Robin Hood And His Merry Men

by E. Charles Vivian

The legend of Robin Hood is over a thousand years old, but it was Vivian's novel that collected and distilled many of the legends and stories and combined them into the great classic we know today, with Robin and Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, and the evil Prince John.

Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Childrens, Mythology, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1927

About the author

Working name of UK editor and author of popular fiction (1882-1947), born Charles Henry Cannell but apparently changing his name legally to Evelyn Charles Henry Vivian in early adulthood, though he wrote some non-genre novels as Charles Cannell, and some short fiction as by Sydney Barrie Lynd, Galbraith Nicolson and A. K. Walton.

Prior to becoming a writer, Cannell was a former soldier in the Boer War and journalist for The Daily Telegraph. Cannell began writing novels under the pen-name 'E. Charles Vivian' in 1907. He then started writing fantastic stories for the arts magazine "Colour" and the aviation journal "Flying" (which Cannell edited after leaving the Telegraph) in 1917–18, sometimes publishing them under the pseudonym 'A.K. Walton'. Vivian is best known for his "Lost World" fantasy novels such as "City of Wonder" and his series of novels featuring supernatural detective Gregory George Gordon Green or 'Gees' which he wrote under his 'Jack Mann' pseudonym. Critic Jack Adrian has praised Cannell's lost-world stories as "bursting with ideas and colour and pace", and "superb examples of a fascinating breed". For younger readers, Vivian wrote "Robin Hood and his Merry Men", a retelling of the Robin Hood legend.

Vivian also edited three British pulp magazines. From 1918 to 1922 Vivian edited "The Novel Magazine", and later, for the publisher Walter Hutchinson (1887–1950), Hutchinson's "Adventure-Story Magazine" (which serialised three of Vivian's novels) and Hutchinson's "Mystery-Story Magazine". In addition to UK writers, Vivian often reprinted fiction from American pulp magazines such as "Adventure and Weird Tales" in the Hutchinson publications.

Outside the field of fiction, Vivian was noted for the non-fiction book, "A History of Aeronautics".

Some of his shorter fiction – including "The Fourth Arm ('War in the Clouds'): a Strange Story" (August 1915 Pearson's Magazine), "The Multiple Cube" (13 June 1917 'Flying') and "The Upper Levels: a Fantasy of Tomorrow" (31 July 1918 Flying) – was sf, with hints of the Pax Aeronautica, especially his stories in "Flying". A prolific author, with nearly 100 identified titles between 1907 and his death, he is now best remembered for the 'Gees' sequence of novels (see listing on the link below), all written as by Jack Mann, about a psychic detective (Gregory George Gordon Green) whose cases sometimes involve sf-like phenomena – e.g., travel through other Dimensions – but are essentially fantasies, the most famous of them being "Grey Shapes" (1937), a Werewolf tale; "Maker of Shadows" (1938), featuring a 'She' figure (> Immortality), is also of interest.

Much of Vivian's prolific output had a mystical (even at times mystagogical) tinge. Some of his individual novels, like "Passion-Fruit" (1912), had fantasy elements, and several were 'Lost-World' tales, including: "City of Wonder" (1922), which features Asian survivors from Lemuria in a land called Kir Asa; the 'Aia' sequence, comprising "Fields of Sleep" (1923), in which Babylonian survivors are trapped in a Malaysian valley by a strange plant within range of whose aroma, a kind of Basilisk – as, once it is inhaled, one must remain in range or die – and "People of the Darkness" (1924), set in an Underground world inhabited by a tentacled species who were originally slaves in Atlantis; "The Lady of the Terraces" (1925) and its sequel "A King There Was" (1926), which feature pre-Incan survivals and further hints of Atlantis; and "Woman Dominant" (1929), set in Asia, where an aged woman rules a land through the agency of a Drug which turns men into half-witted slaves.

Vivian's most straightforward sf tale, "Star Dust" (1925), describes an inventor/scientist's attempts to make the world better by indiscriminately transmuting dross into gold (> Transmutation); this (he thinks) will make some sort of Utopia inevitable.

- See more at: http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/...

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting version of the classic story of Robin Hood. Well-written and fast-paced, though the prose might occasionally feel a bit old-fashioned. Very enjoyable read.

[Rosemary Atwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robin Hood is more name to me than substance, so it’s a joy to discover this entertaining and elegantly written romance - rather in the style of Malory - first published in 1906.

