The Black Fox by Gerald Heard

Book Review

Sarah Deeming

Canon Throcton aspires to become Archdeacon, but when another canon is promoted instead, jealousy and resentment settle over Cathedral Close. Convinced that his studies of Hebrew and Arabic texts have counted against him, Throcton seeks revenge by invoking a minor curse from one of his books. He expects nothing to come of it; it is merely a symbolic act to soothe his wounded pride.

But when people standing between Throcton and promotion begin to die—young, healthy people who should have had years ahead of them—he remembers the curse, that ritualistic play-acting, and begins to wonder whether something answered his call.

The Black Fox, first published in 1950, follows Canon Throcton and his sister, Laetitia, after he is passed over for promotion. Throcton sees himself as an intellectual, but he is petty, self-absorbed, and concerned with little beyond his studies and advancement in the Church. At times, he is absurdly pompous and petulant, childishly so. He is not easy to like, but I do not think he is meant to be. Laetitia, with whom he lives, has devoted her life to caring for him so he can continue his studies and acts as a mirror to his actions. She is calm, thoughtful, and generally well-liked in Cathedral Close, even if she keeps to herself. Through their responses to the failed promotion, both siblings reveal their true natures, and I strongly felt Laetitia deserved better. For a novel first published in 1950, it is refreshing to find an older woman portrayed so well—and revealed as the true central character.

The novel is steeped in religious theology and tradition, touching on the changes Anglicanism was bringing to the Church and how church leaders responded, including in their choice of future leaders. Aaron Worth’s introduction is especially interesting regarding this, as we’re told Heard was expected to enter the Church like his father and grandfather but chose a different path. The novel clearly reflects the author’s background. I found these elements hard to follow, but with a bit of concentrating, these theological debates are critical to understanding why Throcton’s superiors make the decisions they do, even if the reader might think them strange.

The Black Fox is a well-crafted Gothic novel set in the brooding location of Cathedral Close. The weather plays a significant role in building atmosphere: storms, oppressive heat, and sensory detail deepen the sense of dread with every page. What begins as a faint smell after Throcton burns his rival’s oil-coated hair develops into a rancid, decaying animal stench that haunts the characters. Flickers at the edge of their vision add to the unease. The gradual spread of sickness and madness is genuinely terrifying. There are plenty of chances to stop what Throcton has started, but as the book is set in the Victorian era during the Enlightenment, people don’t believe in other religions, naming them superstitions, and so these opportunities are missed. Dread builds on every page.

What begins as a humorous dig at petty men becomes a gripping page-turner once people start dying. I found The Black Fox highly accessible: intelligent, detailed, and populated by well-crafted characters and a vividly realised setting. Another winning publication from the British Library.