Most everyone knows the stories of Robin Hood - from the traditional folk tales we read as a child and the many television and movie interpretations we have seen. However, much greater than the stories themselves is the intriguing mystery of whether or not he actually ever existed. Was he a man or just a myth? Was he based on an actual historical figure and, if so, who might that person have been? For centuries, this complicated conundrum has been “a can of worms” that has both fascinated and infuriated academics and historians, prompting numerous books and theories being put forward, all claiming to know the answer! Then, just when you thought there was little else to know about the world’s favourite outlaw, along comes “Robin Hood – The New Evidence” by Geoff Wilson! 
 
This new publication looks at varied aspects of historical links to the Robin Hood legend and should appeal to hard-core academics and interested enthusiasts alike. It’s not so much the evidence that is new - but more the interpretations that the author focuses on - presenting detailed geographical, topographical, geological and historical perspectives in a fresh analysis that is definitely worth some contemplative consideration. Including a comprehensive collection of relevant photos and maps, (together with a complete transcript of “The Gest of Robin Hood” from Stephen Knight and Thomas Ohlgren’s“ “Robin Hood and Other Outlaw Tales”), this latest book is certainly worthy of joining the many works to be found in libraries, universities and private collections etc. and will undoubtedly contribute some further debate to the vexed question of Robin Hood’s existence! 
 
Whether or not Geoff Wilson’s “new evidence” becomes widely accepted remains to be seen! For, in the words of author and historical advisor, Richard Rutherford-Moore, “many have placed Robin Hood under the microscope and tried to document, explain and justify him but as the Sheriff found out, he is a very slippery and elusive character!”