From Library Journal
The third installment in McCullough's magnum opus (after The First Man in Rome , LJ 9/15/90, and The Grass Crown , Morrow, 1991) continues her chronicle of the decline of the Roman Republic and the impending rise of the Roman Empire. The novel's events are dominated by Sulla's return from exile and subsequent installation as Rome's first dictator in almost 200 years; Pompey the Great's machinations as the wealthy provincial, which clears his own path upward through Roman politics; and the maturing of Gaius Julius Caesar, who will ultimately set Rome upon it's imperial course. These three are "Fortune's favorites." Painstakingly researched, McCullough's Roman saga is like a trip through time. Her characters come to life as do their surroundings. While giving us rollicking good fiction, McCullough has also made clear the bribery and chicanery that made up Roman politics. She has given us clear insight into how Rome found itself changing from a republic to an empire. Highly recommended.
- Steven Sussman, "Library Journal"Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From AudioFile
If you liked watching I, Claudius, try listening to Fortune's Favorites. McCullough's latest saga is the strongest of the stories in her trilogy of ancient Roman days. In it Pompey and Sulla vie for power against the young upstart, Julius Caesar, while Spartacus agitates the slaves. English actor Michael York reads like the pro he is with a rich, deep intonation. The story is unadorned and single-voiced. Uneven recording levels are a slight problem; otherwise, the program is flawless. The story is exciting as long as you can keep the characters straight. D.W.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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