Otto of the Silver Hand is a tale of a young boy's journey through the Middle Ages in Germany. This children's historical novel was published in 1888 . The story follows Otto, the son of a ruthless warlord who is raised in a monastery after his mother's death in childbirth. At the age of eleven, Otto is taken back to his father's castle, where he...More
Howard Pyle (March 5, 1853 – November 9, 1911) was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people. Pyle synthesized many traditional Robin Hood legends and ballads in this work, while toning them down to make them suitable for children.
In 1894, he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry (now Drexel University). After 1900, he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books frequently have medieval European settings, including a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and...More
Howard Pyle (March 5, 1853 – November 9, 1911) was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people. Pyle synthesized many traditional Robin Hood legends and ballads in this work, while toning them down to make them suitable for children.
In 1894, he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry (now Drexel University). After 1900, he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art.
His 1883 classic publication The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood remains in print, and his other books frequently have medieval European settings, including a four-volume set on King Arthur. He is also well known for his illustrations of pirates, and is credited with creating what has become the modern stereotype of pirate dress.
Book Summary
Otto of the Silver Hand is a tale of a young boy's journey through the Middle Ages in Germany. This children's historical novel was published in 1888 . The story follows Otto, the son of a ruthless warlord who is raised in a monastery after his mother's death in childbirth. At the age of eleven, Otto is taken back to his father's castle, where he learns of his father's predatory attacks on the countryside and the barbaric acts committed in his name. Otto's horror reaches a peak when he discovers that his father killed a defeated enemy who was trying to surrender. After Baron Conrad is summoned to the Imperial Court, leaving Castle Drachenhausen unprotected, a rival baron attacks and captures Otto. In revenge for his uncle's death, Baron Henry cuts off Otto's right hand. Otto is later rescued by his father, but not before his father sacrifices his own life to ensure his son's escape. Otto is eventually taken back to the monastery, where he recovers and regains his health. He later becomes a respected statesman, marries Baron Henry's daughter, and is known for his wise counsel and peaceful nature. His amputated hand is replaced with a silver one, symbolizing the power of compassion and the virtues of peace.
Howard pyle
