"You who so plod amid serious things that you feel it shame to give yourself up even for a few short moments to mirth and joyousness in the land of Fancy; you who think that life hath not to do with innocent laughter that can harm no one; these pages are not for you." ¿ Howard Pyle, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood of Great Renown in Nottinghamshire (1883) is written and illustrated by Howard Pyle. In this novel, Pyle extended the 19th-century portrayal of Robin Hood as a heroic outlaw who robs the rich to feed the poor and adapted it for children. Pyle's novel increased the popularity of Robin Hood in the United States and influenced later writers and artists in their own Robin Hood portrayals. Although this book is nearly 140 years old, its joyful tale about the witty and charming adventurer and outlaw Robin Hood remains an enjoyable read and a true classic for children and adults alike.