Murder in the Cathedral

5W T.S. Eliot. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1935. First Edition.

Notes

Murder in the Cathedral is a verse drama by T. S. Eliot, first performed in 1935. It dramatizes the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. The play explores Becket’s internal struggle with pride, temptation, and the concept of martyrdom as he returns from exile in France, knowing that his resistance to King Henry II’s interference in Church affairs might lead to his death. Eliot uses poetic language and classical elements such as a chorus—reminiscent of Greek tragedy—to deepen the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of the story.

The play is structured in two parts, with an interlude where Becket delivers a sermon that directly addresses the nature of martyrdom. He rejects worldly temptations, including the subtle lure of achieving spiritual glory for personal satisfaction. Ultimately, Becket embraces martyrdom not as a personal triumph, but as an act of obedience and sacrifice. Murder in the Cathedral is not just a historical recounting but a meditation on conscience, authority, and the spiritual cost of standing by one’s beliefs. Eliot’s work elevates Becket’s death into a timeless reflection on faith and integrity.

Description

Black canvas boards with original dust jacket. Chipping along the upper extremities of the dust jacket. Some yellowing along inner hinge. Dust jacket is adhered to original boards and has some pencil marking to the front. Good condition overall.