others of the mad court that the Prince's growing liking for him was, perhaps, more than all else, on account of that very temperance.
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: …the winds blew warm once more, and the grass showed green in sunny places, and the leader of the wild-fowl blew his horn, as they who in the fall had flown to the south flew, arrow-like, northward again; when the buds swelled and the leaves burst forth once more, and crocuses and then daffodils gleamed in the green grass, like sparks and flames of gold.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: For a day—for two days—the bachelors were demoralized at the fall of their leader, and the Knights of the Rose were proportionately uplifted. The day that Blunt met his fall, the wooden tank in which the water had been poured every morning was found to have been taken away. The bachelors made a great show of indignation and inquiry. Who was it stole their tank? If they did but know, he should smart for it.
“Ho! ho!” roared Edmund Wilkes, so that the whole dormitory heard him, “smoke ye not their tricks, lads? See ye not that they have stolen their own water-tank, so that they might have no need for another fight over the carrying of the water?”
The bachelors made an obvious show of not having heard what he said, and a general laugh went around.
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I would have so loved this book as a kid. I grew up on G.A. Henty’s medieval fiction, as well as various Robin Hood books and other medieval historical fictions. I spent many years in the medieval craze, actually, and am not fully out of it. So this book has been on my TBR for years, and I was so excited to finally read it.
When I started it, I forgot that Howard Pyle was the author of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, and thought, “This style is quite familiar somehow…” Pyle is one of the few medieval fiction authors I’ve read whose dialogue is very very medieval, similar to Mark Twain in The Prince & the Pauper and Emily Sarah Holt in Clare Avery. I didn’t find it difficult at all, nor did it jerk me out of the book.
However, the actual story itself reminded me a lot of Henty’s St. George for England somehow, though it’s rather different. We have a young boy, once noble and now impoverished, seeking to make his way in the world and becomes a squire to a powerful earl. He struggles to gain a footing among the other squires, has a few battles with the authorities themselves, and finally discovers a plot against his family forcing him to become his parents’ champion.
To be honest, I was expecting something more like Henty, with the quick plunge into action and then a series of adventure and crisis until the final climaxing battle. Instead, we spent half the book getting Myles through his squire days, which disappointed me a little because it wasn’t as interesting as I expected, and also Myles drove me crazy. I’m more of Gascoyne’s type, and I do not like rebels. Especially since I’m not entirely convinced Myles was right, anyways—or that it was so very disgraceful. Once we actually got to the plotting, I got more invested, and certainly the climax was everything I was hoping for!
The characters weren’t exactly my favourites. Lady Alice and Lady Anne were sweet; the Earl was pretty awesome, and so was Sir James; the villains were delightfully hateful; Gascoyne was a great friend; and Myles turned out a good enough man in the end. I was slightly disappointed that the book really only had to do with Myles and his prowess instead of Gascoyne + Myles growing & adventuring together, because I thought the title referred to several men, not one. I suppose the title isn’t actually misleading, but… I don’t know, I just expected more from the book and felt it didn’t quite deliver. I was impressed, however, that there was some actual thoughtful moments where Myles questioned the priest about various moral aspects, which I didn’t expect from a boys’ adventure novel.
However, I cared more for the setting and plot than the characters. The setting was actually set during the early 1400s, aka the reign of Henty IV. I haven’t read much set during that time, so I was quite pleased and appreciated how the history was heavily interwoven with the climax. I also just plain loved the medieval setting. ;P I know I would have adored this as a teen—like absolutely loved it. And I’m quite sure I’ll enjoy it more upon a reread, knowing what to expect. In the meantime, I’m looking forwards to reading more by Howard Pyle, and also I’m in a medieval fiction mood right now…
A Favourite Quote: He made no protestation of virtue; he always accompanied the Prince in those madcap ventures to London, where he beheld all manner of wild revelry; he never held himself aloof from his gay comrades, but he looked upon all their mad sports with the same calm gaze that had carried him without taint through the courts of Burgundy and the Dauphin. The gay, roistering young lords and gentlemen dubbed him Saint Myles, and jested with him about hair-cloth shirts and flagellations, but witticism and jest alike failed to move Myles's patient virtue; he went his own gait in the habits of his life, and in so going knew as little as the others of the mad court that the Prince's growing liking for him was, perhaps, more than all else, on account of that very temperance.
