A Little Bibliography of Robin Hood:

Works Relating to the English Outlaw, in the English Language, Published Since 1939

The Bibliography

Introduction

It is my intention to update J. Harris Gable's work, Bibliography of Robin Hood (Lincoln, Nebraska: 1939). Undoubtedly this task will take some time to complete, since new works relating to the Robin Hood legend are constantly being published.

Since I have been, as yet, unable to locate a copy of Gable's book to consult, I am working on the assumption that Gable included everything published prior to 1939. I am therefore presently working to locate correct bibliographic information on all works relating to this topic published between 1939 and the present. I have excluded reprintings of the old Robin Hood ballads, since they were all written well before 1939. I have also excluded newspaper and magazine articles, which must certainly number in the thousands at a minimum. Also excluded are plays, which I hope to eventually include. I have further limited this bibliography to works written in the English Language, published in the United States and Great Britain, but hope to expand upon these points as well. I have excluded reprints of works originally published prior to 1939, with a few exceptions which are noted in each category below. Further, I have excluded motion pictures, television and video since this would duplicate the work of another researcher, but plan to eventually include this information. I have also excluded fanzines but am presently coordinating with Rache and plan to include her work in this area. Rache is the compiler of the "Major Oak Awards" ballots (the ballots for the annual amateur Robin Hood writers' and artists' awards).

It is my hope to eventually expand this bibliography to include all Robin Hood related works, in all languages, not included in Gable's book. To this end I am presently working on locating a copy of Bibliography of Robin Hood, and some hundred other works which I have found reference to in a variety of sources but have not yet verified the existence of.

The works included here, unless otherwise noted, deal exclusively with Robin Hood. I have avoided sources that have only one short story, or one song, but made note of them in my personal research notes, in the event that these sources cannot be found in a larger work on the outlaw.

All comments on, and contributions and corrections to this work are welcome. E-mail LAFurey@aol.com (Linda A. Furey), or send paper mail c/o Spirit of Sherwood, and I will get back to you as soon as is humanly possible. --Linda

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Books

1. Carpenter, Richard. Robin of Sherwood. (New York: Puffin, 1984). The four books in this series have also been published in a single volume, the title of which I have not been able to verify. Each book retells a number of episodes from the HTV/Showtime television series Robin of Sherwood, created by Richard "Kip" Carpenter. The series is set during the reigns of Kings Richard I and John, in an England where magic works. Carpenter should be noted as the first author to cast an Arabian character, a Saracen named Nasir, as one of the Merry Men. Carpenter's Marian fights alongside the Merry Men, and is as likely to rescue them as she is to need rescuing. These books are not illustrated, but feature photographs from the series on their front and back covers. 158 pages. Set during the reign of Richard I. Retells the episodes "The Sorcerer", "The Witch of Elsden", "Seven Poor Knights from Acre", "Alan A Dale", and "The King's Fool".
2. Carpenter, Richard and Robin May. Robin of Sherwood: and the Hounds of Lucifer. (New York: Puffin, 1985). 172 pages. Set during the reigns of Richard I and John. Retells the episodes "The Swords of Wayland", "The Lord of the Trees", "The Children of Israel", "The Prophecy", "The Enchantment", and "The Greatest Enemy".
3. Carpenter, Richard and Anthony Horowitz. Robin of Sherwood: the Hooded Man. (New York: Puffin, 1986). 152 pages. Set during the reign of John. Retells the episodes "Herne's Son" and "The Power of Albion".
4. Carpenter, Richard. Robin of Sherwood: the Time of the Wolf. (New York: Puffin, 1988). 149 pages. Set during the reign of John. Retells the episodes "The Cross of Saint Ciricus", "Rutterkin", and "The Time of the Wolf".
5. Creswick, Paul. Robin Hood. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, [1984]). Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. This is a reprint of the 1917 book. It has been included because it represents a classic telling of the legend, and because N.C. Wyeth's color illustrations are of premier importance as Robin Hood related artwork. 362 pages. Set during the reign of Henry II. The story begins with a young Robin, who in this version is the son of Master Hugh Fitzooth, King's Ranger of the Forest of Locksley, journeying to the Fair with his mother. By the end of the book Richard is king and Robin is first Earl of Huntingdon. The story ends with Robin's death at Kirklees Abbey.
6. Emery, Clayton. Tales of Robin Hood. (New York: Baen, 1988). 309 pages. Set during an indeterminate period, probably either the reign of Richard I or John. Set in and England where magic works. Alternates between short chapters told from the point of view of the animals of Sherwood and chapters about the outlaw band and their children.
7. Freisner, Esther. The Sherwood Game. (Riverdale, New York: Baen, 1995). 377 pages. A computer programer named Carl Sherwood creates a VR Robin Hood game. There's just one problem, his program has taken on a life of its own.
8. Godwin, Parke. Sherwood. (New York: Avon, 1992). 527 pages. Set during the reign of William the Conqueror. Begins with the Norman invasion of England. This is intended as the first book in a series. The second book is titled Robin and the King.
9. Godwin, Parke. Robin and the King. (New York: Avon, 1993). 394 pages. The sequel to Sherwood.
10. Gray, Nigel. The One and Only Robin Hood. (Boston: Joy Street Books, c1987). 24 pages. Illustrated by Helen Craig. Originally published in Great Britain by Walker Books Ltd., London. A delightful picture book that mixes up the story of Robin Hood and the nursery rhyme about the "four and twenty blackbirds backed in a pie".
11. Green, Simon. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. (New York: Berkley, 1991). 234 pages. Set during the reign of Richard I. Begins with Robin's return from the Crusades. Ends with Richard's return and Robin and Marian's wedding. Based on the story by Pen Densham and the screenplay by Pen Densham and John Watson. The film stars Kevin Costner in the title role.
12. McGovern, Ann. Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest. (New York: Scholastic, c1968). 128 pages. Set during the reign of Richard I. The story begins with Robin being outlawed and ends with his being pardoned.
13. McKinley, Robin. The Outlaws of Sherwood. (New York: Greenwillow, c1988). 280 pages with a 2 page afterword by the author. Set during the reign of Richard I. The story begins with Robin being outlawed and ends with his being pardoned by the king. This particular version of the legend does not follow the ballads. Instead, McKinley casts Robin as a young, somewhat nearsighted, fletcher. Marian is the real brains behind this outlaw band, and the superior archer. However, when faced with adversity, Robin finds the strength to lead his people. Features strong female characters.
14. McSpadden, J. Walker. Robin Hood. (Morris Plains, NJ: Unicorn, c1989). 181 pages. Illustrated in color and black and white by Greg Hildebrandt. Set during the reigns of Henry II and Richard. Begins with Robin (Rob of Lockesley), son of Hugh Fitzooth, Head Forester of Sherwood and Barnesdale, being outlawed. Ends with his death at Kirklees Abbey. Chapters follow the old ballads.
15. McSpadden, J. Walker. Robin Hood. (Morris Plains, NJ: Unicorn c1990). 40 pages. Illustrated in color by Greg Hildebrandt. Adapted from the novel by J. Walker McSpadden. This is an abridgment of the above book that alternates one of Hildebrandt's color plates with a page of text.
