The Outla Legend A Cultural Tradition in Britain, America and Australia [Hardcover]

This 1996 book examines why outlaws from Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace are regarded as heroes rather than criminals.From Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace, this book is an important study for folklorists. It shows how these famous social bandits share many characteristics, particularly as anti-authority figures, and are best understood within class, ethnic and national struggles.From Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace, this book is an important study for folklorists. It shows how these famous social bandits share many characteristics, particularly as anti-authority figures, and are best understood within class, ethnic and national struggles.Highwaymen, badmen and bushrangers, both mythical and historical, have been part of folklore for centuries. Remembered and recreated through song, stories and film, this cultural tradition has been remarkably resilient across time and place. Graham Seal shows that these famous social bandits share many characteristics, particularly as anti-authority figures, and are best understood within class, ethnic and national struggles. From Robin Hood to outlaws in cyberspace, this book is an important study for folklorists.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.