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: …the winds blew warm once more, and the grass showed green in sunny places, and the leader of the wild-fowl blew his horn, as they who in the fall had flown to the south flew, arrow-like, northward again; when the buds swelled and the leaves burst forth once more, and crocuses and then daffodils gleamed in the green grass, like sparks and flames of gold.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: For a day—for two days—the bachelors were demoralized at the fall of their leader, and the Knights of the Rose were proportionately uplifted. The day that Blunt met his fall, the wooden tank in which the water had been poured every morning was found to have been taken away. The bachelors made a great show of indignation and inquiry. Who was it stole their tank? If they did but know, he should smart for it.
“Ho! ho!” roared Edmund Wilkes, so that the whole dormitory heard him, “smoke ye not their tricks, lads? See ye not that they have stolen their own water-tank, so that they might have no need for another fight over the carrying of the water?”
The bachelors made an obvious show of not having heard what he said, and a general laugh went around.
May 12, 2012
This novel was the basis of the Hollywood movie, "The Black Shield of Falworth," starring Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh. It depicts the struggle of young Myles Falworth to learn the truth about his family's disgrace in mediaeval England during the reign of Henry IV, and his training as first a squire and later as a knight to prepare him to avenge his father's honor and restore the family name of Falworth on the roster of English chivalry.
The movie version heightens the story's drama by adding a second love interest for Myles' best friend, and by increasing the stakes by making the villain an outright traitor with plans to overthrow King Henry. It also includes Prince Hal, in a role where his historical roistering debauchery is treated as a ruse to conceal his own efforts to uncover the plot while at the same time gives him the chance to advance the fortunes of young Myles.
The book was very informative regarding the training, habits, and mores of that era in English history. It also appears on recommended reading lists of great literature.
The movie version heightens the story's drama by adding a second love interest for Myles' best friend, and by increasing the stakes by making the villain an outright traitor with plans to overthrow King Henry. It also includes Prince Hal, in a role where his historical roistering debauchery is treated as a ruse to conceal his own efforts to uncover the plot while at the same time gives him the chance to advance the fortunes of young Myles.
The book was very informative regarding the training, habits, and mores of that era in English history. It also appears on recommended reading lists of great literature.
March 11, 2023
“Men of Iron”, includes all the elements necessary that you would expect of a typical Medieval adventure story - squires and knights in armour, jousts, royal politics, sword fights, and castles. At just over six hours the audiobook made great listening whilst I was out walking the dog and working around the house. It doesn’t pretend to be an example of high literary art but I found the build up to the climatic scene concerning the trial by battle to be enjoyable. I’m looking forward to Pyle’s other works of historical fiction including King Arthur and Robin Hood.
Thanks to my local library for making the title available for download.
Thanks to my local library for making the title available for download.
November 30, 2017
Ehh. I liked it, but didn't love it - too much thee-ing and thou-ing for my taste, plus it was written in the early 1900s style of Old English. (Did they really talk like that, or is that just what early twentieth century authors thought they talked like?)
I used to love Robin Hood by the same author, though. xP I was kind of obsessed with Robin Hood for a while. 3 stars.
September 5, 2024
Blegh
I read this for school, and I just could not get into it. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it, I just didn't enjoy it. I was pretty bored. If you have to read it, hopefully you will enjoy it a little more than I did 😅
I read this for school, and I just could not get into it. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it, I just didn't enjoy it. I was pretty bored. If you have to read it, hopefully you will enjoy it a little more than I did 😅
July 22, 2018
A knight's tale
This was a very straightforward story of a boy becoming a successful knight and doing great deeds. It is fun, historical, and easy to read. I enjoyed it even though it was not very complicated in character development or plot.
This was a very straightforward story of a boy becoming a successful knight and doing great deeds. It is fun, historical, and easy to read. I enjoyed it even though it was not very complicated in character development or plot.
May 11, 2025
I read "Otto of the Silver Hand" by Pyle as a child and enjoyed it. This was in the attic of my parents' house so one of us kids must have owned it. I decided to give it a whirl. It's a big sloppy wet kiss to the romance of boyhood, and boys. Boys and their adventurous, untamed spirits, their rough and tumble ways. There's a deep love, approaching homoerotic, between Myles and his best buddy Francis, who walk about with their arms around each other. I'm always trying to figure out why so many adults read children's books and YA - not reading them to their children, reading them for themselves. There's no complexity here. The characters are simple, good or bad. Myles' bravery, which brings about his incredible good fortune again and again, is off the charts. Myles' rashness, his stubbornness and rudeness to his superiors, only makes them see his grit and potential for success. In the real world Myles would have been whipped, demoted, thrown out on his ass.
It's not at all a bad book, it's just a children's book. I enjoyed the archaic language. I learned two words:
"two country hodges" - a hodge is a rustic person or farm laborer, a hick, a hayseed, and now I will incorporate this into my daily lingo.
