Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome

by Steven Saylor Narrated by James Langton

Overview

Continuing the saga begun in his New York Times bestselling novel Roma, Steven Saylor charts the destinies of the aristocratic Pinarius family, from the reign of Augustus to height of Rome's empire. The Pinarii, generation after generation, are witness to greatest empire in the ancient world and of the emperors that ruled it-from the machinations of Tiberius and the madness of Caligula, to the decadence of Nero and the golden age of Trajan and Hadrian and more.

Empire is filled with the dramatic, defining moments of the age, including the Great Fire, the persecution of the Christians, and the astounding opening games of the Colosseum. But at the novel's heart are the choices and temptations faced by each generation of the Pinarii.

Steven Saylor once again brings the ancient world to vivid life in a novel that tells the story of a city and a people that has endured in the world's imagination like no other.

A Macmillan Audio production.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Saylor, well known for his Roma Sub Rosa historical mysteries, switched gears for his bestselling Roma and now continues the history of ancient Rome from A.D. 14 to 141 with a hefty tome of the Pinarius family as its members serve a succession of Roman emperors as soothsayers, senators, and artisans, while trying not to get killed in the slew of conspiracies that marked the Roman political scene. The patriarch, Lucius Pinarius, grooms his son, also named Lucius, to be a member of an ancient priesthood of soothsayers who interpret natural phenomenon to divine the future. Young Lucius is particularly skillful, earning the emperor's praise and confidence. Succeeding generations of Pinariuses will enjoy the favor of Trajan and Hadrian, but will suffer from the cruelty of Tiberius, the madness of Caligula, the depravity of Nero, and the murderous paranoia of Domitian. Saylor also vividly describes how the family survives the volcanic destruction of Pompeii, the burning of Rome, and the persecution of Jews and Christians. Though the ending is disappointingly abrupt, it does signal another volume to come in this grand series. (Sept.)

Library Journal

Toga alert! Saylor resumes the family saga he began in Roma, spanning from the reign of Augustus (27 BCE-17 CE) to the death of Hadrian (138 CE). With the same solid historical research, this new hefty and entertaining installment should please fans of the first volume and draw new readers attracted by the famous names (this period, the author notes, is rather emperor-centric). The Pinarii family are still madly trying to cope with life close to the imperial court and passing their amulet, which now resembles a crucifix to the Christian-wary Romans, through the generations. Historical events provide plenty of depraved details and comparisons that beg to be drawn to today; lions and gladiators in the arena, volcanic eruptions, live burials, and master illusionists abound to fire up any number of dinner conversations. VERDICT Recommended for anyone who enjoys Roman history. At the end Saylor notes that he draws on the writings of Suetonius and Pliny for his material, so curious readers might want to turn to the original sources.—Mary K. Bird-Guilliams, Wichita P.L., KS

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169369977
Publisher:	Macmillan Audio
Publication date:	08/31/2010
Series:	Roma Sub Rosa , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos