The First Man in Rome

Masters of Rome #1

by Colleen McCullough

With extraordinary narrative power, New York Times bestselling author Colleen McCullough sweeps the reader into a whirlpool of pageantry and passion, bringing to vivid life the most glorious epoch in human history.

When the world cowered before the legions of Rome, two extraordinary men dreamed of personal glory: the military genius and wealthy rural "upstart" Marius, and Sulla, penniless and debauched but of aristocratic birth. Men of exceptional vision, courage, cunning, and ruthless ambition, separately they faced the insurmountable opposition of powerful, vindictive foes. Yet allied they could answer the treachery of rivals, lovers, enemy generals, and senatorial vipers with intricate and merciless machinations of their own—to achieve in the end a bloody and splendid foretold destiny . . . and win the most coveted honor the Republic could bestow.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Italy, Ancient History, Roman, Politics

1147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 1990

About the author

Colleen Margaretta McCullough was an Australian author known for her novels, her most well-known being The Thorn Birds and Tim.

Raised by her mother in Wellington and then Sydney, McCullough began writing stories at age 5. She flourished at Catholic schools and earned a physiology degree from the University of New South Wales in 1963. Planning become a doctor, she found that she had a violent allergy to hospital soap and turned instead to neurophysiology – the study of the nervous system's functions. She found jobs first in London and then at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

After her beloved younger brother Carl died in 1965 at age 25 while rescuing two drowning women in the waters off Crete, a shattered McCullough quit writing. She finally returned to her craft in 1974 with Tim, a critically acclaimed novel about the romance between a female executive and a younger, mentally disabled gardener. As always, the author proved her toughest critic: "Actually," she said, "it was an icky book, saccharine sweet."

A year later, while on a paltry $10,000 annual salary as a Yale researcher, McCullough – just "Col" to her friends – began work on the sprawling The Thorn Birds, about the lives and loves of three generations of an Australian family. Many of its details were drawn from her mother's family's experience as migrant workers, and one character, Dane, was based on brother Carl.

Though some reviews were scathing, millions of readers worldwide got caught up in her tales of doomed love and other natural calamities. The paperback rights sold for an astonishing $1.9 million.

In all, McCullough wrote 11 novels.

Source: http://www.people.com/article/colleen...

Reviews

[Mark Porton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome Book 1), by Colleen McCullough is an absolute masterpiece. Sometimes we forget the greatest treasures we have are closest to home. McCullough was born in New South Wales, Australia, and comes from a medical background. Interestingly, she lived on Norfolk Island, a tiny Australian Island in the South Pacific. This is where she died several years ago. I have paid scant regard to McCullough over the past few decades, I recall such works as Tim (early Mel Gibson film) and Thorn Birds when I was a young bloke. I didn’t really know she was so adept, knowledgeable and able to write an epic piece of Historical Fiction like this. As someone who has obsessed about Ancient Rome for the past two years, culminating in my first visit there earlier in 2020, reading a book like this was the ultimate treat.

McCullough not only breathes life into real characters of Republican Rome she paints a picture of settings such as the Roman Forum where much of the political action takes place in this story. I’ve spent some time cross referencing these characters and major events described in this book, and they actually happened. In fact, they are described in such detail the author must have conducted a colossal amount of research into this topic. Naturally, there are some fictional characters and the Author must have taken some artistic licence in describing the lives of these people. From my understanding of ancient Rome this story is believable and mostly legitimate.

One other exciting aspect of this work is it concentrates on the Republic Period, this story more specifically covers 110 to around 100 BCE. So, for those who don’t know, this is before the Imperial Period (of the Emperors – the first being Augustus) which commenced in 27 BCE. This story therefore deals with political leaders many of us are unaware of.

The two main characters in this story are:

Gaius Marius (158-87 BCE)

This guy is one of the most fascinating characters of Republican Rome and was made Consul (the main decision makers in the Curia) a record seven times, which was unheard of. He was an amazing General but a crappy Politician – which makes you wonder how he was so successful as a Political Player during this period. This story provides considerable insight into the man and how he achieved this.

