Quick Take

The first volume of Alexandre Dumas' two-part interpretation of the story of Robin Hood, popularized for Nineteenth Century audiences by Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe, set in England in 1162-66.In this book, Dumas tells the story of Robin Hood's youth: how he is delivered by an unknown man to be raised by poor but honest foresters, his great skill as an archer, how he comes into conflict with the Baron [sic] of Nottingham, how he meets Friar Tuck, the Maid Marian, Little John, Will Scarlett, and others, how he is declared an outlaw by the King, and decamps, with his followers, into Sherwood Forest to wage war against the Baron.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Prince of Thieves

Introduction

"The Prince of Thieves" is a captivating novel by Alexandre Dumas, the renowned French author known for his high-adventure historical novels. This book serves as the first volume of a two-part interpretation of the story of Robin Hood, taking readers on a journey through the youth of the legendary archer. Set in England in 1162-66, Dumas delves into the origins of Robin Hood, exploring his early life, conflicts with the Baron of Nottingham, and his eventual exile into Sherwood Forest. With its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and Dumas' signature storytelling style, "The Prince of Thieves" has garnered praise from readers worldwide.

About Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas, père (French for "father"), was a prolific French writer known for his numerous historical novels of high adventure. Born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, he was of mixed-race descent and gained fame for his works such as "The Count of Monte Cristo," "The Three Musketeers," and "The Man in the Iron Mask." Dumas' writing career spanned multiple genres, including plays, magazine articles, and correspondence. His diverse background and talent for storytelling have made him one of the most widely read French authors in the world.

Analysis of Views

Engaging narrative: Readers praise Dumas' ability to weave a captivating narrative that keeps them engaged from start to finish. The story is filled with plot twists, secrets, and intriguing characters, making it difficult to put down.
Unique character development: Dumas' portrayal of Robin Hood and his companions, such as Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, Little John, Will Scarlett, and Guy, receives high praise. Readers appreciate how he gives these characters distinct backgrounds and connections, revealing their stories piece by piece in a tantalizing manner.
Vivid language: Dumas' writing style is described as poetic and old-fashioned, adding to the charm of the story. The language is fun and engaging, making it enjoyable to read. However, some readers note that the language can be affected and may detract from the overall reading experience.
Treatment of female characters: Readers express mixed opinions about the portrayal of female characters in "The Prince of Thieves." While some appreciate the inclusion of named female characters and their unique conceptions, others find that Marian falls into familiar stereotypes without receiving the same level of originality as other characters.
Fanfiction tradition: The book is mentioned as an embodiment of the fanfiction tradition surrounding Robin Hood. Readers appreciate the new twists and characterizations introduced by Dumas, which set his interpretation apart from other adaptations.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging storytelling: Dumas' ability to craft an engaging story that captivates readers is a significant reason for recommending "The Prince of Thieves." The book offers an exciting journey through Robin Hood's early life and explores the depths of his character and relationships with other characters.
Unique character development: The well-rounded and distinct portrayal of Robin Hood and his companions is another reason readers recommend this book. Dumas' skillful reveal of their backgrounds and connections adds depth to their characters and makes them memorable.
Vivid language: Dumas' poetic and old-fashioned writing style adds to the charm of the story. Readers appreciate the fun and engaging language that makes reading a pleasure. While some find the language affected, others enjoy its unique quality.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Affected language: Some readers find the language used in "The Prince of Thieves" to be overly affected, which can detract from their overall reading experience. The excessive use of faints, kisses on the forehead, and pretentious words in dialogues can detract from the story's impact.
Stereotypical portrayal of female characters: Readers who appreciate originality in character development may find that Marian falls into familiar stereotypes without receiving the same level of originality as other characters in the story. This can be a reason for not recommending the book to those who prioritize diverse representation in their reading choices.

Conclusion

"The Prince of Thieves" by Alexandre Dumas offers readers an engaging and captivating interpretation of the Robin Hood legend. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and Dumas' signature storytelling style, this book has garnered praise from readers worldwide. While some may find the language affected or criticize the portrayal of female characters, overall, "The Prince of Thieves" is highly recommended for those seeking a fresh take on the Robin Hood tale with unique characterizations and a compelling narrative.