Otto of the Silver Hand

Howard Pyle is one of my favorite authors, as he has splendid archaic English prose and beautful illustrations in all of his books. Otto of the Silver Hand is no exception, and is rather a devation from his normal books. Unlike Robin Hood and His Merry Men, his King Arthur books, or Men in Iron, this book has few battle scenes and is mostly about character development and the setting of the Middle Ages. It tells the story of Otto, the young son of a robber baron, who grows up in a monestary and is thrust out into the world. He finds it a cruel place, and much evil comes to him. Meanwhile, Pyle is through the whole book trying to show that strength of character is stronger than strength of sword, and that the silver hand is more desirable than the iron fist. It is a wonderful book, with wonderful illustrations by Pyle himself. I definitely recommend this, as well as Pyle other works. Overall grade: A.

As an elementary and junior high school teacher, I have read and re-read hundreds of the best children's books, scores of them aloud to my classes. In my opinion "Otto of the Silver Hand" is the most perfect book ever written for children. The story is engaging and inspiring, the flavor of the middle ages comes through in the language, and the illustrations are classic. This is a book no 9 to 14-year-old child should miss, and it is a rewarding read also for any thoughtful adult who has an interest in history or literature.

I first read Otto of the Silver Hand as a child and was completely intrigued by its medieval feel and simple, yet poetic, grandeur. I can honestly say that it is one reason that I went on to become a medievalist. As an adult, I've enjoyed it even more. Pyle's evocative illustrations add enormously to the mood and beauty of the work. I strongly recommend it for people of all ages and particularly as a good book to read aloud to children.

Children and adults will love this wonderful book about honor and virtue in the Middle Ages. Otto, the young protagonist of the novel, proves that evil begets evil and good begets honor -- and above all that CHARACTER DOES MATTER. The novel, first published in 1888 by one of America's finest authors/illustrators is inspiring and exciting. A great book to read aloud to children.

I have read - Otto of the Silver Hand - two times. Once to myself and then to my three oldest children ages 9,8,6. This book is as captivating and beautiful as a knight in shining armor tale can be. It's a tale of love, courage, good and evil. The love begins between husband and wife with as much fervor and honesty as is felt in the movie "Braveheart" (Mel Gibson). Conrad, the baron of the Castle Drakenhausen whose love is so great for the Baroness Matilda, takes their son Otto to the "White Cross on the Hill" soon after his birth. There his good, holy and wise Uncle Otto (Abbot Otto) resides. You see, Baroness Matilda has died at Otto's birth and Baron Conrad knows his cold castle and his bitter feudal world are not suited for the raising of his child. Young Otto developes a pure, simple and docile attitude in the 12 years he lives at the monastery. His father comes to reclaim him at this point and here the story begins to unfold.This is so beautifully written! It's wonderfully suspenceful (how Otto escapes from his cold, dark dungeon when he is near death; how his father gives his life in the end for that of his son and the "faithful few" who remained with him till the bitter end. I am reminded of a thought which often passes through my mind - No greater love has man than he who lays down his life for another-We do have one compliant about the telling of this tale...we wish there would have been more to the ending. It ended too abruptly in our opinion. We wanted more. However, we were left for many days reliving the book over and over in our thoughts and conversations. The spirit of great love from a man to his wife, a father to his son was refreshing. The story was indeed uplifting to the mind, heart and soul of myself and my children. What better tale to tell...to teach love in its sometimes harsh reality!! Death because of love!! This book is too beautiful to miss!! (if you are interested in knights, etc.) Any critique to the contrary shows a lack of depth of the critic. Perhaps only those with the greatest potential to love can see the beauty of this tale.