Canute the Great

Rowan · Post by **Rowan** » Thu February 2nd, 2012, 5:05 pm

Looking for any historical fiction about this king.

annis · Post by **annis** » Thu February 2nd, 2012, 6:50 pm

I can't think of a novel where Knut (Canute) is the central character, but he does make significant appearances in Justin Hill's Shieldwall, Helen Hollick's Hollow Crown aka The Forever Queen, Sheelagh Kelly's Jorvik and Cecelia Holland's Kings of the North.

I'm not sure why no one's ever taken Knut as the subject of a historical novel (though there may be one out there that I don't know about). He's an obvious candidate- he was said to be tall, well-built and handsome, was a renowned warrior and despite not being English, by far and away the best king of England during the 11th century. He was ruthless (a necessary quality for a king of the times), but essentially fair, organised and a great respecter of English traditions.

sweetpotatoboy · Post by **sweetpotatoboy** » Thu February 2nd, 2012, 7:17 pm

[quote=""annis""]I can't think of a novel where Knut (Canute) is the central character, but he does make significant appearances in Justin Hill's Shieldwall, Helen Hollick's Hollow Crown aka The Forever Queen, Sheelagh Kelly's Jorvik and Cecelia Holland's Kings of the North.[/quote]

I recommend Helen's book. Great on Knut and his relationship with Emma in particular.

Rowan · Post by **Rowan** » Thu February 2nd, 2012, 7:22 pm

I own and have read Helen's book, which is why I was hoping to find a book about him exclusively.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Thu February 2nd, 2012, 9:00 pm

That's the only one I've come across as well. Sorry.