Lucius Cornelius Sulla (138-79 BCE)

Sulla was such a fascinating guy, not only an accomplished military leader, he was Machiavellian, brutal, handsome, a capable politician with a scintillating private life. There is never a dull moment when Sulla makes an appearance.

Other significant players of this period are involved such as Gaius Julius Caesar (Grandfather and Father of the one we all know), Sextus Julius Caesar, Publius Rutilius Rufus, Julia, Aurelia Cotta, Marcus Livius Drusus, King Jugurtha of Numidia and so on and so on – too many to mention, by far. In fact, it can become quite confusing and complicated, so there are good periods of this substantial book where the reader needs to pay attention – even then it can still be confusing.

If you want to read and understand more about the skulduggery of Roman politics, corruption, daily life of the rich and poor, slavery, the sexual proclivities of the elite, housing, the marauding Germanic Tribes (there were hundreds of thousands of them), farming, pirates, African Kings, warfare all this whilst imagining a wonderful, colourful, noisy, chaotic and beautiful mental picture of ancient Rome and client states – I can surely recommend this book. If you love history, especially Roman history this is a must read.

The Author even includes numerous maps and pictures of the main players. I particularly enjoyed the maps, as they even showed where various characters lived in the Roma Urbs (City of Rome) in great hand drawn detail. How exciting!!!!!

Now I’ve devoured this, I must get into a meaty piece of Non-Fiction on Gaius Marius.

Loved it 5 Stars

[Tea Jovanović · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upravo sam juce na FB-u pisala o ovom serijalu... zato sto se tek sada pojavio prvi deo u Hrvatskoj... komentar je na FB stranici Povijesni romani... prevod srpskog izdanja je zastao - prevodilica je stigla do dela gde treba da ubije Cezara a to joj se nikako ne da... :) Prevodi su dobri, Zermen je veliki poznavalac Starog Rima :)

I detalj nepoznat široj javnosti... Srpski čitaoci mogu da zahvale direktno meni i mojoj neiscrpnoj upornosti da dobru knjigu doteram do čitaoca... 5 godina sam molila i kumila i ubedjivala vlasnika Narodne knjige da radimo ovaj serijal... Odbijao je to zbog obima knjige, više od hiljadu strana... Govorila sam mu da svaki naslov podeli na tri dela i tako ga objavi... Bezuspešno... Onda smo se vlasnik Lagune i ja družili tokom jednog snimanja za TV i u pauzama ćaskali o knjigama... I onda sam njega počela da ubeđujem s istom argumentacijom... Bogu hvala te me je poslušao posle kraćeg razmišljanja (a pre nego što sam omatorila i osedela)... :) Tako da je prve delove objavio pre nego što sam ja došla u Lagunu za glavnog urednika :)

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-researched and well-written book by Colleen McCullough who is best known for her international best seller, The Thorn Birds. But few know that she has a marvelous 7-volume series on The Masters of Rome, which documents ancient Roman history. Book 1 take place in the years 112-100 BC, and follows the fortunes of two famous Roman consuls, Gaius Marius and Sulla. McCullough takes us through their rise in this timespan and covers political turmoil in Rome, the African war against Jugurtha, and those many years and battles against the Barbarians (Germanic Tribes). Spectacular Historical fiction that mirrors actual historical events. If you are a lover of Roman history (as I am) or just enjoy classically good Historical Fiction than this book and series is for you!!!!
Read my full review for this and other books at www.viewsonbooks.com

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one hell of a monster of a book. Not only because of the page count, which is over 800 pages, but because of the sheer volume of information that you’re provided with. Even though I was thoroughly interested by the subject matter, it did get to be a bit overwhelming at times because of the amount of names and storylines. It was a bit difficult to keep track of sometimes. But I did thoroughly enjoy it despite that, I just needed to put it down sometimes and let my brain absorb. What I enjoyed most was how historically accurate the story was, the author put in an incredible amount of research and it really shows!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, there have been books that have been in my library, survived a purge, moved around the country, but are still in my library and for a reason. And complete with an autograph from the esteemed Colleen McCullough, I have just completed The First Man In Rome. In the Author’s Note, Ms. McCullough tells us that she is a one-woman band. In her words, “I have done my own research, executed the maps and drawings myself and written my own glossary.” And what a magnificent job she did. As one who doesn’t know a lot about early Roman history, this book was a joy as I was swept into a dramatic world of political intrigue, danger, wars, assassinations, devastating upheaval, and intricately passionate family alliances and rivalries.

