"The Year 1400 opened with more than usual peacefulness in England. Only
a few months before, Richard II--weak, wicked, and treacherous--had been
dethroned, and Henry IV declared King in his stead. But it was only a
seeming peacefulness, lasting but for a little while; for though King
Henry proved himself a just and a merciful man--as justice and mercy
went with the men of iron of those day there were many noble families
who had been benefited by King Richard during his reign, and who had
lost somewhat of their power and prestige from the coming in of the new
King." --Howard Pyle, Introduction Men of Iron
Men of Iron (1892), written and illustrated by Howard Pyle, is a novel
set in fifteenth-century England that offers the tale about young Myles
Falworth, who wants to avenge his father's honor after he was falsely
accused of plotting to kill King Henry IV. In order to restore his
family's name, he prepares to become a knight.
This classic is a fascinating coming-of-age, story beautifully
illustrated by Pyle, and an enjoyable and inspiring read for children
and adults alike.