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Historical Robin Hood: Outlaw or Greenwood Myth by Fran and Geoff Doel $16.50 / Tempus / 2000 Few folk heroes are as durable as the legendary Robin Hood, yet despite myriad books, films, and television shows, he remains a mystery. In Robin Hood: Outlaw or Greenwood Myth, authors Fran and Geoff Doel suggest that, although the Robin Hood tales evolved over time, they retained key character traits. He worshipped women, rejected conventional society in favor of a pastoral ideal, and broke the law to aid the poor. The book also presents the research of scholars Joseph Hunter and Professor Holt, who attempt to link Robin Hood to historical persons. Although both historians found evidence of various "Robert Hoods" in Barnsdale, England, the authors note that factual inconsistencies-and over-reliance on literature-render both theories doubtful. Rather, Robin Hood is probably a composite character based on several people. Nevertheless, Robin Hood played an important role in English history. Records indicate that Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, gamely participated in a Robin Hood "kidnapping" during summer celebrations. During the Renaissance, churches held Robin Hood plays to raise money for the poor, and he lives on today through re-enactments of folk plays and the May Games held in Britain. This short but readable volume reveals careful research on Robin Hood literature and history and contains historic illustrations and photos of present-day Robin Hood games. The authors thoughtfully provide a directory of Robin Hood place names, which is ideal for travelers, along with capsule film reviews. Although we may never identify the real Robin Hood, this book presents a well-rounded study of England's legendary outlaw. —Barbara Friedmann

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