The Abbot's Tale

De: Conn Iggulden

Narrado por: John Curless

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.

Worth a listen

Started slowly but finished strong. If you’re a fan of this period you will like it.

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.

Oh what a tanged web was weaved ...

The Dark Ages come to light with a story of power, politics and revenge. This story kept me entranced to the feisty, deceitful actions of ... yes, the Abbot. We are conditioned to think of a holy man as, well peaceful, kind and forgiving; but, realizing to obtain and keep the power one must wield the weight of the devil on their sword. While some that was written seemed to be far fetched at times, IMO didn't matter as it deepened the need for well planned revenge. Old enemies abound, plotting and scheming are the heart of this story all well narrated.

My favorite book by this author so far

This book covers almost 80 years between 920 a D2 about nine92,80 or so. It is told in first person by Dunstan, who starts out the story as a boy put into a monastery and who aventures he works and self up to the position of archbishop of Canterbury. Durian the story, Dunstan meats, five different kings. Anoints a couple of them. He also builds the Abbet of Glastonbury into the largest in England as well as working and clawing his way to the top. He is not without his flaws of cars and does do a few underhanded treacherous things even taking revenge on one party. This is my favorite Book by this author so far. I have read his gates of Athens series which is good, but I really enjoyed this book even more definitely worth the credit. 

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.

This One's a Gem

I just finished the Conn Iggulden Wars of the Roses trilogy and was hungry for more. The Abbot's Tale is an exceptional story that really added to my understanding of the age. It is told in the first person and is both atmospheric and intimate. I highly recommend it as a great read.