Customer Reviews

Men of Iron

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

A wonderful book for young adults and adults who love tales of knights & armour. Howard Pyle's descriptions are both factual and highly entertaining, and a wonderful description of castle life in the early Middle Ages. After 30-plus years,I still re-read the copy I have!!!!!

This was an excellent book about a youth named Myles Falworth, the son of a wrongfully exiled blind Lord. The book is about Myles quest to restore his family's honor and safety. It follows well the customs of medieval England, emphasizing bravery and honor, courage and mercy. It is an inspiring tale, and few young readers would not be able to learn a thing or two about life from Myles.

I have to dissent, however, from a previous reviewer who said that this was Pyle's best book. While this was a great book, I far preferred his Adventures of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, and also his Arthurian books. This book lacks much of the old english (or at least Pyle's rendition of it) which his other books have, and I greatly missed it. Also, there were less of his splendid drawing in this book than in his others. I highly recommend checking into his other books if you liked this on.

Overall grade: A

this is a great book!Howard Pyle is now my favorite auther because i read The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and Men of Iron.Both books are great.this book takes place in midevil times.Myles Falworth is a young boy that is sent to be a page for the Earl of Mackworth.he has many adventures there and goes on to be a knight. I will say no more or else I will spoil it if you read it.THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!!

The ancient knight was middle ages equivalent of a modern tank...The "making of a knight" from the life of Myles Falworth is a life worth reading about...in this age of keyboards and mouse-clicks, one wonders if we of this present age could find the fiber to stand up to the likes of Myles...Somehow I doubt it...must reading for teenagers

"Men of Iron" is one of my favorite books from my preteen years. This well written story follow the story a young man (Myles) forced to leave his family and eventually attempt to right the wrongs evil men have visited on him and his family. It is a story of castle life, boyhood dreams, chivalry, and coming of age in medieval England.

The language can be a little hard to get through, but well worth it for this great story!

Highly recommended! Note that SCA'ers and fantasy gamers might also enjoy it.

CFH

Men of Iron, by Howard Pyle, is the story of a young man of the early 1400's in England, whose character develops as he trains to become a knight. He shows that he is willing to make sacrifices for his principles of right and wrong and dedicates himself to regaining his father's good reputation. He also illustrates his religious character and trust in God. The hero in Men of Iron by Howard Pyle proves that a willingness to sacrifice and stand up for what is right will result in happiness.

Myles Falworth was willing to make great sacrifices for his personal principles of right and wrong. He was willing to fight Walter Blunt, the boy in charge of everyone, on behalf of all the other squires and esquires so they would not be made slaves anymore. He fought the Earl of Alban to redeem his father because he thought fighting him was the right thing to do. He sacrificed some of his money to buy his friend, Gascoyne, a knife.

Myles dedicated himself, through great personal sacrifice, to regaining his father's good reputation. He did this by becoming a knight. As a knight, he redeemed his father by challenging the Earl of Alban, William Bushy Brookhurst, and by winning the fight. These sacrifices were necessary to regain the good reputation of his father, Lord Falworth.
After Myles became a knight, he illustrated his religious character and trust in God. After he was knighted, he started to pray ore and he also attended daily chapel. He started to rely on God to help him win his battles. His reliance on God is what helped him through many of his hardships.

Men of Iron, by Howard Pyle, illustrates the character development of young Myles Falworth in England's fifteenth-century culture. His character develops from his principles, his dedication, and his closeness to God. This is a good book about a boy who becomes a knight to avenge his father for the wrongs committed against him.

I read this book as a young teenager, and not only will I never forget it, I'll buy a copy for each of my nephews. Though the reader won't know it for many years after reading it, this book contains the seeds of what the word 'ethics' used to mean: the values which you live by and uphold. Everyone develops their own set of ethics, and Pyle shows some honorable and laudable ones to start with.