RoS Books

There were several Robin of Sherwood books, unfortunately all are currently sold out. You may try your luck at second-hand bookstores, Internet auctions like eBay, or RoS conventions.

TV Series novalization

There were four Robin of Sherwood novels, covering the whole first and second series, and most of the third series:

ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
By Richard Carpenter
Puffin Books, 1984
ISBN 0-14-031690-6
Novelization of the episodes "Robin Hood & the Sorcerer", "The Witch of Elsdon", "Seven Poors Knights from Acre", "Alan-A-Dale" and "The King's Fool" [i.e. the entire first season].
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD AND THE HOUNDS OF LUCIFER
By Richard Carpenter and Robin May
Puffin Books, 1985
ISBN 0-14-031869-0
Novelization of the episodes "The Swords of Wayland", "Lord of the Trees", "The Children of Israel", "The Prophecy", "The Enchantment" and "The Greatest Enemy" [i.e. the entire second season].
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD: THE HOODED MAN
By Richard Carpenter and Anthony Horowitz
Puffin Books, 1986
ISBN 0-14-032058-X
Novelization of the episodes "Herne's Son", and "The Power of Albion" [three episodes of the third season, including the first two].
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD: THE TIME OF THE WOLF
By Richard Carpenter
Puffin Books, 1986
ISBN 0-14-032660-X
Novelization of the episodes "Cross of Saint Ciricus", "Rutterkin" and "The Time of the Wolf" [three more third season episodes, including the finale].
A number of episodes from the third season have not been novelized, namely "The Inheritance", "The Sheriff of Nottingham", "Cromm Cruac", "The Betrayal", "Adam Bell" and "The Pretender".

The four RoS novels have been also been collected into one volume, the omnibus:
THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
By Richard Carpenter with Robin May and Anthony Horowitz
Puffin Books, 1990
ISBN 0-14-034450-0
Omnibus, novelization of all the RoS episodes except "The Inheritance", "The Sheriff of Nottingham", "Cromm Cruac", "The Betrayal", "Adam Bell" and "The Pretender".

