In these wonderfully illustrated tales, renowned storyteller Howard Pyle carries us back to the enchanting world of King Arthur and his Round Table. The book chronicles the adventures of Arthur as he draws the sword Excalibur from the anvil, proving his right to the throne, and as he courts and wins the heart of Guinevere. Later he suffers the treachery of the wicked Morgana le Fay and witnesses the tragic fate of the Enchanter Merlin. In Pyle's classic retelling, the legends come alive in unsurpassed vividness. More powerful than any of Merlin's spells, The Story of King Arthur and His...

In this enchanting version of the story of King Arthur, the renowned American illustrator and storyteller Howard Pyle displays his unique talent for capturing and stimulating the imaginations of the young. Inventively retold and vividly illustrated, these stories describe the perilous and thrilling adventures of King Arthur and his knights in that glorious age of chivalry and honor.
After showing how Arthur established his right to the throne by drawing the sword from the anvil, the author then relates the story of Arthur's battle with the Sable Knight and his securing the sword Excalibur...

It is rare indeed when a writer's original stories are regarded as masterpieces on a par with the great folkloristic fairy tales that have been handed down through the ages. But Howard Pyle's absorbing tales have for generations enjoyed such overwhelming popularity with boys and girls that they have earned this unique distinction. This collection includes some of his most entertaining and imaginative works--24 delightful fairy tales, one for each hour of the day.
When the Wonder Clock strikes one, a story unfolds that reveals how a youth raised by bears grew up to be the strongest man in...

A rich and engrossing thread of Romance runs through this tale of the motherless son of a valiant robber baron of Medieval Germany. Young Otto, born into a warring household in an age when lawless chiefs were constantly fighting each other or despoiling the caravans of the merchant burghers, is raised in a monastery only to return to his family's domain and become painfully involved in the blood feud between his father and the rival house of Trutz-Drachen.
The narrative is told with Howard Pyle's consummate skill and illustrated with some of the most enchanting sketches ever done for a...

"No archer ever lived that could speed a gray goose shaft with such skill and cunning as his, nor were there ever such yeomen as the sevenscore merry men that roamed with him through the greenwood shades. Right merrily they dwelt within the depths of Sherwood Forest, suffering neither care nor want, but passing the time in merry games of archery or bouts of cudgel play, living upon the King's venison, washed down with draughts of ale of October brewing.
"Not only Robin himself but all the band were outlaws and dwelt apart from other men, yet they were beloved by the country people round...

Legends of the Nibelungen hero, Siegfried, full of the mystery, awe, and poetry of the northern lands. They tell of how Siegfried forged the wondrous sword, Balmung, of his riding through flaming fire to awaken the maiden, Brunhild, and of the many other strange and daring deeds which he wrought. Many of the Norse myths are interwoven in the tale. The best rendition for children of the Siegfried legends, based on the Eddas, the Volsung Saga, and the Nibelungenlied. Suitable for ages 11 and up.

A stirring tale of medieval Germany in the days of robber barons and deadly feuds. The kidnapping of Otto, his adventures among the rough soldiers, and his daring rescue, make for a spirited and thrilling story. The author says of his tale that it "is of a little boy who lived and suffered in those dark middle ages; of how he saw both the good and the bad of men, and of how, by gentleness and love and not by strife and hatred, he came at last to stand above other men and to be looked up to by all." Vigorous illustrations by the author add much to the interest of the book. Suitable for ages 11...

While in training at the castle of the Earl of Macksworth, 16-year-old Myles Falworth discovers that his blind father has been condemned for treason. Now Myles must decide whether or not to risk battle--and certain death--to restore his family's honor. Original.

A true English folk hero, Robin Hood, with his good manners, generous intentions and outlaw lifestyle, lives with his band of "Merry Men" in Sherwood Forest. He fights against injustices and robs the rich to feed the poor. Doing right by those less fortunate is his only goal. Yet if it means making fools of the authorities, all the better. Howard Pyle drew on the many legends and ballads of Robin Hood to create this distinct version of the hero, unified in story and made suitable for children. He adapted the tales and developed the characters, resulting in this delightful read. Robin Hood has...