Men of Iron (Timeless Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THE YEAR 1400 opened with more than usual peacefulness in England..." (more)
Key Phrases: armory court, head squire, great quadrangle, Sir James, Lord George, Myles Falworth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Master storyteller Howard Pyle at his best, incorporating fascinating historical information about life in a medieval castle, knighthood, and chivalry into the fast-moving and entertaining story of young Myles Falworth's fight to restore his family's rights and good name. This classic story remains a great favorite not only among young readers but also among educators because of the author's effortless way of teaching great virtues such as courage, loyalty, steadfastness, and generosity. Unabridged republication of the edition originally published by Harper & Brothers, New York, 1892.

About the Author

During what has come to be known as the golden age of illustration, Howard Pyle was America's foremost artist/illustrator. Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1853, he developed his talents at a precociously early age. His specialty was the illustration of historical adventure stories, working for important periodicals such as Harper's Magazine and St. Nicholas. Very seldom does it happen that an excellent illustrator is also an excellent writer (or vice versa), but Howard Pyle, in this as in so much else, proved himself exceptional. Although he is remembered first and foremost as a visual artist, he wrote so well that many of his books are considered classics: The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Otto of the Silver Hand, The Story of King Arthur and His Knights, plus several other volumes of Arthurian fiction, and, of course, Men of Iron. At the height of his fame, at the relatively youthful age of 58, Pyle died rather suddenly from a kidney infection. But he left behind quite a vital legacy. A comprehensive collection of his work may be viewed at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington. And of course, his historical adventure writings remain in print -- everywhere.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (April 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486428419
• ISBN-13: 978-0486428413
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #639,694 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 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 (Paperback)

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!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely entertaining and factual, October 12, 1999

By	ross M Lowry - See all my reviews

This review is from: Men of Iron (Paperback)

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!!!!!