“The First Man in Rome was not the best man; he was the first among other men who were his equals in rank and opportunity. And to be the First Man in Rome was something better than kingship, autocracy, despotism, call it what you would. The First Man in Rome held on to that title by sheer pre-eminence, perpetually aware that his world was stuffed with others eager to supplant him—others who could supplant him, legally and bloodlessly, by producing a superior brand of pre-eminence. To be the first man in Rome was more than being consul; consuls came and went at the rate of two a year.Where as the centuries of Roman Republic passed, only the smallest handful of men would come to be hailed as The First Man in Rome.”

The First Man in Rome is the story of Marius Gaius’s rise to power in the Roman Republic, a wealthy rustic barred by his low birth from grasping his destiny, to become the First Man in Rome. His friendship with Sulla, a handsome young man from an impeccably aristocratic house, prevented by penury from claiming his birthright. These two men were brought together by war in dark and distant lands as they battle enemies of Rome and within Rome as they pursue their quest to become The First Man in Rome. This book takes place over eleven years from 110 B.C through 100 B.C. This beautiful book is rich with historical detail, including the house of Julius Caesar and his two beautiful daughters, prominent in the storyline. It is good that this series, Masters of Rome survived my downsizing. And now I am happily off to the second book in the series, The Grass Crown.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just...a collosal achievement. The Thornbirds is just "eh" for me, her take on P&P made me really appreciate her as a skilled author and storyteller...but THIS book makes me revere and idolize her as one of the best authors in existance.

This is an almost 1000 page book about the ancient Roman senate, and I was addicted to every single word. How awesome is that? I was terrified to start it, when I glanced over the almost 300 page glossary, all I could think was "man, what if I'm not smart enough to read this?" I shouldn't have worried! All you have to do is trustingly place yourself in McCullough's hands, and her book will entertain as well as inform. She made this story so captivating that I was on the edge of my seat more than once-over such things as a massive grain shortage and the passing of a bill to grant basic Roman citizens (the 'Head Count') land.

These people with their 3 and 4 word ridiculous names will quickly become real people, and by the end you'll feel like you've been reading about them for years.

Totally awesome.

[Mª Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐

Primer volumen de la serie de seis novelas, que la autora dedica a la fase final de la República romana. Para mí es relectura. En su día me gustó, aunque con algunos peros. En la actualidad mi percepción sigue siendo la misma.

Dice la sinopsis:
El primer hombre de Roma inicia la gran saga que Colleen McCullough ha dedicado a la antigua Roma. Colleen McCullough nos traslada a los primeros siglos de la civilización occidental y traza un espléndido cuadro de la Roma republicana. La historia se inicia en el año 110 a. C. con dos ambiciosos personajes, Mario y Sila, cuyo único y decidido objetivo es llegar a ser el primer hombre de Roma. El primero es un plebeyo de mediana edad, enardecido por la confianza en sus dotes y el enriquecimiento que ha logrado; el segundo, un joven y apuesto aristócrata corrompido por la pobreza familiar. Aquél, un militar disciplinado y soberbio, y éste, un desver­gonzado epicúreo. Mario se casa por interés para favorecer su carrera política, y Sila, por amor. Ambos pugnan en este primer episodio por el poder y la gloria. Mario y Sila, dos hombres con una misma ambición convertirse en el primer hombre de Roma.

Mis impresiones.

