The True History of Robin Hood, J. W. Walker — 1st Edition

£24.99

The True History of Robin Hood, J. W. Walker — 1st Edition

Name: The True History of Robin Hood, J. W. Walker — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4973
Price: 24.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Wakefield, The West Yorkshire Printing Company Limited, 1952

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xxi, 132, [4] plates.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original green cloth boards remain structurally sound and firm, though they exhibit light shelf-wear, primarily presenting as mild bumping to the spine extremities and subtle rubbing along the edges. The gilt lettering stamped to the front board and spine remains remarkably bright and unoxidised. The binding is tight and square, showing no signs of weakness or leaning. Internally, the text block is exceptionally clean and bright; the pages are free from foxing or significant blemishes, with only a very faint, uniform age-toning to the text block edges consistent with the book's age. An attractive, well-preserved copy.

Catalogue Note: This is the true first edition of J. W. Walker's rigorous historical inquiry into the Robin Hood legend, published locally in Wakefield by The West Yorkshire Printing Company in 1952. This true first printing precedes the much more common 1973 reprint issued by E.P. Publishing.

The volume is complemented by the work of illustrator Ethel W. Walker, complete with two maps, four black-and-white plates, and eleven in-text illustrations that visually anchor Walker's academic research.

While the later 1970s reprints are readily encountered, the 1952 first edition is genuinely uncommon on the open market, especially in such a well-preserved state without significant wear or institutional markings, making this a desirable acquisition for dedicated collectors of British folklore and Yorkshire topography.

In The True History of Robin Hood, esteemed antiquarian and historian J. W. Walker presents a meticulous investigation into the origins of England's most famous outlaw. Drawing extensively upon the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield, the Contrariant Rolls, and Household Expense Accounts of Edward II, Walker attempts to ground the legend in historical reality, arguing that Robin Hood was a genuine 14th-century figure. Richly illustrated by Ethel W. Walker and dedicated to the Yorkshire Archæological and Wakefield Historical Societies, this detailed study remains a fascinating and foundational text for those captivated by the enduring lore of Barnsdale and Sherwood Forest, as well as the medieval history of Yorkshire.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: J. W. Walker

Book Publisher: The West Yorkshire Printing Company Limited

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 132

Book Publication Year: 1952

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Ethel W. Walker

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Wakefield, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.