"gramercy" - archaic for thanks. I've been mispronouncing this for years, I notice. Not that I've ever said it aloud, but I've been silently mispronouncing it. The emphasis is on MER.
June 24, 2022
My favorite Howard Pyle novel. Just as excellent and relevant a coming-of-age story today as when it was written.
February 14, 2022
Not as good as Robin Hood but this was a very fun read! I especially loved his childhood! When he grew up I couldn't help but lose a little interest. XD Still, I was cheering him on through the whole book and enjoyed the whole thing!!
December 11, 2025
First book that the boys and I used in our new "book club". We did buddy-reading together for school, page by page, each in our own copies. Really liked this and they are already asking which book we will have next in book club. (Win!) I read the last quarter of the book aloud to finish it.
The language took awhile to get used to and it was definitely the hardest book my kids have ever read aloud. (Think: thou, thee, anon, methinks.) And they did so good keeping with it. They definitely wanted the story and content and I think that really helped them to keep going.
We paused often to talk, understand, or just to let my 10yo boy get his giggles out. (Definitely has many innocent, sweet, romantic moments of a budding courtship of which my sons were obviously fond!) The growth from boyhood to manhood was so good to witness and I enjoyed the reactions of my boys (ages 8 and 10).
I have become such a fan of Howard Pyle's writing. It’s not often that I write down quotes from fiction and I kept several. I'm glad we read this together.
The experience: 10/10.
The language took awhile to get used to and it was definitely the hardest book my kids have ever read aloud. (Think: thou, thee, anon, methinks.) And they did so good keeping with it. They definitely wanted the story and content and I think that really helped them to keep going.
We paused often to talk, understand, or just to let my 10yo boy get his giggles out. (Definitely has many innocent, sweet, romantic moments of a budding courtship of which my sons were obviously fond!) The growth from boyhood to manhood was so good to witness and I enjoyed the reactions of my boys (ages 8 and 10).
I have become such a fan of Howard Pyle's writing. It’s not often that I write down quotes from fiction and I kept several. I'm glad we read this together.
The experience: 10/10.
April 28, 2022
This kind of reminded me of treasure island for some reason. I think maybe it was how it was written and the coming of age themes. Overall this was a pretty fun story, except I did't quite like the way it ended with what the Priest said. But I don't wanna spoil anything so you'll have to read to see what he says😂
April 8, 2025
The boys finished this as a read-aloud and I wanted to make sure I caught up on the chapters I missed when doing other things while they were listening. I enjoyed this chivalric book.
June 14, 2013
Own as Audio CD read by Jim Weiss. I hope to change to the correct edition soon ...
We listened to Men of Iron on a long trip. We enjoyed the story; the exploits and doings of Myles Falworth were exciting. His maturation throughout the book was well done - from foolish boy to brave, wise knight. His foolish misunderstandings were brought on, at least partially, from the lack of information the adults in his life gave him. Yet, the revelations of friendship, enemy, and history all moved the plot along. Much of the story of Myles' training revolved around his character, both the good and the bad. He was a natural leader, yet sometimes his leadership caused more trouble than necessary.
Perhaps our children were a little young for this. In some ways, the story was nuanced and the language difficult for them. We did have to explain what was going on in several places. They all insisted, however, that they liked the story, and since we own it, can listen again in the future.
While we generally enjoy Jim Weiss and his CDs, this one seemed less professional than we've come to expect. There were places where obvious corrections were made that were distracting to the adult listener.
We listened to Men of Iron on a long trip. We enjoyed the story; the exploits and doings of Myles Falworth were exciting. His maturation throughout the book was well done - from foolish boy to brave, wise knight. His foolish misunderstandings were brought on, at least partially, from the lack of information the adults in his life gave him. Yet, the revelations of friendship, enemy, and history all moved the plot along. Much of the story of Myles' training revolved around his character, both the good and the bad. He was a natural leader, yet sometimes his leadership caused more trouble than necessary.
Perhaps our children were a little young for this. In some ways, the story was nuanced and the language difficult for them. We did have to explain what was going on in several places. They all insisted, however, that they liked the story, and since we own it, can listen again in the future.
While we generally enjoy Jim Weiss and his CDs, this one seemed less professional than we've come to expect. There were places where obvious corrections were made that were distracting to the adult listener.
July 5, 2010
A great classic. Timeless and still appeals after all these years. If you can find this book and enjoy historical fiction, then give it a go.
April 12, 2022
I didn't have very definitive images in my mind of what was going on. Also, I was not very attached to the characters.
