The Outlaw Legend
A Cultural Tradition in Britain, America and Australia

This 1996 book examines why outlaws from Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace are regarded as heroes rather than criminals.

Graham Seal (Author)

9780521557405, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 July 1996

268 pages, 20 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.4 kg

British and Irish highwaymen, American badmen and Australian bushrangers are part of our folklore - just think of Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, Billy the Kid, Jesse James and Ned Kelly. Most have been remembered as noble bandits or national heroes even though they were criminals. Remembered and recreated through song, stories and film, Graham Seal shows in this 1996 book that outlaw heroes have survived remarkably across time and place, and share many characteristics when their 'role' is examined in a social context. They also seem to become important in times of social, economic and political stress. Illustrated throughout, this is a lively and entertaining read beginning with Robin Hood and progressing through to outlaws in cyberspace.

1. The outlaw legend
2. Outlaws of myth
3. British highwaymen
4. American badmen
5. Australian bushrangers
6. Outlaw to national hero: the case of Ned Kelly
7. Interpreting the Legend: convenient fictions, lore and law.

Subject Areas: Biography: historical, political & military [BGH]