Robin Hood's story is so widely known and enjoyed that it is easy to overlook the message of radical social justice at its center. When the rich and powerful further enrich themselves by preying on the poor, the latter may be justified in taking back enough to live on. King Richard I was out of the country and had no part in the oppression practiced by his brother John and John's supporters. Hence Robin and his band are not shown as anarchists or mere robbers.

They support legitimate authority and work for the return of their king, but fight with those who misuse the power they hold.

Morpurgo depicts many of the Outcasts as physically imperfect in some way. Will Scarlett is a hunchback. Robin's father is blind, because the night when he was imprisoned the Sheriff's men put out his eyes.

Other members have lost...