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Title: Augustus by Allan Massie ISBN: 0-7867-0267-2 Publisher: Carroll & Graf Publishers Pub. Date: 01 November, 1995 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.8 (10 reviews)
Rating: 2
Summary: Strangely uncompelling
Comment: There are inevitably comparisons between this and the "Claudius" novels. They are only justified in subject matter, not quality. Whereas Graves' prose was mannered and interesting, Massie's is, well, clunky. He fails to convince the reader that Augustus himself actually wrote the book. If you're looking for something to read after "Claudius the God," try "Memoirs of Hadrian," or at least get this from your local library first. (Some editions are entitled: "Let the Emperor Speak: A Novel of Caesar Augustus)
Rating: 5
Summary: A WORTHWHILE DIVERSION FOR THE STUDENT OF ROMAN LITERATURE
Comment: While honeymooning in Scotland in 1992 I came across this fine book in a bookstore. At the time I was reading Virgil and admitted to myself I needed a break. In my readings I had read about the famous Roman emperor, Augustus, so this book sparked my interest. While Massie's book is a work of fiction, it seems to closely follow recorded information that has come across the centuries about Augustus. Massie has the rare writers' talent of weaving historical fact into a most interesting fiction. The story is believable, readable, and never once reminds the reader of a textbook. Destined to be made into a movie
Rating: 5
Summary: Great book
Comment: His book Augustus is a vivid, detailed account from the view of Octavian. The book is brilliantly written, and while typical in its wavering authensity in the genre of historical fiction, at the same time, Massie manages to keep the facts straight. It's not exactly the same calibar as I, Claudius, which has that almost Dicksonian criminals likability index, Octavius still comes across as someone real, charming yet troubled, proud yet somewhat conflicted.
The character is well developed and the events follow smoothly one after the other. More importantly, Augustus is highly idealized in this book. So much so in fact, that with all the angst and success in his life, the reader is eased into sympathizing with him on every occasion. It is a very selective history, one aimed to popularize Augustus no doubt. A view that was somewhat shattered when reading the true, historical Caesar.
All in all, it's good fun, and the realistically described Roman settings, and supporting characters comes across without hiccups.
The writing style however, left something to be desired, though the use of Augustan expressions makes up for it.
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Title: The Evening of the World: A Novel of the Dark Ages (Matter of Eternal Rome) by Allan Massie ISBN: 0753813106 Publisher: Phoenix Pub. Date: 01 June, 2002 List Price(USD): $13.99 |
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Title: Legate's Daughter by Wallace Breem ISBN: 1590710193 Publisher: Rugged Land Books Pub. Date: 01 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Legion by William Altimari ISBN: 0972872604 Publisher: Imperium Books Pub. Date: 01 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: The Last King: Rome's Greatest Enemy by Michael Curtis Ford ISBN: 0312275390 Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books Pub. Date: 01 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Island of Ghosts by Gillian Bradshaw ISBN: 0812545141 Publisher: Tor Books Pub. Date: 01 May, 1999 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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