La novela abarca el periodo comprendido entre los años 110 a.c y 101 a.c. Se desarrolla en diez capítulos de bastante extensión titulados con el nombre de los cónsules electos del año en curso. Es una estructura interesante que nos permite situar los acontecimientos en el tiempo con bastante precisión. La novela da comienzo diecinueve años después de la muerte de Cayo Graco (el menor de los dos hermanos Graco). La facción de los optimates del Senado parece haber ganado la batalla a los populares. Es entonces cuando surgen en la vida pública las figuras de Mario y Sila. En esta entrega la autora narra el ascenso de Mario, sus seis primeros consulados, propiciados por la necesidad de que defendiese a Roma frente a la amenaza germana, y la relación que mantuvo con Sila, cuando colaboraron juntos en el ejército pese a sus diferencias políticas y de clase.

La trama se centra ante todo en los tejemanejes políticos de esos años. Es exhaustiva en este punto. Lo prioriza sobre los acontecimientos bélicos. Por supuesto que las campañas militares y las principales batallas como Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, Vercellae, etc, están ahí, pero resueltas cada una en pocos párrafos.
Lo acontecido a nivel político lo da a conocer por varias vías, siendo su preferida a la hora de aportar datos la correspondencia ficticia que Cayo Julio César (el abuelo del famoso Julio César), Publio Rutilio y otros mantuvieron con Mario cuando este se encontraba en campaña.

La ambientación y la documentación son de nota. Ni un pero que ponerle. Como es habitual en el género, novela los hechos y rellena los huecos. Al final del libro la autora nos indica las licencias que se ha tomado con algunos personajes y el porqué de hacerlo de ese modo. Incluye igualmente la relación de los personajes (imprescindible para no perdernos), y un glosario detallado de términos.

Los personajes son sobre todo reales, Mario, Sila, los Cayo Julio César, abuelo y padre del que pasó a la posteridad, Marcia, Aurelia, las dos Julias tías de César, Yugurta, Quinto Cecilio Metelo el Numídico, Saturnino y Glaucia, un jovencísimo Sertorio. etc, etc.

La novela termina con un Mario, que tras su sexto consulado ha sufrido un ictus y tiene que descansar un tiempo retirado de la vida pública. Aunque conozco la continuación, no tardaré en seguir con la relectura de la serie.

¿Y los peros?

Es demasiado prolija en datos a la hora de contar todo lo relativo a los acontecimientos políticos acaecidos durante los diez años que relata. Incluso a mí, que me fascina la política de este periodo de la historia de Roma, me ha parecido excesivo. La autora ha realizado una labor sobresaliente de documentación, sin embargo, no es necesario contarlo todo. Colleen McCullough no ha escrito un ensayo o un libro de historia sino una novela. En los dos primeros casos se debe ser exhaustivo, pero en una novela es preciso filtrar.

En conclusión. Primera novela de una serie de seis, que en su momento me fascinó y que me ha vuelto a gustar en la misma medida. Es de lectura muy recomendable para todos aquellos a los que les apasione la historia de Roma, siempre y cuando tengamos en cuenta que es prolija en datos.

[Marilyn Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the entire Man in Rome series - TWICE. 900 plus pages per book. My all-time-favorite books. I'd read them all yet again should I feel so compelled. I tried to get them all in hard-bound so I could keep them for my grandson to read. I'm only missing the one I loaned out. (Dang, I shouldn't do that!)

In my opinion there is not a more definitive, comprehensive, and well researched set of novels written about the Roman Empire, Caesar in particular. Love history? Read, read, read!

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t write reviews.

When a story is everything it should be, I say it’s five stars. This book is a five star book for my personal tastes too. The better the book, the more difficult time I have sorting my thoughts and presenting them in a semi-articulate manner. Take my tongue-tied babble below as a solid recommendation

The men of this story are great men in every sense of the word. They may not be good men and I beg you to not mistake them for your idea of good-hearted heroes. Or perhaps, we just can’t see their world the way they do. Again, ambition, that weird beast, rears its odd head and I wonder why anyone would bow to such a master? He never repays loyalty. The ambitious end up as anyone else, but only after struggling through a sort of shadow life towards the inevitable; death, yes of course, but accompanied by the lingering aftertaste of bitter greed, spoilt flesh of lost power and neurotic fits of unattainable perfectionism. I cuddle under my hedgehog blanket and sigh contentedly, far away from ambition and politics.