16. Miles, Bernard. Robin Hood: His Life and Legend. (New York: Hamlyn, 1984). 125 pages. Illustrated by Victor G. Ambrus. Set during the reign of ?. Begins with Robin's being outlawed and ends with his death at Kirklees. An epilogue tells of the discovery of Friar Tuck's body, in a cave, during the 1820's.
17. Muntean, Michaela. Ernie and his Merry Men: and Other Good-Night Stories. ([New York]: Western, c1992). 17 pages. Illustrated by Tom Leigh. A Sesame Street/Golden Press book. Includes "Ernie and His Merry Monsters", "The Big Bad Grouch", and "Cookie Crumbs". Ernie the Muppet (of Ernie and Bert fame) falls asleep and dreams that he and Sesame Street's monsters are Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
18. Pyle, Howard. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood: of Great Renown, in Nottinghamshire. (New York: Dover, 1968). Written and illustrated by Howard Pyle. A reprint of the complete, unabridged, text, with the original illustrations, first published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1883. 296 pages. Set during the reign of Henry II. The story begins with Robin being outlawed and ends with his death at Kirklees Nunnery, Yorkshire. Chapters retell the old ballads. Although this book was originally published before 1939, several reprints have been included in this bibliography because they include new illustrations or are abridgments of the original text. The bibliographic data for the book in its original form has been included so comparison can be made.
19. Lapman, Maurice, adapter. Robin Hood. (New York: J.J. Little & Ives, 1952). Adapted by Maurice, Lapman and edited by Glenn Holder. Published in a single volume along with Henry I. Christ's adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans. 211 pages. Inspection shows that this is yet another adaptation of Howard Pyle's classic, although it does not say as much anywhere on the book. Many, but not all, of Pyle's illustrations are included.
20. Pyle, Howard. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. (New York: I. Waldman & Son, c1979). Illustrated Classic Edition. Adapted by Deborah Kestel and edited by Malvina G. Vogel. Black and white illustrations by Pablo Marcos Studio. 239 pages. An abridgment of Pyle's classic telling of the legend, sadly lacking Pyle's illustrations.
21. Pyle, Howard. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood: of Great Renown, in Nottinghamshire. (New York: Signet, 1986). Pyle's text and illustrations. Includes an afterword, written by Michael Patrick Hearn, briefly detailing Pyle's life, and commenting on the Robin Hood legend, and Pyle's telling in particular. 376 pages. Afterword is 17 pages.
22. Pyle, Howard. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood: of Great Renown in Nottinghamshire. (West Cheater, PA: Donning, c1989). Howard Pyle's text with color, and black and white, illustrations by Mike Grell. Grell is well known, and much respected, as a comic book artist and writer. 234 pages.
23. Pyle, Howard. Robin Hood. (Ashland, Ohio: Landoll, c1993). While this book bears Pyle's name, and claims to be "complete and unabridged" it is not his work. In fact this book is a reprinting of the text of Louis Rhead's version of the tale minus Rhead's illustrations. 217 pages. Set during the reign of Henry II. The story begins with Robin's youth as Robert, son of William Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon, and ends with his death at Kirkley nunnery. Chapters retell the old ballads.
24. Rhead, Louis. Robin Hood. (New York: Children's Classics, 1988). Illustrated in black and white, in a style very similar to that of Howard Pyle, by Louis Rhead. With additional color illustrations by Louis Rhead, Frank Godwin, and Walter Crane. 286 pages. Set during the reign of Henry II. The story begins with Robin's youth as Robert, son of William Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon, and ends with his death at Kirkley nunnery. Chapters retell the old ballads.
25. Roberson, Jennifer. Lady of the Forest: a Novel of Sherwood. (New York: Zebra, 1992). 761 pages with a 4 page author's note. Map by Elizabeth T. Danforth. Set during the reign of Richard I. Begins with Robin's return from the Crusades. Ends with Lionheart's return to England. A very different telling of the Sherwood legend. One might even go so far as to classify this book as a "bodice ripper". Marian is the main focus of the story. Robin of Locksley is portrayed as suffering from "shell shock" after his return from the Crusades.
26. Scott, Sir Walter. Ivanhoe. (New York: Signet, [c1983]). 467 pages with notes, glossary, a 7 page afterword by Compton MacKenzie, a selected bibliography, note on the text, and index. While the main focus of this story is not Robin Hood, the book does feature a character called "Locksley" who reveals himself to be Robin Hood at the end of the story. This work has been included despite its original publication prior to 1939, because it is not exclusively about Robin Hood, and therefore might not have been included in previous bibliographies. It will be removed if research reveals that it was included in previous bibliographies.
27. The Walt Disney Company. Robin Hood. (New York: Penguin, c1989). 95 pages. Set during the reign of Richard I. This picture book retells the animated Disney movie. In this version Robin and Marian are foxes, Alan-a-Dale is a rooster, Little John is a bear, Prince John is a lion, and all the other denizens of Sherwood are animals.

