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3. The history. Once the historical period is identified as roughly the second quarter of the 14th century, Robin can be seen against the background of this period. For instance, Edward III arrested Sir Roger de Mortimer for treason in the castle of the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. Since one ballad tells how Little John became familiar with that castle, it is not unreasonable to suppose that Robin and Little John assisted the king.
4. The poetic imagination. Robert Graves was probably the greatest historical novelist of the 20th century. He wrote that the historical novelist must use "the poetic imagination" where the historical documents fail to provide information. The conjectures of the author of The Robin Hood Chronicles are used to fill in the gaps where the ballads, the biographical data, and the history are silent.
The Robin Hood Chronicles is written in a style appropriate to the historical period in which the events are supposed to have taken place. It is not 14th century English -- that would be unreadable for the 21st century reader -- but it alludes to the language of medieval chroniclers.
What Readers Write
"Stories of the great English outlaw Robin Hood have long been a staple of fiction, and Sam Sackett's novel The Robin Hood Chronicles is an intriguing addition to this famous body of literature. Readers will appreciate how the novel sketches in the tale by following the accounts of the early Robin Hood ballads, adding in the conjectures of historians and the proven facts of historical background. They will enjoy how folklorist Sackett, working from fragmentary folklore to full-blooded narrative, not only suggests the language of medieval times (perhaps reminding us just a bit of Chaucer), but also provides a full (and readable) modern picture of a legendary figure." -- Frank de Caro, Professor Emeritus of English, Louisiana State University
"Numerous books have been written about Robin Hood over the years, but Sam Sackett's new work takes a fresh approach to the subject by effectively combining the limited historical facts and the early ballads to tell the tale. The result is an intriguingly different picture of the English folk hero that cleverly weaves known references from documented resources into a plausible and imaginative account of the outlaw's life.
"With just the right blend of assumption and invention Professor Sackett binds the narrative into a cohesive chronology that masterfully manages to convey a ring of truth.
"Some readers might initially find difficulty with the pseudo-medieval language, and some historians may take issue with Sackett's interpretation of the facts; but all in all, The Robin Hood Chronicles offers a new dimension on the legend that is well worth a read. It may not appeal to those who hold the traditional story and characters close to their hearts, but for those willing to be a little more adventurous in seeking the elusive truth it offers a thought provoking alternative version.
"The only significant constructive criticism that I would make is that I felt the informative 'Afterword' would have served a better purpose if it had been used as an explanatory 'Foreword'!" -- Robert White, Chairman, World Wide Robin Hood Society, Nottingham, England
"The author has done an admirable job ot structuring a story about the advenures of Robin Hood that's based on the oldest tales, considered the most authentic. The tales have been brought together and fleshed out into a novel that gives insight into the real man inspiring the legend, as well as his environs and the events of his time." -- Marta, Lafayette, CA
Read the First Chapter
Order a Copy!
Copies are available from the publisher, PublishAmerica
http://www.publishamerica.net/product37317.html
Copies signed by Sam may also be ordered directly from the author for $ 19.95.
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