The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses

The Black Arrow

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	1883
Founder	Robert Louis Stevenson (as Captain George North)
Products	Historical, romantic, and adventure novel

The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses is a historical, romantic, and adventure novel authored by Robert Louis Stevenson. Its initial release was as a serialized story in 1883, published under the subtitle "A Tale of Tunstall Forest" in Young Folks; A Boys' and Girls' Paper of Instructive and Entertaining Literature, with installments appearing from June 30 through October 20, 1883. Stevenson finished writing the work by the end of that summer and chose to publish it using the pseudonym Captain George North.

In his preface titled "Critic on the Hearth," Stevenson reflected on the interval between the serial publication and the book edition released in 1888, noting that the story was originally tailored for a particular readership. The narrative heavily references The Paston Letters as its principal literary inspiration. The complete text of The Black Arrow comprises roughly 79,926 words.

Plot introduction

Set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, The Black Arrow chronicles the journey of Richard (Dick) Shelton as he rises to knighthood, rescues his beloved Joanna Sedley, and seeks vengeance for the murder of his father, Sir Harry Shelton. The outlaw band known as the Black Arrow, led by Ellis Duckworth and identified by their signature black arrow symbol, operates within Tunstall Forest. Dick becomes suspicious that his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley and his men are responsible for his father’s death. This suspicion alienates Sir Daniel, forcing Dick to flee and ultimately join forces with the Black Arrow rebels.

Plot summary

Taking place during King Henry VI’s reign (1422–1471) amid the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), the narrative begins at Tunstall Moat House where men are being recruited for battle at Risingham. The outlaw group called "the Black Arrow" targets Sir Daniel Brackley and his associates: Nicholas Appleyard, Bennet Hatch, and Sir Oliver Oates. Richard ('Dick') Shelton, under Sir Daniel’s guardianship, becomes intrigued by a rhyme connected to these attacks that hint at his father’s demise. Sent on errands to Kettley and back to Tunstall Moat House, Dick encounters Joanna Sedley disguised as "John Matcham," an heiress abducted by Sir Daniel to secure control over Dick through marriage.

While journeying through Tunstall Forest, Joanna persuades Dick to ally with the Black Arrow outlaws. They locate their camp near the ruins of Grimstone manor. After encountering Sir Daniel masquerading as a leper returning defeated from Risingham, Dick trails him back to Moat House where he uncovers evidence implicating Sir Daniel in his father’s murder. Injured during his escape, Dick is saved by members of the outlaw band.

The latter portion of the story (books 3–5) centers on Dick’s efforts to free Joanna from Sir Daniel’s grasp with assistance from both the Black Arrow fellowship and Yorkist forces commanded by Richard Crookback, Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III). Much of this action unfolds at Shoreby on the North Sea coast where Lancastrian troops are stationed. While pursuing Sir Daniel, Dick’s group clashes with retainers loyal to Joanna’s legal guardian Lord Foxham. After overcoming Foxham in a nocturnal skirmish, Foxham honors chivalric codes by surrendering himself to Dick and pledges Joanna’s hand in marriage following a planned seaside rescue attempt. Although this rescue fails and Foxham is wounded, he provides Dick with a letter recommending him to Duke Richard Crookback.

In book 4, entitled "The Disguise," Dick and fellow outlaw Lawless masquerade as friars to gain entry into Sir Daniel's Shoreby estate to visit Joanna. They uncover Sir Daniel’s intention to wed Joanna to Lancastrian Lord Shoreby. The situation complicates when Lawless becomes intoxicated and Lord Shoreby’s spy Rutter discovers their presence; Dick kills Rutter in self-defense. Heightened security leads to their capture by Sir Oliver who agrees to release them only if the wedding proceeds. When Black Arrow archers interrupt the ceremony and assassinate Shoreby, Dick and Lawless are handed over to Sir Daniel. Seeking sanctuary at an abbey church but eventually surrendering to Earl Risingham, Dick secures their freedom by exposing Sir Daniel's treachery.

In book 5, Crookback arrives during a skirmish where Dick aids him against Lancastrian forces. Utilizing his knowledge of enemy positions contributes significantly to Crookback’s victory later that day. Knighted on the battlefield by Crookback and granted command over fifty horsemen, Dick pursues Sir Daniel who escapes with Joanna. Despite losing most of his men, Dick succeeds in rescuing Joanna; they marry at Holywood, fulfilling his vow.

On their wedding day at Holywood seaport, Dick confronts Sir Daniel who attempts to flee but refrains from combat out of respect for the occasion. Sir Daniel retreats only to be slain by Ellis Duckworth’s final black arrow. Thereafter, Sir Richard and Lady Shelton live peacefully at Tunstall Moat House amidst ongoing Wars of the Roses conflicts. Lawless retires to Tunstall village and returns to monastic life as Brother Honestus within the Franciscan order.

