Men of Iron by Howard Pyle Book Review

In Men of Iron by Howard Pyle, the author recounts the adventures of a young knight in fifteenth-century England. Not every young man has the opportunity to be a knight, so when seventeen-year-old Myles Falworth is presented with the chance to do so, he eagerly accepts the challenge. Competitions follow, one after another, and finally Sir Myles undertakes his greatest battle. In this fight to save his father’s life and honor Myles relies on his own boldness, tempered with his religious character, and his principles of right and wrong.

A prominent feature of Myles’ character is his boldness. Myles fought Blunt, leader of the bachelors, even though it was difficult Myles relied on his courage to defeat Blunt and stop him from abusing his power. He refused to serve the bachelors even though he could have been severely punished. Myles risked his life while attempting to fight the Earl of Alban, enemy of Myles’ father and the Earl of Mackworth, even if he could have died. Myles is a bold person who never stopped taking risks.

Myles’ actions also illustrate his religious character and trust in God. Myles went an entire night in meditation and prayer to become a knight and did not complain once. Myles actions of fighting against any evil and abuse shows that he carries out the will of God. He almost never seemed afraid because he trusted in God. Myles is a faithful person who trusts in God to help him through his life.

In addition to other traits, Myles Falworth also demonstrates his strong personal principles of right and wrong. Myles refuses to do any service for the bachelors as he considers it wrong. Myles sets out to defeat the man who blinded his father and is still trying to kill Myles’ father because he considered that person evil. He antagonized The Earl of Mackworth when he first met him because The Earl was slightly rude. Myles’ definition of right and wrong are extremely helpful in his task to protect his friends and defeat The Earl of Alban who is attempting to kill Myles’ father.

In Men of Iron Myles’ boldness, religious character, and sense of right and wrong aid him as he strives to regain his father’s reputation. Myles’ principles allow him to stay strong and fight for his father and defeat evil. Myles’ religious character helped him stay determined. His boldness aided him in defeating foes and achieving his goals. Men of Iron is an astonishing book with great lessons and amazing stories.