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Comic Books

1. Jones, Valarie. Robin Hood. (Forestville, CA: Eclipse, July, 1991). Book one of three. 28 pages. Illustrations by Christopher Schenck. Layout by Timothy Truman. Set during the reign of Richard I.
2. Jones, Valarie. Robin Hood. (Forestville, CA: Eclipse, September, 1991). Book two of three. 28 pages.
3. Powell, Martin and Stan Timmons, illustrator. Robin Hood. (Newbury Park, CA: Eternity Comics, August, 1989). Book one of four. 29 pages. Each issue features one of N.C. Wyeth's color illustrations on the cover. This particular series begins, in book one, with Robin being outlawed and ends in book four with King Richard's return and Robin and Marian's wedding.
4. Powell, Martin and Stan Timmons, illustrator. Robin Hood. (Newbury Park, CA: Eternity Comics, October, 1989). Book two of four. 28 pages.
5. Powell, Martin and Stan Timmons, illustrator. Robin Hood. (Newbury Park, CA: Eternity Comics, February, 1990). Book three of four. 28 pages.
6. Powell, Martin and Stan Timmons, illustrator. Robin Hood. (Newbury Park, CA: Eternity Comics, April, 1990). Book four of four. 29 pages.
7. Ryan, Mark and Mike Grell. "The Black Alchemist", Green Arrow Annual #4. (New York: DC Comics, 1991). 56 pages. Cover illustration by Mike Grell. Interior illustrations by Shea Pensa. In this particular issue of the Green Arrow comic book series, Dinah Lance time-travels back to Sherwood Forest, meets Robin Hood, and helps to defeat an evil alchemist. This comic has been included because it is of special interest to Robin Hood fans. The author, Mark Ryan, is the actor who played Nasir the Saracen in Richard Carpenter's Robin of Sherwood television series. Co-writer and cover illustrator, Mike Grell, illustrated one of the many reprints of Howard Pyle's book.
8. Stinnet, Norman R. Robin Hood. (New York: Gallery, c1990). 30 pages. Set during the reign of Richard I. Adapted by Dr. Marion Kimberly. Classic Comics series. Begins with Robin of Locksley being outlawed. Ends with the return of King Richard. This is a hard cover book of the legend told in comic book style.

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Fanzines

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Games

1. Bisio, Joe and Bruce C. Shelley The Legend of Robin Hood: Game of 12th Century English Folklore (Baltimore, MD: Avalon Hill Game Company). A board game with fold-out map/gameboard and cardboard playing pieces.
2. Mason, Paul. Richard Carpenter's Robin of Sherwood: the Sword of the Templar: Gamebook 2. (New York: Puffin, 1987). 400 pages. Illustrated by Russ Nicholson. A "choose your own adventure" style gamebook based on the Robin of Sherwood television series.
3. Staplehurst, Graham. Richard Carpenter's Robin of Sherwood: the King's Demon: Gamebook 1. (New York: Puffin, 1987). 400 pages. Illustrated by Russ Nicholson. A "choose your own adventure" style gamebook based on the Robin of Sherwood television series.
4. Staplehurst, Graham. Robin Hood: the Role Playing Campaign. (Charlottesville, VA: Iron Crown Enterprises, 1987). 160 pages. Illustrated by Denis Loubet. Maps and Layouts by Ellisa Martin-Schob and David Martin. Includes gaming instructions, accurate historical information, and two ready-made campaigns to play. This book is essentially a "Player's Handbook" and "Dungeon Master's Guide" for Dungeons & Dragons style gaming.

