Aldine Robin Hood Library No. 14

# Catalog Note

This Robin Hood Library installment, "The Red Tower of Derby Castle," dramatizes conflict between Norman conquerors and Saxon subjects in medieval England. The narrative follows Lord Osbert de Grayle's return from a predatory raid on Saxon settlements, during which he captures prisoners including the grieving Margaret Woolrych, whose family was slain, and the young Ruth Steyne. In the castle's Hall of Death, five captives are executed by Hugo the deformed executioner. The young rebel Augustin Hartford, son of a Robin Hood follower, refuses to reveal forest hideouts and is spared execution but imprisoned with Damon, a fierce deerhound, as his guard. The story presents de Grayle as a cruel tyrant and promises eventual retribution through Margaret's vengeance and Hartford's father's uprising. Themes include Norman oppression, Saxon resistance, and the anticipation of rescue or revolt.