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78th out of 573 books
—
214 voters
Otto of the Silver Hand
by
Howard Pyle
Born into a robber baron's household in medieval Germany, young Otto is caught in the middle of a violent blood feud. Captured in battle and severely tortured, the brave lad nevertheless grows up to be a gentle and loving person, standing above other men and looked up to by all. 55 dynamic illustrations.
Paperback, 173 pages
Published
June 1st 1967
by Dover Publications
(first published 1888)
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May 01, 2013
Jason
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historical adventure fans; medieval fans
I read a condensed version of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" when I was nine or ten years old (I despise condensed books for children, incidentally), but have not given Howard Pyle a shot since then. It hasn't been because he was a bad writer, I just haven't thought much about it.
Recently I was reading up on him (I didn't even know he was American), and saw that he wrote a medieval story called "Otto of the Silver Hand", which was about the son of a robber baron in medieval times. That sounded r...more
Recently I was reading up on him (I didn't even know he was American), and saw that he wrote a medieval story called "Otto of the Silver Hand", which was about the son of a robber baron in medieval times. That sounded r...more
Rather good book about medieval Germany, generously illustrated. Some of the illustrations are very beautiful and well-composed, but others are unengaging. The story is rollicking adventure, only loosely moralistic. Otto is a gracious victim, always ready to accept his bad lot in life. It is only in the last instants of the novel that Otto is given his predictable happy ending -- long after he has been brought from the paradise of a monastery to live with a father who doesn't understand him and...more
Otto's mother died during childbirth, and his father, a warlord, left him in a monastery for a proper and safe upbringing. As an older boy Otto's father returns for him, at which time Otto discovers the truth about his father's past, particularly about his part in the murder of Baron Frederick. As a result of the feud his father had a hand in, Otto is ultimately is the subject of revenge.
Howard Pyle's books are always fantastic, down to his illustrations. Otto of the Silver Hand is a quick read,...more
Howard Pyle's books are always fantastic, down to his illustrations. Otto of the Silver Hand is a quick read,...more
This is a good book. It is written I believe for young boys especially but all will enjoy it. You feel like you are reading an old English story that has been handed down through the ages. Even though it is a very quick read the characters are understood and appreciated by the reader. It contains some violence (I think life then was violent) and is somewhat sad. The author has illustrated the book with awesome drawings all through the book. I loved looking at them. For the art work I'm giving th...more
This was read to me when I was between 10 and 15 (not sure exactly what age.) Whenever I'm forced to read a book or it was read to me and my siblings as a family thing, I tended to not like it. ;)
However, since this is Pyle, I would like to say that this book is probably a lot better than I remember it being. And I love his Robin Hood, so I'm guessing this is a great read for those of us who love older books and classics.
However, since this is Pyle, I would like to say that this book is probably a lot better than I remember it being. And I love his Robin Hood, so I'm guessing this is a great read for those of us who love older books and classics.
This is a fine book, as are all great offerings from the masculine Pyle. This is a dark and more exotic tale than Men of Iron, and more complex than his Arthurian tellings. It is a good book for a young man -- portraying the discipline of education, the excruciating hardship of pain and torture, the marvels of love, and the thrills of cloak-and-dagger intrigue -- though every young woman will be enthralled by the same.
Nov 14, 2008
Dan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
lovers of fantasy, middle ages, historical fiction
Shelves:
fantasy
Liked it for the story, which was well-rendered in that Old English/contemporary mesh, in which Howard Pyle excelled, which makes you feel like you're reading a tale that has been handed down in time-honored antiquity. A pretty mournful tale of a peaceable lad who, as the protagnoist, actually has almost no intentional impact on the storyline, but who is swept up in a big and violent world which surrounds him. Pyle's writing definitely makes you feel like you're reading the definitive version of...more
Jordy and I read this as a 7th grade history assignment. Great historical fiction that gives a picture of what it was like to live in a castle community in early western Europe. Life was harsh and morals were low, but anyone can change. Old English wording and uncommon vocabulary made comprehension an effort at times.
Otto Of The Silver Hand is about a boy named Otto who lives in Germany. Otto's father, Baron Conrad, was enemies with Baron Henry, because Conrad killed Henry's father in battle. Poor Otto hates fighting, and is afraid of the evil things his father had done.
