Ars Libri

Brambly Hedge

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.com [https://arslibri.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7] Step through the roots and into the hollows of the Old Oak for a journey into the miniature, moss-covered world of Brambly Hedge, where every season is a celebration and the tea is always brewing. Fun reading for young girls and boys. This is the book edition we own: The Complete Brambly Hedge [https://amzn.to/4qd1beZ]

Robin Hood

In this episode of Ars Libri, guest Sean Russell joins the show to explore the enduring legacy and historical evolution of Robin Hood. Our conversation traces the character’s development from 13th-century “jailhouse records” and 14th-century poems like Piers Plowman to the “gentrified” nobleman popularized by later playwrights and novelists. Russell—author of the Greek-inspired fiction works Thelo and Dunamai—shares insights into how early canon stories such as The Gest of Robin Hood established staples like the archery tournament and the death of the outlaw. We also discuss how figures like Friar Tuck and Maid Marian were integrated into the mythos over centuries. Russell explains the “wax nose” nature of the legend, its political subversions, and its colorful cinematic history, ranging from Kevin Costner’s 90s Americana portrayal to the “perfect aesthetics” of the spoof Men in Tights. Listeners will also get an exclusive preview of Russell’s upcoming novel, Robin Hood: The Green Knight, which reimagines the hero as a battle-hardened veteran of the Third Crusade struggling with his return to England. Checkout these versions: * Robin Hood by Paul Creswik, Illustrated by NC Wyeth [https://amzn.to/459mOoe] * The Adventures of Robin Hood, by Roger Lancelyn Green [https://amzn.to/49dEYru] * The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle [https://amzn.to/3KJl2U5] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com [https://arslibri.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

That Hideous Strength

The novelization of his non-fiction work The Abolition Of Man. Many call it prophetic. The Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength) by C.S. Lewis (2011) Paperback [https://amzn.to/4q4k9V8] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com [https://arslibri.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Mill On The Po

Step back into the churning currents of the 19th-century Po River, where one family’s floating mill becomes the fragile stage for an epic struggle against the relentless tides of history and the unification of Italy. The version of the book that we own: The Mill on the Po [https://amzn.to/4qsD0Jy] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com [https://arslibri.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Story of Roland

James Baldwin’s The Story of Roland (1883) is a classic retelling of the medieval legends surrounding the greatest of Charlemagne’s knights. It combines chivalry, epic battles, and old-school heroism in a web of interweaving adventures. This is one of the best books for boys and girls alike. Old original copies from Scribner and Sons are still available with wonderful artwork by Peter Hurd. 10/10 recommend. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com [https://arslibri.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]