Augustus a Novel

by Allan Massie

Book Overview

The first in an acclaimed series of historical novels--including Tiberius and Caesar--reconstructs the lost memoirs of Augustus, recounting the life of the founder of the Roman Empire in his own... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0340412240
• ISBN13: 9780340412244
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.8" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

Great book

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.

Excellent!!!

This was a lot of fun to read! Massie has done a superb job of making the historical figure of Augustus into a real man dealing with some very real demons. I can readily believe that the words are those of Augustus himself. We know right from the first chapter, when he refers to "the Republic which I restored" that this will not be an objective retelling of what one can read in any history book. At times he presents versions of events that could only be believed by someone trying to justify his actions to himself. Massie also does an excellent job of contrasting the language and mood of the young Octavius and the elderly Princeps. The characters are at times much more lascivious than they could ever in reality have been, but it serves as an appropriately lush dramatic backdrop for the rest of the story. The goal of the book is not historical accuracy, but the reinvention of the truth as seen through the eyes of a young and ambitious, and then old and besotted, man. Those who condemn the book because it supports questionable positions fail to realize that it is supposed to be a completely biased, subjective, one-sided editorial on the man's life, because that is how Augustus must have seen himself if he were to retain his resolve and do what, according to him, had to be done. Even as he speaks, we can see the flaws in his arguements, we can see his harsh and at times cruel character. We both feel sorry for him and resent him. In short, his story is dramatic, no matter whether we agree with him or not, and that's what makes this a great book. No educated person will take this account as absolute historical truth, only as an entertaining yarn using familiar historical characters.

Simply outstanding

Massie gives a a different view of Augustus Caesar and his world. He sticks with the basic facts known to all and does a wonderful job of fleshing out the complex character of Augustus. His take on Antony, Julius Caesar, Livia, et cetera, truly makes them come alive. While using a somewhat modernized language, it adds rather than detracts from the history. Well done, Allan Massie!

Optime!

wow. really great novel. It gave me a HUGE rush when I read it in one week and I mentioned it in Classics class in Britain and my teacher had tried unsuccessfully to finish it. It *is* hard to get into, but it's definitely worth it! I love Alan Massie's work. Also highly recommended is Ted Hughes' "Tales from Ovid" my all-time favorite collection of poetry!

A WORTHWHILE DIVERSION FOR THE STUDENT OF ROMAN LITERATURE

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