Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome

Robert Harris, with his Cicero Trilogy - "Imperium," "Lustrum" (published as "Conspirata" in the US), and "Dictator" - has achieved something remarkable in historical fiction. These books do not merely recount the life of the legendary Roman statesman and orator, Marcus Tullius Cicero; they resurrect him, breathing into the annals of history a vibrant, palpable sense of immediacy and relevance."Imperium," the first in the series, is a tour de force that introduces us to Cicero at the onset of his political career. Harris's narrative, ingeniously framed through the eyes of Cicero's secretary Tiro, who historically is credited with inventing shorthand, allows readers an intimate glimpse into the political machinations of ancient Rome. The novel is a compelling blend of political intrigue, vivid characterization, and a meticulously researched historical backdrop. Harris's portrayal of Cicero is not just that of a political figure, but of a man driven by ambition, yet bound by moral integrity.In "Lustrum" (or "Conspirata"), Harris elevates the stakes. Here, we see Cicero at the height of his power, but also at the precipice of his downfall. The novel delves into the darker corners of Roman politics, where conspiracy and ambition lead to a tumultuous and dangerous landscape. Harris's ability to create suspense is unparalleled, even though the outcome is a matter of historical record. The reader is transported into the heart of political battles and moral dilemmas, feeling each triumph and setback as if they were occurring in real time.The trilogy concludes with "Dictator," a poignant and powerful finale. This book covers the last fifteen years of Cicero's life, a period marked by personal and political turmoil. Harris's portrayal of Cicero's last years is not just a recounting of events; it's a deep, introspective look at the ideals of democracy and the nature of power. The narrative is both epic and intimate, capturing the grandeur of Roman history and the personal tragedies of Cicero's life with equal effectiveness.Throughout the trilogy, Harris's prose is a standout. It is elegant yet accessible, bringing the complexities of Roman politics and society to life in a way that is both educational and immensely entertaining. The level of detail in his descriptions of the Roman Senate, the Forum, and daily life in ancient Rome is astounding, providing a vivid backdrop against which the drama unfolds.Moreover, Harris's Cicero is a brilliantly realized character - a man of great intellect and eloquence, yet filled with doubts and vulnerabilities. The supporting cast, from Julius Caesar to Pompey the Great, are equally well-drawn, each adding depth and color to the rich tapestry of the narrative.In conclusion, Robert Harris's Cicero Trilogy is a monumental achievement in historical fiction. It offers not just a window into the past, but a mirror reflecting our own times. Through the life of Cicero, Harris explores themes of power, integrity, and the fragile nature of democracy, themes that resonate just as strongly today as they did over two thousand years ago. This series is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, or simply a masterfully crafted story that transcends the ages. Harris has not only written a definitive account of Cicero's life but has also set a new standard in historical fiction.

Politics, gritty and well told of pre CaesarRome. I learned a lot and enjoyed it very much. Bob Harris can write well

This is probably the most interesting book you will ever read that contains no action, no violence, no nothing except legal intrigue and courtroom drama. Plus it’s all [mostly, probably] true.The story takes place in Rome more than six centuries after its founding, at a time when the ideas of patriotism, fairness, just politicians, and morality (such as it was then) are giving way to corruption, and the country is about to transition from a republic to an autocracy. The central character is Marcus Cicero, a man who rises from an obscure nobody to become Consul (the highest level of leadership in government), and becomes known as the greatest orator in history. Using only his voice and his astonishing talent for presentation, he begins his career by advocating in court for a man who lost everything to a corrupt Roman governor. After winning the case in grand style, he proceeds to astound commoners and senators alike with his remarkable powers of speech and his penchant for championing the underdog.As the story progresses, Cicero rises through the ranks of leadership, gaining allies and friends, and making mortal enemies. Along the way he acquires the support of the great general Pompey, he gains the enmity of the slightly less great general Crassus, and he watches as a young Julius Caesar enters politics and begins his journey to become Rome’s first dictator. The book ends as Cicero wages a successful campaign to become Consul.The story is told by Tiro, Cicero’s slave and personal assistant and confidant. It is written as if Tiro were reading from his own account of Cicero’s life. In fact, there was a Tiro who presumably did write a biography; unfortunately, that record has been lost to time. The whole book contains only one or two instances of physical violence, yet it captures your interest the same as the best thrillers; this is a testament not only to the unequaled ability of Cicero to produce an enormous quantity of captivating and persuasive speeches, but also to the author’s ability to turn politics and courtroom adventure into something that is highly readable. This is what you would expect if John Grisham or Greg Iles traveled back in time to document early Roman history.The story is in truth history that has been turned into a readable novel. The major events actually happened, and anything not found in recorded history was written in such a way that it “could” have happened. According to the author, “nothing, I hope…demonstrably did not happen.”This is the first book in a series of three, and it easily rates five stars. I look forward to reading the next two.

Interessante.

This novel by Robert Harris about the political and legal life of Marcus Cicero, is astonishing. Historically accurate, the story of the rotting collapse of the Roman Republic is told by Cicero's personal secretary Tiro. Still regarded as the greatest of all orators, Cicero was ambitious to climb to the heights of Rome from his base as a famous defence lawyer.From his villa on the Esquiline hill, he observed with great wit the cesspool below in the city. He took on a risky case against Verres, the corrupt former governor of Sicily on behalf of the island's citizens. Against all odds, he wins and this propels him to greater battles with the criminal patrician senators and generals.This novel reads like a breeze, and if you are at all interested in Roman history, the details of life in centre of Rome before the Empire you are in for a treat. I kept thinking of how politics through the centuries has never changed, up to the present day and recent elections. Vote buying, self interest, fake news, vast wealth of the elite, deal making, corruption of established values; it just goes on.Imperium is the first volume of a trilogy. I look forward to reading the next instalment, Lustrum.

Highly enjoyable and surprisingly quick read. Don’t get intimidated by the long Roman names and lengthy cast of characters. The important ones will show up repeatedly, and, while almost entirely crooked politicians, sufficiently distinguishable.This is the first book of a trilogy, illustrating Cicero’s rise in the Roman political scene, as narrated by his scribe Tiro. Luckily, Tiro also invented his own version of Latin shorthand, without which we may not have had such top quality records of Cicero’s speeches.This is the tale of Cicero’s political machinations, as he juggles various parties, in a valiant but impossible task of keeping them all happy. The trick is keeping the right ones happy at the right time, I suppose. It also illustrates beautifully how, to rise in politics, you sometimes have to ally with the most distasteful of men. It is a tale of how the rich can mostly get away with anything, how elections can be manipulated, and how even the most stupid, greedy, and arrogant of politicians, can still win plenty of popularity in terms of votes. The book covers the time period 79-64 BC. It is now 2023. Very little has changed, as far as politics is concerned.

Robert Harris presents a lively fresco that brings the classical Rome back to life, giving voice not just to the grandiose speeches of the Senate but also to the shrewd manoeuvres that happen between the scenes.And mainly this book is the tale of an ambitious man as he chooses between principle and succes

The conveyed athmosphere, rhythm and language of this fascinating historical thriller has few matches. The lack of violence is extremely refreshing, this is the first book which delivers page turning anxiousness which is based on speeches.