This was a very well written novel and historical fiction fans would really enjoy it.
Howard Pyle has an unassuming writing style that I love. His description is never over the top, but just enough to set the scene without calling attention to itself. It's hard for me to decide which I like best, the story or the illustrations. Anyone who likes stories of knights and monasteries will like this one.
This was a good book to read aloud to my kids in order to provide insights into the Dark Ages. It conveyed well what we know of the lifestyle of that time, along with the fact that education was being preserved in monasteries while the rest of the world seemingly floundered along. It didn't delve very deeply into the interesting characters introduced to us, but did give some good examples (not in a preachy way) of the different choices we can make and how our priorities lead to consequences (goo...more
I read it when I was about 12, maybe even 11. But at that age, if I had to read a book for school I always decided before hand that I wasn't going to like it. So of course, as I look back, I remember "reeaalllllyyy not liking it at all". But if I read it now, I would probably like it.
Nov 19, 2008
Lisa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in medieval history
Shelves:
read-with-children
Otto of the Silver Hand was originally published in 1888 – and I am amazed that the content within this novel continues to be relevant in today’s society. This story is set in medieval Germany when castles, feuds, barons, knights, kidnapping, soldiers, and rescues were common. Violence, revenge, hatred are all themes that continue to permeate within our society. Yet, in both the past and present we can also find humility, gentleness, love, sacrifice and forgiveness. The traits that little Otto p...more
Ok it's a pre 1900 but still the narrative is awefull and the ending is way too aprupt. I don't say that there are not some cool ideas (for example One eyed Hans rescue mission) but reading Otto of the Silver Hand is overall just a waist of time. I can't recommend it!
This is the odd and somewhat tragic story of a medieval German boy held prisoner by his father's enemies. He is maimed by having his hand chopped off, but later rescued by some of his late's fathers supporters and given a silver hand by the Emperor.
This little boy stole my heart. His dad's a barbarian - pretty much literally. The boy grows up in a monastary and he's so considerate and sweet. Then, his dad takes him back home and during a raid the boy is kidnapped by the bad guys.
Sep 07, 2010
Relstuart
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
classics,
boyhood-pleasures
The Artwork in this book is amazing. The story is interesting and it does have a bit of a sad ending. It does make one think about the cost of violence and peace.
this was actually a tremendous story with very noble characters and a good bit of suspense, rescue, capture,chivalry, etc.
A very good read for young people.
A very good read for young people.
The next book I'm reading to Clara. Emma said she loved this book when she read it a few years ago. We shall see. It's a quick read, we're 1/3 of the way through in 1 evening.
This isn't my favorite book. Otto is too perfect, to the point of being annoying. The story would have been better with more believable characters.
You know those books that you can't put down because you waiting for something, anything, to happen? Yup. This was one of them...
I didn't really enjoy this as much as I thought I would. Some exciting parts, but Otto is really a wuss.
Feb 22, 2009
Joanna
added it
I liked the ending...but it was sad. In a good way though. My brother and I both liked it.
I think I liked this story even more than the kids! It has all the elements I really enjoy, castles, knights, treachery, virtuous maidens, swords fights, and a tragic, yet happy ending. My skills as a reader were put to the test, though, the characters spoke in Old English! My tongue and their ears acclimated after the first few chapters and we all got along well after that.
Jan 29, 2010
Jayme VA
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Male readers, people interested in the Dark Ages
Shelves:
2010
This is very much a "boy" book, although I did enjoy it for what it was- a medieval fairy tail with lots of fighting, barons, and of course a fair maiden.
I just never felt that I appreciated Otto as much as the author wanted me to.
I loved this book and Pyles usual genius combination of word and image. Thanks Gail!
The story is very simple but enjoyable, and the illustrations are great.
Morality tale about a blood feud between robber barons in medieval Germany.
Well written historical book about the Dark Ages.
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Howard Pyle was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people.
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists an...more
More about Howard Pyle...
During 1894 he began teaching illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University), and after 1900 he founded his own school of art and illustration named the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art. The term Brandywine School was later applied to the illustration artists an...more
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Aug 30, 2009 06:28pm