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The Black Arrow (1888) is a historical adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, a classic of young adult literature. Set in mid-15th-century England, during the Wars of the Roses – a civil war between the Houses of Lancaster (the red rose) and York (the white rose) for the throne.

The protagonist, Richard (Dick) Shelton, a seventeen-year-old nobleman, is raised under the guardianship of Sir Daniel Brackley at Tunstall Moat House. After the murder of his father, Sir Harry Shelton, Dick discovers a black arrow – the mark of a vengeful band of outlaws led by Ellis Duckworth – that is killing villains. Suspicion falls on the guardian, Sir Daniel, an opportunist who changes sides in the war and robs peasants.

Dick joins the “Black Arrows”, rescues a girl, Joanna Sedley (dressed as a boy to avoid a forced marriage to Sir Daniel), and goes through battles, forest chases, betrayals and moral dilemmas. The novel culminates in major conflicts, including the appearance of the future King Richard III (Crookback), where Dick becomes a knight, gains justice and love.

Stevenson masterfully combines the historical background (Wars of the Roses, 1455–1487) with adventure, romance and moral themes: justice, betrayal, courage and coming of age. The style is dynamic, full of action, dialogue and medieval flair (Old English in the dialogues), without deep psychology, but a focus on excitement and heroism.

Popular in Yugoslavia in the 1960s/1970s, filmed several times (e.g. Disney's film in 1958). One of Stevenson's most famous works along with Treasure Island and Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, appreciated for its vivid depiction of the Middle Ages and the universal theme of the fight against injustice.