"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
(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.