Men of Iron

Men of Iron is a novel by Howard Pyle, originally published in 1891. It tells the story of Myles Falworth, a young squire in training to become a knight. Set in 15th-century England, the novel focuses on Myles's journey as he overcomes various challenges to restore his family's honor and achieve knighthood. A quest for knighthood motivates Myles Falworth through rigorous training and dangerous jousting tournaments to confront a lifelong enemy and claim his true love. Myles determines that the only way he can restore his family’s honor, undo the false charge of treason placed against his blind father by the arrogant Earl of Alban, is to become a knight of noble standing and challenge the Earl to single combat. Men of Iron is a historical novel of the 15th century, a coming of age story, and a swashbuckling tale of revenge and redemption. The hero’s hard training and challenges on the road to becoming a knight build toward his confrontation with the cruel Earl. This final showdown proves to be a sustained climax of suspense and violent action that will charge even the most jaded modern reader with excitement. The author’s deep research can be seen in the book’s authentic details and vivid period color and enhance the narrative without slowing the pace. First published in 1891, the novel was made into a 1954 film, The Black Shield of Falworth starring Tony Curtis as Myles Falworth. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Men of Iron is both modern and readable.