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Music

1. Burgon, Geoffrey, composer and conductor. Robin Hood: Original Motion Picture Score. (London: Silva Screen Records, 1991). 10 songs. Music from the Patrick Bergin film. This film was shown on television in the USA and in the movie theaters in Great Britain. The film was released the same year as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
2. Clannad. Legend. (RCA, 1984). 10 songs. The award winning music from the television series Robin of Sherwood. While not all of the music from the series is on this album, the majority is included.
3. Hennig, Jenni, Peg Kennedy, and Linda Knights. Rhiannon's Wheel. (Bellingham, WA: Greenwode Productions, 1988). 21 songs. This is a cycle of modern Robin Hood ballads inspired by the Robin of Sherwood television series. This more properly belongs to the Fanzines category, since it was fan written, recorded and produced. Those interested in the availability of this tape should contact the publishers of the Albion fanzines. All songs are performed by Jenni Hennig and Peg Kennedy.
4. Kamen, Michael. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. (Los Angeles, CA: Morgan Creek, 1991). 10 songs. Music from the Kevin Costner film. "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" performed by Bryan Adams. "Wild Times" performed and produced by Jeff Lynne. The Bryan Adams song was nominated for an Academy Award.
5. Korngold, Erich Wolfgang, composer. The Adventures of Robin Hood: Original Motion Picture Score. (North Hollywood, CA: CDR Communications, 1983). 16 Songs. The soundtrack of the Errol Flynn film. Performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Varujan Kojian.
6. Rache. Bright Forest: Songs about Robin of Sherwood. (Northfield, OH: Albion, c1991). 15 songs. This too is a cycle of modern ballads inspired by the Robin of Sherwood television series, and more properly belonging to the Fanzines category. Those interested in the availability of this tape should contact the publishers of the Albion fanzines. Lyrics and music by Rache. All songs are performed by Rache, Bryan B. Miller and Kim. Many of the songs on this tape have won Major Oak awards. (The Major Oak Awards are Robin of Sherwood fandom's equivalent of the Academy Awards.)

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Newsletters & Letterzines

1. Cousins. A letterzine for those interested in the religious and occult aspects of the Robin of Sherwood television series. Series creator, Richard "Kip" Carpenter, has been an occasional contributor to this letterzine, answering questions about the magical aspects of Robin of Sherwood. Only one issue has been published since the change in editors, but the new editor says the letterzine is still in production and a new issue should be appearing soon.

   Hilda Marshall, editor of issues 1-14.
   Susan Gavula, current editor.
   From: Cousins
   c/o Susan Gavula
   3143 Homestead Commons #3
   Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
   E-Mail: sjgavula@terminator.rs.itd.umich.edu
   Bi-monthly
   Issue 1: November, 1991.
   Issue 14: October, 1993.
   

   This particular letterzine concluded publication with issue 14. Electronic copies of back issues can be found on the Internet. An E-dress for back issues will be included in the next update. It is my belief that neither Hilda Marshall nor Susan Gavula have plans at this time to edit further issues.

2. The Michael Praed Network Newsletter. A combined newsletter and letterzine dedicated to following the career of Michael Praed, who played the title role on Robin of Sherwood during the series' first two seasons. The series is frequently discussed.

   Kate Raymond and Morn Geiger, editors.
   From: The Michael Praed Network Newsletter
   P.O. Box 516
   Midlothian, IL 60445
   4 issues/year
   Volume 1, Issue 1: [1991].
   Still in publication.
   

3. On Target. The Newsletter of Spirit of Sherwood.

   Christine Haire & Denise Hamlin, editors through issue 14.
   Christine Alexander, editor from issue 15 on.
   From: Spirit of Sherwood
   5574 NW Deerfield Way
   Portland, Oregon 97229
   4 issues/year.
   Issue 1: [Winter], 1990.
   Still in publication.
   

4. Sherwood Voices. A letterzine for those interested in Robin of Sherwood. More information of this letterzine will be included in the next update.

   Debra Batus and Leslie Goldberg, editors.
   From: Debra Batus and Leslie Goldberg
   12 Bath Street
   Lido Beach, NY 11561
   