No indeed I don’t understand their motives, yet I find them to be compelling reading!! Gaius Marius (the New Man) considered by the patricians to be “an Italian hayseed with no Greek.” (That means his Greek was accented. Such snobbery!) This man does what the patricians can’t seem to do: think and act effectively. His view from the mere periphery of Rome, which was once his curse, becomes his chance at glory. He’s no saint, but he cares for others and wants glory in order to serve them as well as himself.

Lucius Cornelius Sulla is a different animal altogether. Though of the highest noble breeding in Rome, his inherited destitution led him to live quite a seedy life of hedonism, debauchery and murder(??!!). His motives are truly for Sulla and only Sulla. Once he can redeem his place in the world of the rich and high-bred, his plans for politics and greatness can be set into action. If he has anything, he surely has tenacity and patience. Did I mention he was very attractive? He had that too.

Colleen McCullough was extremely well-studied. The plot is historically accurate, although the character studies were her own. The characters were still heavily based on information available from the time. She drew helpful maps and floor plans, and even provided illustrative portraits she made of the main characters. While reading this novel I did quite a bit of break-off studying after she whet my appetite with new tidbits I hadn’t known much about.

Note about the audiobook: Please read this in its original print or ebook form. The book is about 1200 pages. The audiobook version is a severely reduced version (3/4 abridged). Trust me, every piece of this novel is necessary to the whole.

[Justo Martiañez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro cayó en mis manos hace más de 20 años y tras leer la sinopsis y la biografía de la autora, leí que se trataba de la misma autora que había escrito el Pájaro Espino, que dio lugar a la celebre serie televisiva que enganchó a la TV a muchos de nuestros padres. Esto la verdad no me inspiró demasiada confianza, pero decidí leerla.
Descubrí que la autora despliega ante el lector de forma magistral todo el panorama de la compleja política romana, nos enseña el funcionamiento de sus instituciones políticas, nos adentra en la vida de las principales familias aristocráticas patricias y plebeyas de Roma: los Servilio Cepio, Cecilio Metelo, Cornelios, Julio César, Livio Druso, Licinios, Pompeyos, Antonios, Casios, Lépidos.......etc, que compone un cuadro complejo de intrigas políticas, familiares y corrupciones que, por lo menos a mi, me dejó maravillado.
Desde entonces hasta ahora lo he leído 3-4 veces y es unos de mis libros de referencia en Novela Histórica sobre el periodo romano tardo republicano.
La autora nos cuenta el periodo de la República Romana que abarca desde la Guerra de Yugurta hasta el sexto consulado de Mario, que es el personaje principal de esta primera Novela de la Serie, que ya adelanto que consta de 7 libros. En segundo plano está Lucio Cornelio Sila, que empieza colaborando con él y que terminarán enfrentados en la primera de las múltiples guerras civiles que asolan la República en el Siglo I ac. Estos enfrentamientos buscan la supremacía política y también ponen de manifiesto el choque cada vez más irreconciliable entre los inamovibles, que defienden el antiguo régimen, la aristocracia más rancia, y los que consideran que las estructuras políticas de la vieja República no son válidas para gobernar el Imperio cada vez mayor con el que se está haciendo la ciudad de Roma......Al final todo desemboca en guerras y el poder acaba, ya no en el gobierno de muchos, aunque sea una élite, sino en el gobierno personal de una serie de personajes de una u otra facción: Mario, Sila, Pompeyo, Julio César.......
Cayo Mario es el personaje principal, ya que consiguió eliminar el peligro de la invasión germana que amenazó Roma de forma muy seria a finales del Siglo II a.c. La figura de Mario, es fundamental en la Historia de la Roma republicana, ya que reformó el ejército para enfrentarse a esta amenaza, ejerció 7 consulados, 5 de ellos consecutivos, puso las bases para el dominio militar de Roma en los siglos siguientes, pero también rompió muchas normas escritas y no escritas, mostrando el camino de los "populares", que en los años siguientes fueron socavando el viejo sistema republicano y abriendo la puerta al Imperio, siendo el más importante de ellos Julio César, que era sobrino de Mario y que será uno de los más importantes personajes en esta serie novelesca.