Audio Series novalization

ROBIN OF SHERWOOD - THE KNIGHTS OF THE APOCALYPSE
Chinbeard Books, 2016
ISBN 0-700461-240792
The paperback novelization of the audio play "The Knights of the Apocalypse", written by Jonathan Green from the original script by Richard Carpenter. This edition was limited to the Indiegogo KotA crowdfunding campaign only.
England during the reign of King John and a dark force is intent on conquest. Only the Hooded Man can stand against it. The church lies impotent at the mercy of the Pope and the interdict against King John. With the people living in fear and a series of strange disappearances that threaten the very fabric of Noble society, Robin 'i' the Hood and his band of outlaws must race to rescue the past so that the future may be protected. A journey to Huntingdon and beyond Sherwood will see them battle against their most dangerous enemy yet as Herne's son faces The Knights of the Apocalypse...
THE MEETING PLACE
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2019/2021
ISBN 978-1-913256-00-5 / 978-1-913256-44-9
The paperback novelization of the audio play "The Meeting Place", written by Jennifer Ash. Artwork by Anthony Lamb.
The village of Papplewick has a new head family keen to exchange goodwill with the outlaws. Much is less than thrilled when Robin decides he should be the one to meet with the head villager's eldest child each month, to swap tax money for food and information. The last thing Much wants is to trudge across Sherwood in all weathers to talk to a girl.
(Set during Series Three)
THE RED LORD
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2019
ISBN 978-1-913256-02-9
The paperback novelization of the audio play "The Red Lord", written by Paul Kane. Artwork by Anthony Lamb.
A new threat arrives on these shores at the Sheriff of Nottingham's behest, in an effort to rid him of his greatest enemy once and for all. A mercenary from the east with strange powers, building an army who will give their lives unquestionably for his cause. When The Red Lord faces Robin and his band it becomes clear he might well be the most dangerous foe they've ever encountered. But he also has another agenda, one that might see the whole of England falling at his feet eventually...
(Set during Series Three, after Adam Bell)
SANCTUARY
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2019
ISBN 978-1-913256-04-3
The paperback novelization of the audio play "Sanctuary", written by Paul Birch. Artwork by Anthony Lamb.
Two enemies find themselves trapped together in an abandoned church on the far edge of Sherwood. Robin of Loxley and the Sheriff of Nottingham are both wounded, and without weapons, in the care of a hedge-priest. The ancient law of sanctuary means that no blood can be shed but emotions are running feverishly high. As the snow continues to fall, and with no apparent means of escape, new dangers begin to emerge. It becomes increasingly difficult to tell friend from foe...
(Set during Series One, after Robin Hood & The Sorcerer)
WHAT WAS LOST (PARTS I & II)
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2020
ISBN 978-1-913256-07-4
The paperback novelization of the audio play "What Was Lost", written by Iain Meadows. Adapted by Elliot Thorpe. Cover by Anthony Lamb.
The Merry Men are without a proper leader, as Robin - after losing Marion to Holy Orders - spends his waking hours in an increasingly drunken state. Abbot Hugo has cleaned out the family coffers and secured a release for his brother, the Sheriff, from King John's prisons. This is granted on one condition - the Sheriff pays a fine for every month that goes by without the capture of Robin Hood. Marion is harbouring a secret which may lead to the capture of Robin, which she isn't aware the Sheriff knows about as he plots his revenge on the outlaws.
(Set after Series Three, as the start of Series 4 - before The Knights of the Apocalypse)
THE POWER OF THREE
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2020/2021
ISBN 978-1-913256-08-1 / 978-1-913256-53-1
Paperback novel written by Jennifer Ash. Cover by Anthony Lamb.
Why had Herne called Marion to his cavern and not Robin? And why was she afraid to tell him what the Lord of the Trees had shown her? Forced to face his personal nightmares and his darkest secret, the Hooded Man needs his friends more than ever but the outlaws are afraid... and no one knows who to trust. To make matters worse, an old enemy is stalking Sherwood - but which one?
(Set during Series 4 - after What Was Lost but before The Knights of the Apocalypse)
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2020
ISBN 978-1-913256-10-4
Paperback novel written by Elliot Thorpe, from an original story by Barnaby Eaton-Jones. Artwork by Anthony Lamb.
After returning from fighting in Normandy, Sir Guy of Gisburne has reluctantly returned to the Sheriff's employ but his loyalty is about to be tested. The Sheriff's new plan to capture the outlaws requires Gisburne's agreement and Abbot Hugo's committed involvement. Meanwhile, the merry band of Sherwood outlaws are preparing for a long awaited set of nuptials to take place in Sherwood Forest. Could the Sheriff's sinister plotting force the postponement, once more, of Little John's betrothal to Meg of Wickham?
(Follows on from The Power of Three, between What Was Lost and The Knights of the Apocalypse)
THE SERIES 4 COLLECTION
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2020
ISBN 978-1-913256-15-9
Omnibus edition of six Series 4 novels, written by Jennifer Ash, Kenton Hall and Elliot Thorpe - with Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Iain Meadows and Richard Carpenter. Cover by Anthony Lamb.
  1. WHAT WAS LOST
    By Elliot Thorpe, adapted from a script by Iain Meadows
    After losing Marion to Holy Orders, Robin spends his waking hours in an increasingly drunken state and the outlaw band are left without a leader. Robin Hood has become a ghost. Meanwhile, Abbot Hugo has cleaned out the family coffers and secured a release for his brother, the Sheriff, from King John's prisons. But, the Sheriff isn't convinced that his deadliest enemy has entirely vanished from Sherwood. Marion is harbouring a secret which could lead to the capture of Robin, which she's unaware the Sheriff knows about as he plots his revenge.
