The Robin Hood Handbook: The Outlaw in History, Myth and Legend

Robin Hood, whether riding through the glen, robbing the rich to pay the poor or giving the Sheriff of Nottingham his come-uppance, is one of the most captivating and controversial legendary figures. Was there a historical figure behind the legends? Did Robin and his Merry Men rampage through Sherwood Forest, or, as many scholars now believe, is it extremely unlikely that he ever set foot in Nottinghamshire, spending most of his time in Barnsdale Wood in Yorkshire? "The Robin Hood Handbook" provides a comprehensive guide to the characters, places, people, stories and background of this enduring popular hero. Mike Dixon-Kennedy ranges far and wide in his quest to present as complete a picture as possible of the doings of the indestructible hero, including ballads, poems, proverbs, films, novels, folklore, musicals and place-names. This unique reference work will be invaluable for anyone interested in the Robin Hood story, in folklore and mythology or in English local history.