The Abbot's Tale

By: Conn Iggulden

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling Conn Iggulden comes a new novel set in the red-blooded days of Anglo-Saxon England. This is the original game for the English throne.

In the year 937, the new king of England, a grandson of Alfred the Great, readies himself to go to war in the north. His dream of a united kingdom of all England will stand or fall on one field - on the passage of a single day.

At his side is the priest Dunstan of Glastonbury, full of ambition and wit (perhaps enough to damn his soul). His talents will take him from the villages of Wessex to the royal court, to the hills of Rome - from exile to exaltation. Through Dunstan's vision, by his guiding hand, England will either come together as one great country or fall back into anarchy and misrule....

From one of our finest historical writers, The Abbot's Tale is an intimate portrait of a priest and performer, a visionary, a traitor, and confessor to kings - the man who could change the fate of England.

©2018 Conn Iggulden (P)2018 Recorded Books

Worth the listen

Insights about main character, his flaws and strengths all set in the historical tale about the real Dunston make the a rewarding listen.

An outstanding account of early English history!

I chose to listen to this book based on the intriguing prospect of the title. I was extremely surprised at the extent to which I enjoyed the novel. Conn Iggulden blends fiction with historical accuracy that drives the book through the life of Dunstan. The character is rich in personality and John Curless's narration feels like the words of Dunstan himself. The lives of the monks, common folk and the Royal Court of early England is very informative. The novel sheds light on an almost unknown part of history. For that alone, it is well worth the listen.

Excellent history, unscrupulous protagonist

I was drawn into the history, and repelled by Dunstan. His treatment of his brother, insisting a life debt that was called in for Dunstan's personal revenge, was unpardonable. Some of the character portraits; Edmund, Edward, Wulfric, are well delineated. Others, albeit lesser characters, are less. Landscape and sunset/sunrise description is lyrical.

Great book but plays with the historic facts

Loved this book, brilliantly written and performed. Only issue I have is with Conn’s playing with the historic facts. Appreciate that in the historic notes he does own up to a few “interpretations” but not all. For example he puts Edmunds death in Winchester where in effect it was in a hunting palace in Pucklechurch. Understand that the Winchester setting fits far better into the story but it’s not correct. Overall it doesn’t spoil a great, enjoyable story but just remember it’s a story not an historic record.

Entertaining listen

This audiobook was very good and it is so easy to listen to for long stretches. I will probably re listen to it again in the future.

High quality fascinating story/performance

My favorite author does it again. Well paced innovative story that holds your attention and brings surprises with twists that somehow don’t seem impossible. The narrator is just right for the story and I will look for more of his work.

Great Historical Novel

Very interesting Middle Ages historical novel, author did his research. Religious influence, warfare seemed accurate, learned a lot about English history.

Brilliant Historical Fiction

Truly enjoyable story telling and perfect narration. Excellent character development and writing. Loved this book!!! Very entertaining way to learn about 10th Century England and remarkable Abbot Dunston.

Not at all what I had expected

This story was quite interesting. I expected more violence, based on the other books I have seen from this author, but this one had tidbits here and there. The value in this book is that it details a fascinating and strange story, pretty near to the actual history, with the author filling some gaps that history has left open. I enjoyed it more the longer I listened.

Great story - beautifully narrated

John Curless performed masterfully and bright this wonderful tale to life. I was transported to medieval England and live Dunstan’s life with him.