The Sheriff of Nottingham

by Richard Kluger

Book Overview

A revisionist version of the Robin Hood legend portrays Philip Mark, a poor Frenchman commissioned as Sheriff of Nottingham, who is caught between his high ideals and the tyrannical whims of King... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067084022X
• ISBN13: 9780670840229
• Release Date: February 1992
• Publisher: Viking
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Altered Legend

This was a wonderful work, a blending of fiction and reality. Historical facts were like steps used to climb deeper into the storyline. It was nearly impossible to discern what was fact, as it was so interwoven with the fabrications. But there was more, the story was absolutely captivating. The characters were vibrant and alive. The Sheriff himself was remarkable in both his pride and devotion to his beliefs and to the crown. When the inevitable conclusion to the story came and the Sheriff dies, I was brought to tears, reminding me of my own mortality.

Sheriff of Nottingham

This was a wonderful work, a blending of fiction and reality. Historical facts were like steps used to climb deeper into the storyline. It was nearly impossible to discern what was fact, as it was so interwoven with the fabrications. But there was more, the story was absolutely captivating. The characters were vibrant and alive. The Sheriff himself was remarkable in both his pride and devotion to his beliefs and to the crown. When the inevitable conclusion to the story came and the Sheriff dies, I was brought to tears, reminding me of my own mortality.

A masterful blend of history and fiction

Kluger does an excellent job depicting the life of actual sheriff of Nottingham Philip Mark. The author took known incidents and worked them into the framework of his story expertly.I was interested in the narrative for every page, a rare occurence in a nearly 500 page novel. I've been entertained and learned about early 13th century England. Keep a dictionary handy. Kluger uses obscure words.

decidedly NOT a Robin Hood novel

Richly textured, deliciously word-profuse, this novel is the perfect antidote to the depressing suspicion that sometimes descends on readers of historical fiction: that not much good stuff is still being written. This is a fantastic, powerful and graceful book, with scenes and characters so stark and beautifully drawn that they'll stick with you long after you've forgotten the specifics of the plot. All of which sounds easy, I know, I know - but if you knew how much stuff I hate, you'd be reaching for your credit card even as we speak! I hugely recommend this book as an example of the very best that historical fiction can be.