  2. THE POWER OF THREE
    By Jennifer Ash
    Why had Herne called Marion to his cavern and not Robin? And why was she afraid to tell him what the Lord of the Trees had shown her? Forced to face his personal nightmares and his darkest secret, the Hooded Man needs his friends more than ever but the outlaws are afraid... and no one knows who to trust. To make matters worse, an old enemy is stalking Sherwood - but which one?
  3. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
    By Elliot Thorpe, adapted from a story by Barnaby Eaton-Jones
    After returning from fighting in Normandy, Sir Guy of Gisburne has reluctantly returned to the Sheriff's employ but his loyalty is about to be tested. The Sheriff's new plan to capture the outlaws requires Gisburne's agreement and Abbot Hugo's committed involvement. Meanwhile, the merry band of Sherwood outlaws are preparing for a long-awaited set of nuptials to take place in Sherwood Forest. Could the Sheriff's sinister plotting force the postponement, once more, of Little John's betrothal to Meg of Wickham?
  4. QUEEN OF THE BLACK SUN
    By Kenton Hall, adapted from a story by Iain Meadows, exclusive to this collection.
    A landslide uncovers an unknown cave in Sherwood, which Marion and Much squeeze through the entrance of to explore. Inside, they feel a sense of unease but find a treasure trove of gold coins and a strange black jewel. Outside, a dense fog has appeared and a strange eclipse begins to block out the sun. The Merries end up being separated from each other but the call of Marion is strong and each of them encounter her. But Marion seems intent on making them confront their worst fears and embrace a greater good... or evil.
  5. THE SERVANT
    By Jennifer Ash, exclusive to this collection.
    Rumours are circulating that a mysterious order called the Knights of the Apocalypse are gaining power and growing stronger. After Jerrard, servant to the Sheriff and spy for the Earl of Huntingdon, hears the Captain of the Guard blackmailing Sir Guy of Gisburne in relation these Knights, he fears that the Earl's greatest secret might be revealed.
  6. THE KNIGHTS OF THE APOCALYPSE (Feature-Length Finale)
    By Richard Carpenter, a *new* adaptation by Jennifer Ash exclusive to this collection.
    England in the reign of King John and a dark force is intent on conquest. Only the Hooded Man can stand against it... The church lies impotent at the mercy of the Pope and the interdict against the kingdom. With the people living in fear and a series of disappearances that threaten the very fabric of noble society, Robin 'i' the Hood and his band of outlaws must race to rescue the past so that the future may be protected. A journey to Huntingdon and beyond Sherwood will see them battle their most dangerous enemy yet as Herne's Son faces The Knights of the Apocalypse...
HERE BE DRAGONS
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2021
ISBN 978-1-913256-13-5
Paperback novel written by Gary Russell. Cover by Robert Hammond.
Many centuries ago, before Robin, before King Richard and Prince John, before even Herne the Hunter, there was Sherwood Forest. And at the heart of it, mystical paths were drawn together to protect the future. But something or someone in Robin's time has chosen now to make a stand and destroy the past, the present and the future; with the help of the dragons, the ancient beasts of legend. And it will take a true hero to stop them. Alone and bewildered, Robin must put right a blood-debt he had no idea had even been raised. And who will fight at his side? Should he fail, Sherwood will merely be the first loss that England will face... and not the last...
(Set during Series Two)
THE WATERFORD BOY
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2021
ISBN 978-1-913256-85-2
The paperback novelization of the audio play "The Waterford Boy", written by Jennifer Ash. Cover by Robert Hammond.
On King John's command, all convicted male felons from England's jails are being sent to fight in France. The King's chief recruiter, James D'Marelle, is touring the country and rounding up each quota of men. When word reaches Nottingham Castle that he is paying a visit, the Sheriff orders Sir Guy of Gisburne to gather a few men from each local village to make up the numbers. In the village of Waterford, Gisburne becomes enraged by a young boy's ritualistic chants to Herne the Hunter and he vows to capture him. Robin is angered by the Sheriff's new people tax... but his rage is nothing compared to that of Will Scarlet when he hears the name, James D'Marelle. For Will and the recruiter have met before... many years ago...
(Set during Series Three, just prior to The Time of the Wolf)
MATHILDA'S LEGACY
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2021
ISBN 978-1-913256-86-9
The paperback novelization of the audio play "Mathilda's Legacy", written by Jennifer Ash. Cover by Robert Hammond.
David, Earl of Huntingdon, sighed quietly as he watched his teenage son slip out of the woods that surrounded Huntingdon castle. That particular spot, where Robert had emerged, was special. That had been where Mathilda had taken her son for long forest walks, where she'd told him stories, and played games. Sadly, when Robert was eight years old, the stories had ended. David realised, as each day passed, why his offspring behaved in the way he did. After all, Robert of Huntingdon was Mathilda's son. He was her legacy. The moment couldn't be put off any longer. It was time to tell his son the story of how the Earl had met Robert's mother...
(Set pre-Series One, before Robin Hood and the Sorcerer)
THE TRIAL OF JOHN LITTLE
Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet Ltd, 2022
ISBN 978-1-7397879-2-9
The paperback novelization of the audio play "The Trial of John Little", written by Tony Lee. Cover by Robert Hammond.
Whilst Robin is troubled by hazy visions of his father, Little John faces the wrath of a witch hunter who is about to make him pay for crimes he committed whilst under the influence of Baron de Belleme. In order to save Little John, the rest of the outlaws play their part in uncovering the secrets that brought the witch hunter to Sherwood in the first place...
(Set during Series Two)