November 28, 2022
I’m sorry but this was horrible. The only reason I didn’t DNF it was because it was for school and I had to read read it.
September 14, 2021
Audible.com 6 hours and 8 min. Narrated by Simon Vance (A)
Why has it taken me 73 years to discover the magical gifts of author and illustrator Howard Pyle? This book was first published in 1891. It's a classic as are the stories of Robinhood and The Story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I've used Google to search out the illustrations for these books--most done in pen and ink. I particularly enjoyed this story of a young man who learns slowly throughout of the robbery of his blind father's position and wealth. Stories like these teach important lessons of the value of hard work, dedication to family and friends, honor, valor, and commitment. One chapter deals with the details of the knighthood ceremony. I've wondered about "The Order of the Bath" and now I understand its significance.
Why has it taken me 73 years to discover the magical gifts of author and illustrator Howard Pyle? This book was first published in 1891. It's a classic as are the stories of Robinhood and The Story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I've used Google to search out the illustrations for these books--most done in pen and ink. I particularly enjoyed this story of a young man who learns slowly throughout of the robbery of his blind father's position and wealth. Stories like these teach important lessons of the value of hard work, dedication to family and friends, honor, valor, and commitment. One chapter deals with the details of the knighthood ceremony. I've wondered about "The Order of the Bath" and now I understand its significance.
January 30, 2021
Good coming of age story. Wouldn’t mind if my son read this one day. Lots of qualities portrayed in good ways; friendship, honesty, chivalry, how to treat ladies with respect, fighting for what’s right, triumph over evil, etc. I listened to the audiobook and Robert Whitfield does an excellent job narrating the old English.
January 20, 2021
Absolutely amazing! Five stars! I loved the plot and the valiancy of the knights. Pyle uses such elaborate descriptions for each of his characters. It was such an amazing story.
March 20, 2025
We enjoyed this as a read aloud, boys ages 12 and 14.
November 14, 2024
I read this book for school and feared it would be boring but I honestly have no complaints. It was well written and i really don’t know what else to say other than I enjoyed it and I hope you do to 🤷🏻♀️😂
January 14, 2021
Oh man, Howard Pyle is converting me to love medieval stories. Out of the three I've read so far (Robin Hood, Otto of the Silver Hand, and Men of Iron), Men of Iron is solidly my favorite. This is a story of a boy becoming a man, of honor and revenge, wisdom and folly, romantic love, faithfulness, loyalty, hate... What do you enjoy in a good story? This one has all of the essentials. True, it isn't really a comedy (do read Pyle's Robin Hood for that!), but it is such a satisfying tale in every other respect. Highly recommended!
August 15, 2024
3.5 stars. Chivalry, youthful escapades, lady fair, and recovering honor are all in this book.
June 28, 2018
Men Of Iron, Howard Pyle
Wow, what a great little book! It centers around a young man, Myles Falworth, who is unwittingly caught up in the political intrigue during the transition from King Richard II to King Henry the IV. The new king follows the tradition of taking out the colleagues of his predecessor. As a boy Myles' father is blinded, exiled, and still wanted for treason for aiding and harboring a loyalist to the former king during this time. His family finds protection and anonymity and he grows up a peasant until his father sends him away to a former friend who still has power in the government to enter into his service and attain knighthood. Eventually with help and guidance (unknown to him at first) he becomes a knight and avenges his father's honor and estate. I love tales of revenge. Especially righteous revenge.
But it's not just a revenge story. It's a classic "coming of age" tale that focuses on middle age chivalry. Myles is studied as he grows from his more naive and impressionable outlook on what is honorable and right to a more mature viewpoint. His boldness is helped by the fact that he's favored by his lord and master so his youthful ideals are validated. There's the disappointment of realizing that the facts of life aren't' as simple and black and white as he assumes in his youth, but he never becomes cynical as he learns to deal with the complexities of coming into his own. He remains pure at heart and heroically turns the fortunes of his own family and that of his benefactors' as well.
What really loved was the details of life at the time period. His time spent as a squire, the rigors of the work, and the fromal social interactions are historically delicious. His knighthood ceremony where he is finally inducted into the Order of the Bath by the king he was soon to defy is regarded as a nonfictional account of the proceedings. It's packed full of a lot of details and intensity for what is actually a short novelette. At times it seems too short, but classic literature was specially gifted for keeping things simple while unfolding a great yarn.
I loved and if this is any indication of how Pyle's other works are, I'll be checking out more of them.