Fine writing, contemporary language, and attention to detail and setting make this a rewarding and enjoyable escape to twelfth-century England and the greenwood to discover the origins of the Robin Hood legend and its cast of characters.

[Emily Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I still prefer Green as my classic Robin Hood of choice, but Vivian is now a very close second!

[Richa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Robin Hood was a real entity, he was a perfect man. A perfect hero, a perfect leader and hence an idol. There is a good reason why the legend held forth so strongly and for so long, and that reason is that, Robin Hood is a man who would be easily fantasized about by both men and women. There is no flaw in his character. There is no chink in his armour. A lovely tale.

[Jordan Tiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t realise there were so many versions and retellings of this story. This was just the one we had in the house and a childhood favourite of Jay’s so thought I’d give it a go! Great storytelling, funny - just generally a very good yarn. I’m sure these wee tales will make for great bedtime stories in the future of the Tiley household.

[Teri-K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on Howard Pyle's version of these tales, which I loved but also wished I could read in other versions. So I was happy to find this little paperback for $1 at a local thrift store. Vivian tells most of the same stories as Pyle, and still in the episodic manner, but his language feels a little more straightforward and he doesn't shy form mentioning sadder details. In one story we're told of a man kicked out of his home by the sheriff because he's injured and can't work any more. His wife and daughter freeze to death in the night. I don't remember anything like that from Pyle. I really enjoyed these stories, but as always I wish there were more of them. It's lovely to spend a few hours with Robin and his Merry Men in Sherwood forest.

[Jon Shanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this isn't the definitive collection of the tales of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, I don't know what is. Beautifully told and accompanied by fabulous colour plates. Informative and entertaining, fun and moving. Yes, it's a little old-fashioned in its storytelling, but it fits the stories perfectly. Quite simple, if you've ever wanted to read about Robin Hood, this is the way to do it!

[Lee]

I thought I read a lot of Robin Hood books as a kid, but every time I read a new one (or watch a movie) I feel like I find new stories I wasn't aware of. Maybe I just read this one specific book I had to death. 🤣They're always fun though.

[Mattaniah Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

May be my new favorite version, excellent strong writing and tone, fun read all around.

[Ninbooklover · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not bad, but it just wasn't my style dnf after 10 pages. I could tell that this would put me into a slump, so moving forward

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many versions of this story! I enjoyed it from start to finish.

[Kirk Carver · Rating 3 out of 5]

These tales have been retold many times on screen, so you likely know the characters well. Vivian’s 21 chapters (my paperback copy, published in 1965) reads each like wholly encapsulated little short stories, chronologically sequenced, and tied together by the characters.

The plot is extremely simple. After a couple of chapters of repetition, the cycle would be boring if not for the beautifully rendered language that we seem to have lost in modern stories. You fully expect the hero(es) to prevail in each adventure and the antagonists to act as buffoons, but the reader is drawn to pity the latter rather than hate them.

The villains are melodramatic, with few redeeming qualities, nor are they complex. The heroes are more varied, if not stereotypes. At times the protagonists feel uncharacteristically cruel, playing with their prey as cats would. Within the narrative, death — whether by murder, battle, or execution — is oddly described in almost a casual manner. But perhaps that would have been the case in the 12th century, death being a part of daily, if not weekly life.

The illustrations are acceptable, but oddly placed. They really did not enhance the stories for me.

I would have given the book a lesser rating had it not been for the aforementioned language style, and the welcomed surprise that the characters don’t live “happily ever after” in the last few chapters of the book. The end was bittersweet, and seemed to be a much more realistic perspective contrasted with the predictable, good-always-wins exploits of the early chapters.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s certainly nothing to write home about. It was written pretty well and was very concise, but would really only give it a 2.5. I was entertained for the most part, but I didn’t feel like it lived up to the Robin Hood name of stealing from the rich to give to the poor. He was certainly focused on social justice, but his conflicts were mostly face to face with oppressors, tearing down castles or freaking people out in the forest. I think if you’re in it for the classic version you remember, just rewatch the Disney movie. The book also suffered from its age in terms of its sexism, which wasn’t awful but did get annoying at times. The worst offense was it’s terrible ending that got all depressing for no good reason. So much of it is lighthearted but the last 5-10 pages are just how everyone died, so that’s not a great note to end on, exactly. Basically, it was a bit of a disappointment, but not the worst thing in the world.

