Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
Publisher: Lepanto Press
Number of pages: 328

Here is a fine old tale of brave deeds and knightly adventure in the time of Henry IV. In our imaginations we are transported to the days of great, turreted, fortress-like castles; elaborate and prolonged festivities and pageantry; thrilling tournaments; quests of knightly daring.

This story of high adventure is set in those Medieval days of 1400. Myles Falworth, the boy hero, sets out to clear the good name of his father, Lord Reginald Falworth, falsely accused of attempting to overthrow the new king, Henry IV.

• This book abounds in vivid descriptions, containing a great many highly dramatic scenes, which give a clear portrayal of the rise to knighthood in Medieval England.

• Depicts the toil involved to reach the attainment of knighthood by the acquiring of a virtuous heart, gallant and brave.

• Many examples are given by the main character throughout the story of perseverance, patience and the acquisition of humility obtained by several grinding lessons encountered with the opposition.

• The variety of temperaments met up with by way of this narrative is striking and presents the reader with many valuable examples of the relationships, which provide instruction in the attainment of virtue.

Nothing scandalous is related in this book. There is no objectionable language.

In this story of the Middle Ages the students will enjoy the Old English expressions that were used then which opens a better understanding of the scope and possibilities of our language today.

The aim of this book is to implant and keep especially in the minds of youth today the best that there is, from the standpoint of ethics, in the code of honor observed by the knights.