RoS audio tapes

There were three Robin of Sherwood audio tapes, issued by Tempo. They contains readings of several RoS episodes.
LORD OF THE TREES (The Adventures of Robin of Sherwood)
Read by Edward Kelsey, John Leeson and David Gooderson.
Multiple Sound Distributors Ltd., 1986
TTC 7010/A
Reading of the episode "Lord of the Trees".

THE LAST ARROW (More adventures of Robin of Sherwood)
Read by Edward Kelsey, Jo Manning-Wilson, Christopher Scott, John Leeson and David Gooderson.
Multiple Sound Distributors Ltd., 1986
TTC 7010/B
Reading of the episode "The Greatest Enemy".

HERNE'S SON
Read by Edward Kelsey.
Multiple Sound Distributors Ltd., 1986
TTS 9936
Reading of the episode "Herne's Son". This tape was sold together with the Robin of Sherwood Games Books (see below).

RoS Game books

There were two Robin of Sherwood role playing books, and a game book.
THE KING'S DEMON
By Graham Staplehurst
Puffin Books, 1987
ISBN 0-14-032294-9
RoS role playing adventure. A French nobleman and sorcerer, Sir Jean de Melusine, tries to summon the evil Black Ram of Poitou during the Ram Day in the village of Haxhey and Robin must try to stop him.
THE SWORD OF THE TEMPLAR
By Paul Mason
Puffin Books, 1987
ISBN 0-14-032295-7
RoS role playing adventure. A Knight Templar who has the black Elidor, Sir Roger of Ledbury, seeks to destroy Herne and Robin must try to stop him.
GAMES BOOK
Multiple Sound Distributors Ltd., 1984? (Tempo Books)
ISBN 1-85255-002-3
Little booklet with 10 board games with illustrations of the RoS characters.

Miscellaneous RoS books

HOODED MAN - VOLUME ONE
Miwk Publishing Ltd., 2014
ISBN 978-1-908630-05-6
An episode guide on the Michael Praed episodes. Over 400 pages, covering detailed analysis of the first two series episodes and the legends, literature and history that influenced them, the story of the creation of the series, a comprehensive atlas of filming locations, episode ordering, trivia, goofs, quotes, and translations.
HOODED MAN - VOLUME TWO
Miwk Publishing Ltd., 2014
ISBN 978-1-908630-62-9
An episode guide on the Jason Connery episodes. Covering detailed analysis of the third series episodes and the legends, literature and history that influenced them, the story of the fall of Goldcrest, events timeline, RoS spin-off material, trivia, goofs, quotes, and translations.
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD ANNUAL 1986
World International Publishing Ltd., 1986
ISBN 0-7235-6758-1
A book on RoS for children. Features 62 pages containing 8 RoS stories that are not related to the episodes ("The Rebels", "May Day", "Wolfshead", The Slave", "The Quest", "Herne's Son", "The Relic", "The Bishop's Visit"), 5 character profiles (Robin/Herne, Marion, Will, John, Tuck), colour drawings and colour photos from the series, a snakes-and-ladders game (The Quest for the Golden Goblet) and a puzzle (The Wolfshead Wordsearch).
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD ANNUAL 1987
Chinbeard Books, 2022
ISBN 0-1987-2022-0
This Annual has an all new, illustrated story ("Father's Footsteps"), artwork, a comic strip ("Blood Moon"), a game, puzzle, trivia, interviews, features, colouring pages, and behind the scenes photos - as if it really was produced in 1987 after the final series aired.

RoS comics

Look-in - subtitled "The Junior TVTimes" - was a long running (1971-1994) children's magazine centered around ITV's television programmes in the UK. It contained interviews, crosswords and competitions, and it had pictures of TV stars and pop idols. But its main feature was the many comic strips of the favourite children's television programmes.
Look-in ran a two-page Robin of Sherwood comic (some of them in colour, but most in black and white) between 1984 and 1986.
See also the RoS Collectables page.
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD THE COMPLETE LOOK-IN COMICS
Chinbeard Books, 2022/2024
ISBN 978-1-913256-88-3/?
Richard Carpenter's Robin of Sherwood was turned into an accompanying comic strip by the children's TV magazine Look-In. This 288 page hardback/softback book features the entire run of these exquisitely illustrated and action-packed comic strips.

Robin Hood Bibliographies


Last updated Thu 27 Nov 2023