Men of Iron [Paperback]

Howard Pyle (Author), Suzette Jordan (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1993

Young Myles Falworth wins a reputation for courage and independence while still in training at the castle of the great Earl of Mackworth. But one day he discovers that his blind father had been condemned for treason and is still being hunted by a powerful enemy who is close to the King. To challenge the King's champion means certain death. Does he dare to risk ordeal by battle to win back his family's honor?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Howard Pyle (1853-1911) was still a child when he began to show promise as both a writer and an artist. In later years, his black-and-white illustrations, water colors, and oil paintings earned him a considerable reputation. To accompany his drawings, he often wrote stories for young people, stories of chivalry and adventure that reflected the pageantry of the Middle Ages.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: BJU Press (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890846944
• ISBN-13: 978-0890846940
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,719,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great boys' books (maybe for some girls too!), August 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Men of Iron (Library Binding)

My mother gave me this book when I was a young boy; her brother had liked it when HE was a young boy. This story of a young squire from a dishonored noble family in 15th century England, who survives hard training to become a knight, then seeks to restore his family's good name and his blinded father's rights, effortlessly teaches lessons of honor, loyalty, friendship, courage and other virtues -- as well as the softening and gentling influence of love. It also teaches, by presenting what is to a certain extent a realistic and detailed picture of life in a great medieval castle, of knightly training, and of tournaments and single combat in those times. The climax is exciting and not sugar-coated. It's not particularly a book for a kid who is not already a good reader, because the language is old-fashioned, from a more literate time (book was first published around 1900, and the spoken dialogue is to a large degree authentic 15th century speech), but for an imaginative child who has some interest in knights in shining armor, it's a true classic. I don't know about girls, but many boys would probably identify with the young hero while reading the book -- I remember that I did!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book review, December 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Men of Iron (Dover Children's Classics) (Paperback)

Book Report
" Men of Iron" is a story of Myles Falworth who went on a quest of training for knighthood. Once a knight, he must win back his father life and honor.
The book has no weakness, for it was very well written and told. Although some people might have think the dialogue a turn off. The dialogue was written in old English. It was difficult to understand at first, but after a while you tend to pick up the language. Nevertheless, the old English conversation is an essential part of the book, for the story took place in the fifteenth-century.
The book has many strengths. One strength is that the author did a good job of creating the medieval age atmosphere through extremely descriptive details. Another strength is the story itself. The story is very interesting and exciting.
Myle's first joust ever was exciting, but the last battle is the book most exciting chapter. The author did a good job of building the tension and the stake, that when the last battle was over, I was satisfied with the ending.
I recommend this book to all young adult and teens, because it has great themes such as courage, loyalty, steadfastness, and generosity. The book is exciting and inspiring; in the end, you would feel satisfy and want for more, but don't take my words for it, find out for yourself.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Has been a classic for many years, September 10, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men of Iron (Dover Children's Classics) (Paperback)

Myles was only eight when a knight in black armor rode into his father's castle with murder in mind: it was an event which would change his life, bring disgrace to his family, and foster his own training for knighthood so that he might challenge the king's own champion. This story of 15th century England has been a classic for many years and the Dover edition appears unabridged, republishing a Harper 1892 classic.