Wow, what a great little book! It centers around a young man, Myles Falworth, who is unwittingly caught up in the political intrigue during the transition from King Richard II to King Henry the IV. The new king follows the tradition of taking out the colleagues of his predecessor. As a boy Myles' father is blinded, exiled, and still wanted for treason for aiding and harboring a loyalist to the former king during this time. His family finds protection and anonymity and he grows up a peasant until his father sends him away to a former friend who still has power in the government to enter into his service and attain knighthood. Eventually with help and guidance (unknown to him at first) he becomes a knight and avenges his father's honor and estate. I love tales of revenge. Especially righteous revenge.
But it's not just a revenge story. It's a classic "coming of age" tale that focuses on middle age chivalry. Myles is studied as he grows from his more naive and impressionable outlook on what is honorable and right to a more mature viewpoint. His boldness is helped by the fact that he's favored by his lord and master so his youthful ideals are validated. There's the disappointment of realizing that the facts of life aren't' as simple and black and white as he assumes in his youth, but he never becomes cynical as he learns to deal with the complexities of coming into his own. He remains pure at heart and heroically turns the fortunes of his own family and that of his benefactors' as well.
What really loved was the details of life at the time period. His time spent as a squire, the rigors of the work, and the fromal social interactions are historically delicious. His knighthood ceremony where he is finally inducted into the Order of the Bath by the king he was soon to defy is regarded as a nonfictional account of the proceedings. It's packed full of a lot of details and intensity for what is actually a short novelette. At times it seems too short, but classic literature was specially gifted for keeping things simple while unfolding a great yarn.
I loved and if this is any indication of how Pyle's other works are, I'll be checking out more of them.
June 11, 2012
This is the the coming of age story of Myles Falworth, the son of a nobleman who supported the wrong king, making the new King Henry IV royally annoyed and sending the family into hiding until Myles grew up enough to become a squire and then a knight, and then a seasoned warrior who could challenge the family's chief enemy, the Earl of Alban. Myles supporters includes Henry IV's son, Prince Hal, with a brief digression into the disagreements of father and son from an interesting perspective. Along the way, Myles of course meets the young noblewoman who he loves in at first a Platonic way, becomes her knight, and later seeks her hand in marriage.
As a young adult novel of a previous generation, there are moral questions to be dealt with, since Myles has engaged in a battle to the death with his family's foe. Was it moral to kill him? It's interesting that Pyle felt it necessary to ask.
What sets this book apart from the herd is its wonderful employment of middle English speech to give the story a wonderful feel of medieval English life. I suspect the language is more Shakespearean than English of the 1400s, but it's still a pleasure to read. And I think I'll take to calling my secluded backyard my "pleasance."
As a young adult novel of a previous generation, there are moral questions to be dealt with, since Myles has engaged in a battle to the death with his family's foe. Was it moral to kill him? It's interesting that Pyle felt it necessary to ask.
What sets this book apart from the herd is its wonderful employment of middle English speech to give the story a wonderful feel of medieval English life. I suspect the language is more Shakespearean than English of the 1400s, but it's still a pleasure to read. And I think I'll take to calling my secluded backyard my "pleasance."
January 21, 2023
I hadn't read this before. This is one of the greatest books ever written, for sure, and now one of my favorites, if not favorite.
June 14, 2013
You have to like reading books in King James English to like this. If you do, it's a lot of fun. Available on librivox but with many different readers. That can be good as you hear different people struggle with the Elizabethan prose.
This book definitely picks up on how young people were shaped in the code of chivalry and honor that existed at the time. But God created Myles As someone who had this intense sense of honor right in his bones. Honor on steroids (pardon the humorous analogy). As a Christian, I'm not sure I can place the family honor and fighting for my father's name on such a high plane. Sometimes I struggled because Myles doesn't always love his neighbor as himself.
This worldview and timeframe has much to teach us, but I wouldn't want my son to grow up here.
This book definitely picks up on how young people were shaped in the code of chivalry and honor that existed at the time. But God created Myles As someone who had this intense sense of honor right in his bones. Honor on steroids (pardon the humorous analogy). As a Christian, I'm not sure I can place the family honor and fighting for my father's name on such a high plane. Sometimes I struggled because Myles doesn't always love his neighbor as himself.
This worldview and timeframe has much to teach us, but I wouldn't want my son to grow up here.
January 15, 2012
Enjoyable YA adventure, set at the height of the age of chivalry, but written with the stong moral force (and occasional moralizing) of the Victorian era.
February 24, 2025
So, I didn't choose to read this, it was a requirement for school. I thought it was ok some of the plot was interesting and was fun but other times it was honestly really boring to me, probably because it's just not my kind of book and is definitely never something I'd read if I weren't required to. In the end though it wasn't terrible and I've read worse.
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