Portraits of Society: Popular Literature in the Seventeenth Century Margaret Spufford examines popular fiction in 17th-century England. Margaret Spufford | Published in History Today Volume 32 Issue 2 February 1982 The True Tale of Robin Hood, 1686. To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. CulturalLiterature Popular articles Why Do Religions Decline? The Iron Amir: Britain’s Afghan Legacy