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Non-Fiction

1. Holt, J.C. Robin Hood. (New York: Thames and Huston, c1982). 208 pages. Includes 51 illustrations and 4 maps, notes, sources and further reading, list of illustrations, and index. Considered by many to be the authoritative work chronicling the history of the Robin Hood legend. Holt is a professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, Master of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and President of the Royal Historical Society.
2. Matthews, John. Robin Hood: Green Lord of the Wildwood. (Glastonbury, Somerset, England: Gothic Image, 1993). 227 pages. Foreword by Richard Carpenter, Creator of Robin of Sherwood. Afterword by artist Chesca Potter. Includes 2 appendix, bibliography and index. Matthews examines the Robin Hood Legend from both the Historical and Mythic/Pagan Religious viewpoints. Matthews is the author of many books about mysticism and the legendary figures of the British Isles.
3. Stewart, Bob and John Matthews. Legendary Britain: an Illustrated Journey. (London: Blandford, 1989). 178 pages. Includes afterword, bibliography, and index. Illustrated by Miranda Gray with photographs by Tim Cann. This book discusses a number of legendary persons and places, including Robin Hood, King Arthur, Merlin, Thomas the Rhymer, Wayland the Smith, Caerleon, Aquae Sulis, Lyonesse and others.

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Plays

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Video Tapes, Motion Pictures & Television

1. Turner, David and Malcolm Baker. Robin Hood of the Movies: The Cinematic History of the Legendary Outlaw of Sherwood. ([London]: Yeoman Publishing, 199[3]). The publication of this volume was delayed due to the rash of Robin Hood films that came out in 1991. I need to consult the current addition of Books in Print to verify that this work was eventually published.

See also:

2. Starlog, issue 166. (New York: Starlog Communications International, 1991). This particular issue of Starlog magazine features a retrospective of the Robin Hood legend on film and television.

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Appendix A

Online Sources

The following format is used to describe online sources: Source. Date of search. Search terms used. Retrieved.

1. BUBL. 4/1/94. Search used: Robin Hood. Retrieved: Moore, Cindy Tittle. Robin Hood Booklist. '///BUBL_Main_Menu/H/H1/H1B/H1BA_-_Robin_Hood_Bibliography'. A bibliography listing 83 books, published from 1600 to present.
2. Cambridge University online catalog. 4/17/94. Search used: subject and title searches for 'Robin Hood'. Retrieved: ~50 possible sources.
3. Dialog. 5/6/94. Search used: B 411s Robin(w)Hood and (legend? or Sherwood or outlaw?) rf B 630,633,647,120,632,704,258,634,426,648,88,146,631, 711,470,46,611,47,430,603,614 rd ss s9 and LA=English Retrieved: 105 possible sources.
4. LConline@seq1.Loc.Gov. 4/15/94. Search used: a subject search for 'Robin Hood'. Retrieved: 212 possible sources.
5. Nottingham University online catalog. 4/15/94. Search used: subject and title searches for 'Robin Hood'. Retrieved: 6 possible sources.
6. Oxford University's Ashmolean Library. 4/15/94. Search used: subject and title searches for 'Robin Hood'. Retrieved: ~20 possible sources.
7. Simmons College online catalog. 4/15/94. Search used: a title search for 'Robin Hood' and a subject search for the same. Retrieved: 11 items.

1. Books In Print: 1993-1994, Volume 8. (New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, 1994).
2. Carpenter, Humphrey and Mari Prichard. The Oxford Companion to Children's Literature. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1984).
3. Carruth, Gorton. The Young Reader's Companion. (New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, c1993).
4. Gavula, Suasan and Hilda Marshall, editors. Cousins, Issues 1-14.
5. Haire, Christine and Denise Hamlin. On Target, Issues 1-15.
6. Subject Guide to Books In Print: 1993-1994, Volume 4. (New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, 1994).
7. Whitaker's Books in Print 1994, Volume 4. (London: Whitaker & Sons, 1994).

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Special thanks to:

• Rache, compiler of the Major Oak Awards ballots.
• Mr. Richard "Kip" Carpenter, series creator/writer Robin of Sherwood.
• Christine Alexander, president of Spirit of Sherwood and editor of On Target.
• Mr. Mark Ryan, actor on Robin of Sherwood and author of "The Black Alchemist", Green Arrow Annual #4.
• Mr. Mike Grell, co-author of "The Black Alchemist", Green Arrow Annual #4, and illustrator of the c1989 reprint of Howard Pyle's The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood: of Great Renown in Nottinghamshire.
• And all my friends in Sherwood, up to and including the Bad Fairy. No one is forgotten. No one is ever forgotten.

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