The Cunning of the Dove

by Alfred Duggan

St. Edward the Confessor, King of the English, is commonly despised by historians. He was the last of his dynasty, and after his death his country was conquered by foreignerswhich was exactly what he wanted. In this chilling, fast-paced novel, the different customs, races, and languages of England during the Dark Ages, as well as the period’s violence and struggle for power, all come vividly back to life. The authenticity and sense of place have seldom been bettered.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

225 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

"There have been few historical imaginations better informed or more gifted than Alfred Duggan’s" (The New Criterion).

Historian, archaeologist and novelist Alfred Leo Duggan wrote historical fiction and non-fiction about a wide range of subjects, in places and times as diverse as Julius Caesar’s Rome and the Medieval Europe of Thomas Becket.

Although he was born in Argentina, Duggan grew up in England, and was educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford. After Oxford, he travelled extensively through Greece and Turkey, visiting almost all the sites later mentioned in his books. In 1935 helped excavate Constantine’s palace in Istanbul.

Duggan came to writing fiction quite late in his life: his first novel about the First Crusade, Knight in Armour, was published in 1950, after which he published at least a book every year until his death in 1964. His fictional works were bestselling page-turners, but thoroughly grounded in meticulous research informed by Duggan’s experience as an archaeologist and historian.

Duggan has been favourably compared to Bernard Cornwell as well as being praised in his own right as "an extremely gifted writer who can move into an unknown period and give it life and immediacy" (New York Times).

Reviews

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Alfred Duggan - sadly, a forgotten author in this country. He may be the best British historical novelist ever. His books were never the romanticized "historical fiction" that is available at every supermarket checkout in the country. Instead, his books were real history, filled with historical characters that he would try to make real by writing about what little is known about them. Most of his works are not at all dry for all their accuracy. Duggan tried to create interesting side characters that could stand in as the eyes and ears of the readers. He wrote in the 1950s and most of his books concern lesser known corners of history (e.g., what happened to the last Roman occupiers of Great Britain). Among his best works are "Little Emperors" and "Winter Quarters." Sadly, I would NOT list "Cunning..." as among his best (only 3.5 stars). I found it quite interesting, but it would probably be a bit dry for people without a particular historical bent. It is the life of Edward the Confessor (pre-1066 King of England), as told through the eyes of his manservant. Duggan explores one of the major theories of the Norman invasion - that Edward himself had designated William of Normandy as his successor, and that William only had to invade because Harold Godwinson usurped the crown overriding Edward's authority.

[S.J. Arnott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the court of Edward the Confessor told through the eyes of his Chamberlain, Edgar, who provides an insightful look at Edward's struggles against the machinations of the Godwin family. An excellent introduction to the politics of the time, though some might query the pro-Norman stance.

Some readers might find Duggan's style a little dry, but that's one of the reasons I like him so much. There's nothing overblown about his writing. You feel he's telling it pretty much as it was.

[Kelhi Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful work of historical fiction by Alfred Duggan.

I appreciate how all of Duggan‘s main characters, in this case, King Edward and the narrator, are so unique. Not just unique in this book, but unique when compared to his other characters/narrators. King Edward is highly religious, but he’s Alfred in The King of Athelney. The narrator Edgar isn’t a warrior, but he’s quite distinct from Felix in The Little Emperors. Duggan’s skill also comes out how this book’s narrative style and tone differs from the others (yet again).

Interestingly, this book doesn’t have a historical note (the other three I read recently did). Certainly there’s a lot more sources for a writer to pull from, as this book relates events that are much more modern (even though it ends in 1066!). Still, it’s fun how the narrator knows some things and some things he doesn’t know. Nearer the novel’s end, that really helped to cloud the truth concerning what’s going on with Harold, William, and the kingship.

Wow, I enjoyed a book that didn’t support my raillery against William the Conquerer. Still, he’s not much of a character, so I’ll give Duggan a pass.

[Maura Heaphy Dutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably good history, but flat and uninteresting characterisation.

First, let's get it straight, I'm a big fan of Alfred Duggan. I've read a number of his historical novels and thoroughly enjoyed his accounts of lesser known moments and characters in history (particularly Roman empire and medieval Europe). He was NOT a stylist, nor a master of deep psychology (no one could argue that he was a Hilary Mantel ...), but usually he prevailed by the sheer novelty value of the tiny corner of world history that he chose to shine his light upon.

Here, not so much. Having just watched the (hmm, adjective: disappointing? A-historical? Completely batsh*t crazy fictionalised?) tv series King & Conqueror, I was delighted to discover this, hidden away on my shelves, and decided that it might be a refreshing antidote to the Game of Thrones treatment that adaptation gave the story of the clash between Harold Godwinsson and Duke William of Normandy (aka, eventually, The Conqueror).

But Duggan's usually strategy of "minor character, observing on the sidelines of history" just doesn't work here. King Edward the Confessor comes across as a static character, a bystander of his own reign, and the great moments are conveyed, after the events, in fireside chats with his Chamberlain, Edgar, who reports faithfully everything that is said, and has a few opinions on the matters -- but has no skin in the game. This was, I'm afraid, a plod.

[K.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the last decade of Edward the Confessor in the last decade or so of his life told through the eyes of his chamberlain.
A bit dry and chronicle-like, but still enjoyable, and interesting to see a PoV with Edward and William as positive characters. Though seeing Tostig as a *hero* was a bit of a stretch for me🤣

[casey (ink drinker) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

made it to page 62 but was bored to tears which is unfortunate because historical fiction is my jam. Can't all be winners I guess.

A story about Edward the Confessor, narrated by one of his closest attendants. Was this an effective portrayal of one of the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings and his world? I guess I'll never know because I can't stay awake long enough to finish it.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The career of Edward the Confessor, told by one of his servants—it is implied that this servant was the major informant for the author of the Vita Edwardi.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming historical novel about my name saint. A noble and holy man, even if he was not a great king.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

are cunning

[Kitren Glozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this book and both times I thoroughly enjoyed it. Duggan's historical fiction is well-based on historical fact and he writes dialog with wit and convincingly for the characters. Knowing quite a bit of the history of the time (just before the Norman Conquest of England, during the time of the last years of Anglo-Saxon and Danish struggles and rule in England), it is enjoyable to read a plausible fictional setting and story. I look forward to reading others of his books. It is a very quick read.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

those doves