In the shadow of the Swiss Alps, where ancient freedoms clash with Imperial might, one man's defiance will light the spark of a revolution.
William Tell, a champion archer, wants nothing more than to hunt in his beloved mountains and raise his family in peace. But when the Habsburg Empire of the early 14th century tightens its grip on the Swiss forest cantons, forcing free men to bow before a cap on a pole, Tell's simple act of defiance sets in motion a terrifying chain of events. Arrested by the tyrannical Governor Gessler, Tell faces an unthinkable choice: shoot an apple from his own son's head from eighty paces or be executed along with his boy.
With his heart pounding and the aim of his crossbow wavering, can Tell master the impossible shot without tragic consequences?
From the depths of dungeons to the heights of the Alpine passes, from the love of a noble lady for a Swiss patriot to the secret meetings of men who dare to dream of freedom, this is the unforgettable tale of a father's love, a hero's courage, and an epic struggle against a cruel and oppressive tyranny.
Based on the classic play, 'Wilhelm Tell, ' by Friedrich Schiller, Jensen Tanner's novel brings the adventure of the legendary Swiss archer to the modern reader.