[George K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Κλασικά εικονογραφημένα. Η ιστορία του Ρομπέν των Δασών όπως την έχουμε διαβάσει σε άλλα βιβλία, όπως την έχουμε δει σε διάφορες ταινίες. Εγώ προσωπικά έχω διαβάσει την εκδοχή του Δουμά, έχω διαβάσει τον Ιβανόη του Σερ Γουόλτερ Σκοτ που έχει μια κάποια σχέση, έχω δει και δυο ταινίες (την παλιά και εξαιρετική με τον Έρολ Φλιν, αλλά και την πολύ καλή με τον Κέβιν Κόστνερ), οπότε ήξερα τι να περιμένω. Και ο Βίβιαν δεν ξεφεύγει, λέει με τον παλιομοδίτικο και αγαπημένο σε μένα τρόπο την κλασική ιστορία, με όλες τις κλασικές σκηνές. Ναι, το ευχαριστήθηκα το βιβλίο και ας ήταν αναμενόμενα αυτά που διάβασα, πάντα απολαμβάνω τέτοιες κλασικές ιστορίες γραμμένες με αυτό το παλιομοδίτικο αλλά συνάμα καλογραμμένο και ευκολοδιάβαστο στιλ γραφής, και η συγκεκριμένη ιστορία κυλάει σαν γάργαρο νερό και σε ταξιδεύει για λίγες ώρες στον χώρο και τον χρόνο. Ωραία πέρασα!

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This classic adaptation of the beloved forest outlaw reads in part like a novel, while also reading like a collection of stories and historical biography.
As popular as the story is, I was still surprised by certain events and tragedies. Right from chapter one, E. Charles Vivian's The Adventures of Robin Hood became one of my new favourites for all its daring adventure, chivalry, outlaw justice, and comradery.

If you love adventure, classical prose, historic settings, and don't mind a bit of tragedy, then you should love this at least as much as I do!

[Anie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the tales of Robin Hood and these adventures by E.C. Vivian did not disappoint. I would bet that almost everyone in the English-speaking world has heard of Robin Hood, as he makes appearances in a few classics I have read before, such as Ivanhoe, and was a staple tale of my childhood.

[Evergreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several versions of Robin Hood out there. I never realized how many there were until I decided to read this version. E. Charles Vivian wrote his with a sad ending. I couldn't believe that he killed off Marian and had Robin's aunt kill him off because she received an order from Abbott Hugo. That was the biggest shock to me. I would like to read the first story written about Robin Hood. I've already read a brief summary of what Robin was like in Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.

[Jayne Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm from Nottingham and have a soft spot for Robin - I had obviously never read a version of the stories (which surprised me). I've obviously only seen the movie versions! Enjoyed the tales and the way this was written - it's piqued my interest in finding out a bit more about what the actuals tales and ballads record and what we think the 'real' story may be.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be fair, I only made it through about 3/4 of this audio book, and while it helped pass the time of my drives to physical therapy, I never felt the pull to keep listening. Each chapter was basically its own story, so that made it enjoyable. I will finish it someday, but for now I'm calling it at 3/4 completion.

[Nicholas & Megan Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m reading this one instead of only the Howard Pyle ones because it explains more about why they were outlaws, who joins the merry men & in what order they come to the forest. Also it tells about Saxons vs Normans & how Richard returns in disguise! You might be astonished by all the deaths, though it didn’t give me any nightmares.”
-É, age 9
😂🦌🏹

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Not much detail. It felt a bit like an overview of Robin Hood, though still enjoyable. I didn't have any emotional connection apart from what I brought to the book, so when significant characters died I just sort of shrugged and went on.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. A little over my kids' heads at times as the plot is more complex than Disney or Cary Elwes would have one believe, but we all enjoyed it. I can always tell a successful read aloud when they start whooping and cheering when I suggest reading another chapter!

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread of a book I had remembered from elementary school.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic....I just couldn't get the Disney music out of my head as I read this.

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funnier than I thought it would be. Sad ending though.

[Gr1972 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

[Dagny Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and very myth-like in its telling. I was also very surprised at the tragic ending.

[Roland Kepulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the e version by Chiron Classics. Excellent e version. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

www.chironclassics.com

[Carla Ferrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring

[Cayleigh Lennox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, quick read. I read it late last night and finished it when I woke up! I love the story o of Robin Hood and this one did not disappointment! 😊
Splendid!