Characters

• Richard (Dick) Shelton – The central figure and heir to Tunstall, son of the deceased Sir Harry Shelton. Approximately eighteen years old in 1460, he commands the Black Arrow bandits in Shoreby to liberate Joanna Sedley. He receives knighthood from Richard Crookback during the Battle of Shoreby.
• Clipsby – A daring peasant from Tunstall who initially exposes the deceitful nature of Dick's guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley.
• Bennet Hatch – A middle-aged bailiff serving Sir Daniel Brackley, recognized for his stern and somber disposition.
• Nicholas Appleyard – An elderly veteran in his seventies, survivor of Agincourt, noted for his sharp vision despite advanced age.
• Sir Oliver Oates – The local clergyman and clerk to Sir Daniel; a timid sycophant whose expertise in law supports Sir Daniel’s political and financial manipulations.
• Sir Daniel Brackley – The antagonist; a morally corrupt knight who opportunistically switches loyalties between Lancaster and York to amass wealth. He profits through land rents, guardianships, and orchestrated marriages. Physically described as bald with a lean, dark face, yet also portrayed as a jovial knight and effective military commander.
• The Walsinghams – Stevenson’s depiction of the Woodville family, former noble lords of Tunstall and Kettley, now reduced to impoverished commoners elevated by marriage alliances under Edward IV.
• Joanna Sedley – The female protagonist and ward of Lord Foxham, abducted by Sir Daniel. At sixteen in 1460, she evolves from presenting in masculine attire to embodying a refined young noblewoman over the course of the story.
• Selden – A retainer of Sir Daniel allied with Bennet Hatch and Dick Shelton; killed during a Black Arrow ambush while pursuing Joanna.
• Will Lawless – A burly member of the Black Arrow resembling Friar Tuck; formerly a sailor and Franciscan friar. He aids Dick by disguising him as a friar. Ultimately adopts the name Brother Honestus, symbolizing his redemption.
• Ellis Duckworth – The coordinator of the Black Arrow Brotherhood seeking retribution for Harry Shelton and others; rumored to be an agent of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick.
• Kit (Christopher) Greensheve – A Black Arrow outlaw closely associated with Dick Shelton.
• John Capper – Another member of the Black Arrow connected to Dick Shelton.
• Goody Hatch – Wife of Bennet Hatch who cares for Joanna at the Moat House.
• Lord Foxham – A Yorkist nobleman and guardian to Joanna; collaborates with Dick and his outlaws in rescue efforts.
• Sir John Hamley – Relative of Lord Foxham and intended suitor for Joanna; ultimately engaged to Alicia Risingham.
• Hawksley – Servant to Lord Foxham who tends to him aboard The Good Hope following unsuccessful rescue attempts.
• Earl Risingham – Lancastrian nobleman and uncle to Alicia Risingham; killed during the Battle of Shoreby.
• Alicia Risingham – Niece of Earl Risingham; companion and friend to Joanna. She flirts playfully with Dick Shelton but honors his affection for Joanna. She wittily refers to herself as a "dwarf" due to her short height.
• Lord Shoreby – Lancastrian noble slain by Black Arrow outlaws to thwart his marriage plans with Joanna Sedley.
• Rutter – An informant working for Lord Shoreby, killed by Dick Shelton.
• Captain Arblaster – Owner of The Good Hope, which is seized by Dick and the Black Arrow. Although spared after the Battle of Shoreby through Dick’s influence with Richard Crookback, he harbors resentment towards Dick’s actions. He ends his days as a pensioner in Tunstall Hamlet.
• Tom – First mate under Arblaster who dies at Shoreby. Initially distrustful of Dick and Lawless; captures Dick but is ultimately outwitted by him.
• Master Pirret – Arblaster’s acquaintance whose avarice facilitates Dick’s escape from capture.
• Richard Crookback – Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester and future King Richard III (historical figure).
• Sir William Catesby – Retainer loyal to Richard Crookback (historical figure).

Chronology and geography

The storyline of The Black Arrow takes place from May 1460 to January 1461, centered around the historical Battle of Wakefield on 30 December 1460. Stevenson depicts Richard Crookback (who would become Richard III) as an active adult participant in the Wars of the Roses during this timeframe, despite the fact that he was only eight years old at that time. This portrayal aligns with the Tudor narrative, which cast Richard III in a negative light and portrayed the 15th century as a period of turmoil compared to the Tudor era.

In contrast, the 1948 cinematic version presents a more sympathetic image of Richard Crookback, anticipating later historical reinterpretations. Stevenson showed an interest in exploring this character further, referring to him as "the Sable Missile" in letters, hinting at possible future projects.

The fictional Battle of Shoreby described in Book 5 parallels the First Battle of St Albans (1455), a victory for the Yorkists. The abbey church at Shoreby is reminiscent of Tewkesbury Abbey, known historically as a refuge following the battle in 1471.

