Otto of the Silver Hand

By: Howard Pyle

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 2 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

"This tale that I am about to tell is of a little boy who lived and suffered in those dark middle ages; of how he saw both the good and the bad of men, and of how, by gentleness and love and not by strife and hatred, he came at last to stand above other men and to be looked up to by all." - from the book

Young Otto is born into a warring household in a lawless age. Having no mother, he is sent by his father, a valiant robber baron, to be safely raised by the monks until the age of 12. But when he returns, gentle Otto can no longer escape the bitter blood feud between his father and the rival house of Trutz-Drachen. He is kidnapped by the rival family and his hand is cut off, to be replaced forever by a silver one. Can his brave father and his captor's kind daughter, Pauline, help him escape?

Public Domain (P)2001 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Otto of the Silver Hand has audience appeal for fans of the Arthurian legends....Geoffrey Howard's crisp diction and nuanced characterizations enhance this classic story....a worthy addition to any audiobook collection seeking lesser-known classics in children's literature." ( School Library Journal)
"Otto of the Silver Hand is marvelously read by Geoffrey Howard....well worth the listen." (Largeprintreviews.com)

Really enjoyable shorter listen

This was a great, shorter, listen for my kids and me while learning about the Middle Ages. Enjoyable narration, good life lessons in there, and an overall good use of time and money.

Timeless

So so very many books being written today that will pass away into the oblivion they deserve, but real storytelling will outlive the centuries because it is founded on true human values that include the spiritual laws which move and govern the soul of a Christian civilization.

The narration was superb.

19th century children's tale

Howard Pyle's Otto of the Silver Hand is a 19th century children's tale of medieval Europe. Otto is the son of a robber baron whose mother dies during childbirth. He spends his youth (until 12) living a pastoral / spiritual life in a monastery. He is kidnapped by a rival of his father and lives for a while imprisoned where one of his hands is amputated. His father stages a daring rescue and eventually sacrifices himself to save his son. Throughout his ordeals, he remains somewhat innocent and pure which in the end aligns with the new emperor and is rewarded with land and riches.

Specifically targeted to children, the story attempts to relate a bit of the gruesome lifestyle of medieval Europe. At the same time, Otto is never the conquering hero, but remains innocent and pure throughout and wins over both allies and enemies in a sort of youthful Job-like tale.

The narration is well done with good character distinction. While the story moves quickly, the ending is rather abrupt.

Good story and moral

My favorite book I've read by Howard Pyle so far! The story of a young boy who chooses kindness over harshness is simple but touching. It gives you a realistic feel of the kinder side of the Dark Age.

interesting

after living in federal republic of germany many of the names are familiar.i did enjoy this indeed

Worthy of sharing with children and parents alike!

This is a rich story of innocence, cruelty, bravery, faith and character where “righteousness and peace will kiss each other.”
I remember reading and enjoying this story as a youth. I think I have enjoyed and appreciated it more listening to it as a grandfather!

noble story

Beautiful story of a light shining in a dark time. I highly recommend it for being uplifted.

A Medieval Story Relevant Today

This short tale of Otto, the son of a robber barren, whose mother died in child birth, is one still relevant today. His father took him to a monastery to be raised, while he, himself continued to war against others. While his father continued to fight and pillage, Otto, gentle by nature was learning to be caring and how to love others, being raised by the monks. Until his father returned for him when he turned twelve. Back in his father's home, Otto is quickly exposed to the violence and lawlessness that abided there. Otto was taken captive by a rival family, where his hand was cut off. Yet still, Otto remained kind. His captor's kind daughter, Pauline formed a close friendship. She and Otto's father both sought to help Otto escape. Don't miss this classic story, filled with so many lessons that are just as important today as when it was written in the late 1800s.

very good story

the story was very good and the delivery was spot on. it was almost like a fairy tale grim and frightening as well as lovely and kind.

Medieval times weren't a ball of cherries.

Colorful (darker colors) and just a little bloody fairytale. Did they really use silver hands as prosthetics in those times?