Robin Hood: A Classic Illustrated Edition [Hardcover]

E. Charles Vivian (Author), Cooper Edens (Compiler)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2002 | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Classic Illustrated

For generations, readers of all ages have delighted in the adventures of Robin Hood. The legend of the Prince of Thieves dates back as far as 1200 A.D., and versions of the story have been illustrated by some of the worlds most notable artists. The latest entry in Chronicles Classic Illustrated Edition series, this lavishly illustrated book features over 100 of the best images from the 12th to the 20th centuries, including works by N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Walter Crane, Honor C. Appleton, and Harry Theaker. This gallery of images, combined with E. Charles Vivians classic version of the tale, is an unforgettable treat.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-Using the same approach he took when creating editions of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (2000), Peter Pan (2000), and Pinocchio (2001, all Chronicle), Edens has selected more than 100 full-color and black-and-white illustrations from the 12th to the 20th centuries for this presentation. The 23 known artists represented include N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Walter Crane. The work of several unknown illustrators of everything from the Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval psalter, and an 18th-century chapbook to comic books, a card game, and shoe advertisements is also included. Accompanied by Vivian's 1906 version of the text, this collection of vintage art is an attractive reminder of the importance of the Robin Hood legend in Western culture. Seeing several artists' interpretations of the same well-known scene, such as Robin Hood and Little John's first encounter at the bridge or the tournament where Robin Hood wins the silver arrow, adds a fascinating dimension to the history of the legend. The absence of captions to identify the illustrations is disappointing. Although information on the art and dates are provided in a section of acknowledgments at the end of the book, the arrangement by artist's name (including 13 entries for "unknown illustrator") rather than by page number makes the task of locating data about a particular image cumbersome and time-consuming. Despite this small difficulty, the volume will be welcomed by children's literature enthusiasts/collectors, Robin Hood scholars, and those children with a passion for what Edens calls "an excitingly vivid legend."-Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. This large-format edition of the familiar story features illustrations from 36 sources. The text, evidently based on a 1906 edition, provides a solid narrative of the adventures of Robin Hood, from his beginning as Robin of Locksley through his days in Sherwood Forest to his death. In choosing the illustrations, Edens drew from a rich abundance of pictures in many artistic traditions, from medieval engravings and tapestries to twentieth-century comic books and classic editions. Among the best-known illustrators represented are Thomas Bewick, Walter Crane, H. J. Ford, Lucy Fitch Perkins, Howard Pyle, Andrew Wyeth, and N. C. Wyeth. Although some children may be bothered by the changes in the characters' looks and dress from one illustration to the next, those who understand that the art was chosen from different sources will find this a Robin Hood treasure trove. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811833992
• ISBN-13: 978-0811833998
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,115,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A PRINCELY TALE, February 17, 2003

By 

Vicki Arkoff (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robin Hood: A Classic Illustrated Edition (Hardcover)

Robin Hood
E. Charles Vivian, Compiled by Cooper Edens
The exciting and timeless tale about "the prince of thieves" is more beautiful than ever in this special "Classic Illustrated Edition" title. As with the series' previous titles -- "Peter Pan," "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," "Pinocchio" and "Aesop's Fables" -- "Robin Hood" is illustrated with a virtual best-of variety of color and black-and-white images from a collection of archival sources. There are more than 100 splendid images in all, dating from the 12th to the 20th century and created by artists as diverse as N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Walter Crane and Honor C. Appleton. The range is considerable, the fine-detail of the works is immensely impressive, the art restoration is impeccable, and each antique image is uniquely charming. The lack of a consistent visual style is initially jarring, but quickly it becomes apparent that this inconsistency is the very source of the book's appeal, particularly for retro fans attracted to ye olde graphics. The text itself remains loyal to E. Charles Vivian's classic version of the story -- with most of the content, spelling and grammar intact from the 1906 edition, making this respectful tribute to an old masterpiece worth its weight in gold marks.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robin Hood, May 22, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Robin Hood: A Classic Illustrated Edition (Hardcover)

Robin Hood is a very interesting story that everyone should read. One thing that I liked about this book is that it is an adventure story where people take risks. As soon as one adventure is done, another starts right away, so it is endless adventure until the last page. In the story new things happen every page, which is another thing that I really like about this book. Also I like that Robin and his group help people in need and take from people who are wealthy. Robin Hood is a great book for people of all ages, especially for people who like to read adventure stories or who just like to read.