Drawing on the full panoply of medieval sources, Guy sheds new light on the relationship between Saint Thomas à Becket and England's greatest medieval king, Henry II, separating truth from centuries of mythmaking, and casting doubt on the long-held assumption that the headstrong rivals were once close friends. He also provides the fullest accounting yet for Becket's seemingly radical transformation from worldly bureaucrat to devout man of God.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Ancestry Upbringing Politics Paris A fresh start Apprentice Into the limelight Arrival at court Royal minister Bureaucrat and judge Warrior A solitary man Render unto Caesar Archbishop A broken relationship

Conversion The clash Clarendon Northampton Exile Attack and counter-attack Search for a settlement The case against Becket Cat and mouse A trial of strength Return to Canterbury Murder in the cathedral Aftermath Martyr.