Nicanor - Teller of Tales : A Story of Roman Britain

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22304

Title

Nicanor - Teller of Tales : A Story of Roman Britain

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Roman Britain during its final days, this historical romance follows Nicanor, a gifted storyteller born to a woodcutter family. As the Roman Empire crumbles and Saxon tribes rise, Nicanor navigates a world of magic, slavery, and faith. Blending supernatural elements with gritty realism, the novel explores themes of destiny, mercy, and the transition from paganism to Christianity through the eyes of a man who sees the world in dreams and tales.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the twilight of Roman power in Britain (A.D. 410–446), C. Bryson Taylor's *Nicanor - Teller of Tales* chronicles the life of a gifted storyteller born into a humble family of woodcutters and bronze workers. Nicanor inherits a mystical gift for narrative from his great-grandfather, Melchior, a trait that sets him apart from his father's practical trade. While his master, the disciplined ivory carver Tobias, values order, Nicanor finds his true calling among the shepherds and travelers of the moors, captivating audiences with tales that bridge the gap between the mundane and the mystical. The narrative deepens as Britain descends into feudal independence and chaos following the departure of the consul. Nicanor's life intersects with a cast of vivid characters representing the era's moral complexities: the cruel Roman lord Eudemius, the devoted Briton Eldris who mourns her dead lover, and the gentle Father Ambrose, a Christian guide who offers comfort amidst the dying. A pivotal moment occurs when Nicanor witnesses the brutal sale of a slave girl who claims sanctuary at a church cross, only to vanish, highlighting the tension between Roman law, Christian mercy, and the brutal realities of slavery. As the story progresses, Nicanor faces a profound crisis and dies young, seemingly chosen by fate. His death leaves Eldris in despair, rejecting the notion of a cruel deity, while Father Ambrose offers a perspective of true Christianity rooted in love and mercy rather than mere profession. The novel culminates in a reflection on the human condition, where pain leads to peace. Nicanor's tales serve as a bridge between the world's darkness and the soul's light. The story ends with the dawn breaking over Thorney, symbolizing hope and renewal amidst the ruins of the empire, suggesting that while political power fades, the human spirit and the power of story endure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Historical Fiction