The Outlaw of Torn

Rating:
Summary: A great swordplay pulp novel from Edgar Rice Burroughs
Review: Edgar Rice Burroughs is best known for his Tarzan novels and better known for his Mars, Pellucidar and other science-fiction series, but "The Outlaw of Torn" is one of his best yarns. Henry III of England insults Sir Jules de Vac, who takes his vengeance by kidnapping young Prince Richard, a figure, Burroughs points out, who has been lost to the pages of history. As Norman, the Outlaw of Torn, the young man becomes the greatest swordsman in England and a fearless outlaw with a price upon his head who raises an army loyal only to him. Of course, although he is ignorant of his noble birth, he is drawn to the lovely Bertrade de Montfort, daughter of the King's brother-in-law, the Earl of Leicester. This romance fits in nicely with the plans of de Vac, who contrives situations for the king to be responsible for killing his own son. The obvious comparison for "The Outlaw of Torn" is with Robin Hood, but Burroughs' pulp novel has its own tale to tell. This is one of his best novels and as an example of the pulp fiction of the early 20th century it is a first-class work. I read every ERB novel I could get my hands on as a kid, and "The Outlaw of Torn" is the one I re-read the most.

Rating:
Summary: A great swordplay pulp novel from Edgar Rice Burroughs
Review: Edgar Rice Burroughs is best known for his Tarzan novels and better known for his Mars, Pellucidar and other science-fiction series, but "The Outlaw of Torn" is one of his best yarns. Henry III of England insults Sir Jules de Vac, who takes his vengeance by kidnapping young Prince Richard, a figure, Burroughs points out, who has been lost to the pages of history. As Norman, the Outlaw of Torn, the young man becomes the greatest swordsman in England and a fearless outlaw with a price upon his head who raises an army loyal only to him. Of course, although he is ignorant of his noble birth, he is drawn to the lovely Bertrade de Montfort, daughter of the King's brother-in-law, the Earl of Leicester. This romance fits in nicely with the plans of de Vac, who contrives situations for the king to be responsible for killing his own son. The obvious comparison for "The Outlaw of Torn" is with Robin Hood, but Burroughs' pulp novel has its own tale to tell. This is one of his best novels and as an example of the pulp fiction of the early 20th century it is a first-class work. I read every ERB novel I could get my hands on as a kid, and "The Outlaw of Torn" is the one I re-read the most.

Rating:
Summary: The Dark side of Robin Hood
Review: Fiction meets historical fiction in a pleasant departure from what I term "the ERB formula", The Outlaw of Torn takes place during one of the most difficult and violent times in English history. Resulting from hatred, jealousy and the continual struggle for power between King Henry III and Earl Simon De Montfort, the stage is set for a vengeful man to nurture and manipulate a child to become the most feared and ruthless warlord of his time. But, can a man live his life in constant conflict with his true nature? I first read this book in the early seventies and I've re-read it many times. It still remains my all-time favorite book. I'm tempted to send a copy to Hollywood.

Rating:
Summary: Elements of Robin Hood
Review: I read virtually everything Burroughs wrote that I could lay my hands on when I was in my early teens. This one escaped me. Having finally discovered it, even at an advanced age, I can say it is one of the jewels of ERB's work. While I am partial to his series works, there are times when a single volume story is all you want to read. This is a prime candidate.

Written in 1914 and published serially, ERB makes a departure from his plot formula (at least a little) in order to write this tale of ultimate vengeance. The main character, Norman of Torn, aka Prince Richard of England, becomes the prime tool for the revenge of another. There are the usual elements of romance, but in effect this is a novel about knights and sword fights, outlaws versus nobility, chivalry versus lusts. Life was never this black and white, but it makes for good reading. I found the story to be reminiscent of both Ivanhoe and Robin Hood, and well worth the read. P-)

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Tale of War and Romance
Review: This book is must reading for any Edgar Rice Burroughs fan! This is one of those stories that sticks with you long after it is read. In the top 5 of his best!......Billy York

Rating:
Summary: The Dark side of Robin Hood
Review: This book shows the dark side of Robin Hood. The main character robs and plunders castles. While the readers know that he is believing he is doing good. This book has various sub plots and the reader is completly entertained by them. This book is a short and quick reader. An average person can sit down and read this whole book in about six hours. This a great book and has all the pages of a great novel. Romance, fighting, and misunderstanding of a good, curl up around the fire place, and read till you are finished type book. I own serval versions and always looking for the books to give to friends.