Product Description

A brilliant and beautifully written novel in the tradition of Robert Graves’ I, Claudius, Augustus is a sweeping narrative that brings vividly to life a compelling cast of historical figures through their letters, dispatches, and memoirs.

A mere eighteen years of age when his uncle, Julius Caesar, is murdered, Octavius Caesar prematurely inherits rule of the Roman Republic. Surrounded by men who are jockeying for power–Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony–young Octavius must work against the powerful Roman political machinations to claim his destiny as first Roman emperor. Sprung from meticulous research and the pen of a true poet, Augustus tells the story of one man’s dream to liberate a corrupt Rome from the fancy of the capriciously crooked and the wildly wealthy.

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very innovative novel        Rating:

This is not your typical historical novel, but one written from multiple perspectives in roughly chronological order in the form of letters, diary and journal entries, and memos from a whole range of historical characters and players from that era. It begins just after the Ides of March assassination of Julius Caesar in the Senate and the inheritance of his nephew Octavius (who was adopted as Caesar's son) to his titles and wealth at age 18. Octavius evolves into the Caesar Augustus of the book's title. The novel ends with the death of Augustus.

The novelist assumes some familiarity with the main characters and events of that time. If you are not familiar, then before taking up the novel I would recommend at least reading Encyclopedia Brittanica articles on Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Octavius, Cleopatra, and perhaps Cicero and Brutus. You should also be clear on who Livy, Ovid, Horace, and Virgil are.

Insightful look at the possibilities of the life of the man        Rating:

This is a splendid departure from the usual novel or historical account, and gives you a rare glimpse into the possibilities of how Octavius Caesar really lived.

With a narrative based on epistles it shows not just history unfolding but the particular points of view of the people playing at its stage, sometimes even contradictory in viewpoints, and always absolutely engaging.

Best of all, the prose is magnificent and I find myself wishing for more-- not that it's needed but because it's just that well done-- while the ending (as the letter writer had high hopes for the new emperor) was a truly brilliant touch.

It's lonely at the top        Rating:

Caesar Augustus ponders on his deathbed why people become agitated and divisive in good times but unify during strife. Told through supposed diary entries and letters, this fictional account plumbs the mind of Augustus, showing us his development into the skillful leader who guides his people from chaos, through civil war, to peace and prosperity.
Some of his seemingly cold-hearted decisions, such as the exile of his beloved daughter Julia are seen in a new light. Perhaps her banishment wasn't his arrogant punishment of a perceived betrayal, but protection from charges of treason.
An entralling read, especially following the enjoyable run of HBO's "Rome" series. As good as "Rome" was, this is better. Augustus is three-dimensional here. Williams delivers with solid history with mythology and poetry mixed in. He is an impressive writer, heretofore unknown to me.
Some noteworthy snippets:
"Her mind had never been violated by a serious thought" says Julia
"Cicero and others of his odor" Marcus Antonius
The final musings of Augustus, as his purple-sailed ship wends along Italy's coast to Capri, concern Romans' uneasy relationship with the sea. He refers to Vergil's "conceit" that the gods had "separated land from land by the unimaginable depths of the ocean so that the peoples in those lands might be distinct, and man in his foolhardiness launches his frail bark upon an element that ought not to be touched." In the end, Augustus recognizes himself as a frail human, just as any other Roman.
Williams has definitely made it on my list of authors to explore.

smart, intelligent, with a clever design        Rating:

A meticulously written novel, Augustus uses fictional letters, memoirs, histories and recollections to piece together the life and career of Augustus Caesar. So exacting is its detail, it is difficult to believe that the source materials are the products of Williams' imagination (spruced up by historical facts). This work shows how versatile the novel can be; fluid while at the same time containing a variety of perspectives; historically accurate while simultaneously an imaginative romp.

A little slow but a good read        Rating:

This is not a typical historical fiction book, I found it to be quite slow in parts. The action in this book is nonexistent,too much 3rd person telling of events that happend to others, and not enough of Augustus own words.All in all a very well written book, but this is not a book for an action fan like me.

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