Stevenson grounds The Black Arrow in an authentic geographical setting, probably modeled on Tunstall in Suffolk, England. Place names such as Kettley, Risingham, and Foxham correspond to real locations like Kettleburgh, Framlingham, and Farnham nearby. Shoreby-on-the-Till and Holywood likely stand in for Orford and Leiston respectively. The River Till is matched with the River Deben, which runs close to Kettleburgh.

The main character Richard Shelton shares both his name and estate with Sir Richard Tunstall, a historical Lancastrian loyalist to Henry VI who defended Harlech Castle against Yorkist forces. However, Stevenson's Shelton ultimately emerges as a Yorkist knight by the conclusion of the story.

Two significant anachronisms appear in the novel: references to Lambert Simnel and "the Walsinghams" (the Woodvilles), both of whom are historically relevant only after 1464 and during Henry VII’s reign, which postdates the novel’s setting.

Criticism

Stevenson was notably self-critical regarding The Black Arrow, dismissing it as "tushery" due to its use of archaic English dialogue. In a letter dated May 1883 to H.E. Henley, he expressed this view explicitly.

His wife Fanny is credited on the fly-leaf as the "critic on the hearth," although she never actually read the novel and reportedly had little fondness for historical fiction.

Over its 140-year existence, critical acclaim for The Black Arrow has been relatively modest. Novelist John Galsworthy characterized it as "a livelier picture of medieval times than I remember elsewhere in fiction." This tempered reception partly stems from Stevenson’s own disparagement and misinterpretations surrounding his term "tushery."

Nevertheless, contemporary scholars such as Professor Gary Hoppenstand regard The Black Arrow as an undervalued piece—a psychologically rich narrative with complexity surpassing even that of Treasure Island. Hoppenstand contends it provides profound insights into human nature comparable to those found in Stevenson’s gothic masterpiece, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Annotated edition

On 18 December 2007, Penguin Books issued the inaugural annotated version of The Black Arrow, which includes an introduction and explanatory notes by John Sutherland. This edition cites the English Wikipedia entry related to the novel. The cover art portrays fifteenth-century combatants adorned with red and white roses, emblematic of the Houses of Lancaster and York, emphasizing the eventual triumph of the House of York within the story.

Film, TV, animated, or theatrical adaptations

The Black Arrow has undergone numerous adaptations, frequently with significant variations, such as:

• A 1911 short film directed by Oscar Apfel
• The 1948 motion picture featuring Louis Hayward
• A 1951 British television serial starring Denis Quilley
• The 1968 Italian TV series titled La freccia nera
• A British TV series produced by Southern Colour Production from 1972 to 1975
• The 1985 film starring Oliver Reed alongside Benedict Taylor
• The Soviet film Chyornaya strela released in 1985
• An animated version produced in 1988 by Burbank Films Australia
• A 2021 reference in Amazon Prime’s miniseries Them

A detailed catalog of these adaptations is available on the Robert Louis Stevenson official website.

Editions

• 1883, United Kingdom: Initial serialization appeared in Young Folks magazine
• 1888, United Kingdom: First hardcover edition published by Cassell & Co., Ltd.
• 1888, United States: First American edition issued by Charles Scribner's Sons
• 1888, Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz produced both paperback and hardcover editions
• Numerous reprints and illustrated editions were released between 1894 and 1944 by Cassell & Co. and Charles Scribner's Sons, including notable versions illustrated by N.C. Wyeth
• From the mid-20th century through the early 2000s, various paperback and audio editions were published by entities such as Pocket Books, Nelson Doubleday, Airmont Publishing, Watermill Press, Geddes & Grosset (Bloomsbury), Penguin Books, Tom Doherty Associates (Tor Classics), Tantor Media, IndyPublish.com, Signet Classics (Penguin), Audio Book Contractors, Neeland Media (Kindle), Wildside Press, Kessinger Publishing, Adamant Media Corp., BiblioBazaar, and NuVision Publications

This extensive publication record demonstrates sustained interest across different formats and geographic markets.

Comic book version

In October 1946, The Gilberton Company from New York released a comic book adaptation of The Black Arrow as issue No. 31 in their Classics Illustrated series. Later, in 1964, Editorial Sea/Novaro in Mexico published a comic rendition titled "La Flecha Negra" within Tesoro De Cuentos Clasicos #89.

Original manuscript and textual history

Approximately half of Robert Louis Stevenson's original manuscripts—including those for Treasure Island, The Black Arrow, and The Master of Ballantrae—have been lost. Following World War I, his descendants auctioned numerous documents in 1918. The novel was initially serialized in 1883 in Young Folks: A Boys' and Girls' Paper of Instructive and Entertaining Literature (volumes 22–23) before Stevenson revised it for its first book publication in 1888.

Digital editions

• Serialized text from Young Folks, 1883