Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in 1170 by order of his king after refusing to accept the Constitutions of Clarendon. He fell beneath the swords of his executioners at the foot of the altar in the church where he carried out his ministry. T.S. Eliot recounts this episode of medieval history with a solemn and majestic style, unfolding the action at a measured yet tension-filled pace, culminating in its tragic outcome. In this masterpiece, one of the greatest modern poets portrays the struggle for human dignity and freedom of conscience against political power.