book data
52 ratings, 4.17 average rating, 14 reviews
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published
November 9th 2004
by Vintage
binding
Paperback, 336 pages
isbn
1400076730
(isbn13: 9781400076734)
description
A brilliant and beautifully written novel in the tradition of Robert Graves’ I, Claudius, Augustus is a sweeping narrative ...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 97)
Read in March, 2008
recommended to Greg by:
Dutton'srecommends it for: Interested in Roman history and culture
Motivated to read this after seeing "Rome" series. Learned about leadership - the sacrifices one makes when one chooses to lead - as Caesar, Augustus is emotionally cut-off from his best friends. Also, reminded of the contradiction of leadership - the leader has little individual freedom but must be in constant service of the masses, fulfilling role of leader. Even to the point of losing all that is most meaningful to you. Also, beautifully written.
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Read in March, 2008
If there's such a thing as a pointillist realist, that's the kind of painter John Williams would have been. It is as if Williams provides only the small dots of character and atmosphere that, in the aggregate of the reader's mind, must be pulled together to find a composite image of the first emperor of Rome.
This book is certainly a work more of the imagination than of history, but what an imagination had Williams. Williams' brilliant technique fills the canvas with the relevant characte...more
This book is certainly a work more of the imagination than of history, but what an imagination had Williams. Williams' brilliant technique fills the canvas with the relevant characte...more
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
those interested in ancient Rome
This book tells the story of the life of Octavius--the successor to Julius Caesar.
The narrative structure in this book is highly unusual. It is written in the form of letters and journal entries of the various personages whose lives revolved and intersected with those of Augustus--including the likes of Cicero, Nero, Virgil, and Horace.
Fascinating and a much more entertaining way to learn about this period of Roman history than through textbooks or history books.
The narrative structure in this book is highly unusual. It is written in the form of letters and journal entries of the various personages whose lives revolved and intersected with those of Augustus--including the likes of Cicero, Nero, Virgil, and Horace.
Fascinating and a much more entertaining way to learn about this period of Roman history than through textbooks or history books.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Imperial Rome buffs
Interesting epistolary novel about the ascension and reign of Octavian "Augustus" Caesar. Williams' portraits of historical figures like Cleopatra, Anthony, Julius Caesar, Cicero, Horace, etc. humanizes these remote, almost mythical figures and breathes life into the political intrigue and strange culture of Imperial Rome's aristocracy.
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
Roman History Lite
The book is entertaining and I enjoy that it was written in the form of fictionalized correspondence. That being said, it is a work of fiction based on historical facts.....at times I'm not sure where the historical facts are coming from. 5 stars for entertainment, 1 to 2 stars for historical accuracy. Three overall.
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Read in January, 2003
Loved this book! An epistolatory novel, it really brings the era and Agustus to life. Having just visited the National Gallery exhibit on Pompeii, I was inspired to get it out and re-read it. Excellent book.
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Read in September, 2008
Its one of the best history book I ever read. It shows how Anicent Rome was like back then. Its not even that hard to understand, but it broke my heart a little when Augustus died. It was so sad.
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A superb fictional recreation of the life of Augustus through imagined contemporary letters and journals. Historically accurate, but alive with emotion.
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Best novel every written on Ancient Rome. Better than I,Claudius. It will break your heart.
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Maybe slightly less awesome than Stoner or Butcher's Crossing... But still awesome.
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Read in July, 2007
A good companion to HBO's "Rome." Agrippa was a bigger deal in the book, though.
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Read in January, 2004
Read this book for school. Way better than I, Claudius.
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Augustus Caesar is my current obsession
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