Tras alcanzar el poder casi absoluto, durante su sexto consulado, sufre un ictus y debe retirarse de la vida pública...durante un tiempo. Y esto ya forma parte del segundo libro de la Serie.

Este libro es totalmente recomendable para todos los amantes de la Historia de Roma. En un principio puede resultar un poco complejo, con la avalancha de nombres, explicaciones políticas, formas de gobierno e instituciones, pero a medida que avanzas en la serie y en el libro, vas interiorizando toda esta telaraña y el resultado es excepcional. El único punto débil de esta autora es la narración de los episodios bélicos, yo creo que no le interesaban demasiado y pasa por encima sin profundizar lo más mínimo, cuando en ciertos casos estamos hablando de algunas de las batallas más importantes de su Historia: Arausio, Aquae Sextiae, Vercellae......pero os aseguro que el resto compensa.

[Roman Clodia · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCullough is superb on ancient Rome and genuinely does bring it to life without resorting to any spurious and trite fictional claims that the Romans were just like us. She has read all the sources and sticks to them, simply fleshing out the characters and events so that they make narrative sense. This isn't by any means an easy read, since she delves into the intricacies of Senate debates and internal politics, but it is quite unlike anything else that has been published on Rome.

This is the first volume of her massive 7 book series, and probably covers the least-known period of Republican history: the rise of Marius and Sulla, and the transformation of the Roman army, arguably the first steps towards civil war and the fall of the Republic.

There are times where (in this book) the characters slightly tend to soap opera, but they are few. Overall, a superb read. This only lost 1 star because the middle books are even better!

[BrokenTune · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something terribly reassuring about being in politics to enrich oneself. It's normal. It's human. It's forgivable. It's understandable. The ones to watch are the ones who are in politics to change the world. They do real damage, the power-men and the altruists.

I've always been hesitant about reading The First Man in Rome, Colleen McCullough's magnum opus about the Roman Republic. I just didn't know what to expect, and the size of the book (my very large hardcopy version had 700+ pages) was a little off-putting, too. However, I loved her writing in The Thornbirds and I knew that McCullough was a history buff, so I had to check the book out when I saw it in the library.

I'm glad I've read it. It was difficult to get used to the names and find out who is who at first, but ultimately the stories of the main characters develop and interlope and become quite interesting. McCullough goes into a lot detail in describing life and customs in ancient Rome - some I was familiar with and A LOT that I learned. Her attention to detail is fantastic. And, yet, she does not beat the reader over the head with explanations of the political systems, the structure of the military, or Roman history. McCullough requires some pre-existing knowledge from her readers and it makes the book very engaging - it's like a dialogue between reader and author.

In short, The First Man in Rome is a brilliant example of what historical fiction can be.

And, yet, why can I not give the book 5 stars?

Well, some of the story is drawn out way beyond what I was able to pay attention to. Yes, some parts dragged. There, I said it. What drove me nuts more than this, tho, was that there were no chapters! It was difficult at times, especially after putting the book down, where the story was at and which person the particular part was focusing on. Seriously, this structural/editing choice really got to me.

Lastly, though, as much as I admire McCullough's work here, some of the ways that the Roman paranoia of an impending invasion was portrayed almost without comment made me wonder whether McCullough, despite her love of detail, stuck to the classic Roman-is-best narrative for dramatic reasons or whether she truly subscribed to that particular historical perspective. In Thornbirds, part of the admiration I have for McCullough's work is that she challenged some of the characters attitudes - or indeed created one of the finest characters in the book to antagonize an entire religion! - whereas this is missing from The First Man in Rome. I really missed the gumption of a character of Mary Carson's quality and not even Sulla could make up for this.

Marius glared. "The worst of you - Sulla! - is that I will never know what makes you work! What makes your legs go up and down, what makes your arms swing, why you smile like a wolf. And what you really think. That I'll never, never know."
"If it's any consolation, brother-in-law, nor will anyone else. Even me," said Sulla.

[Sud666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen McCullough's "Master's of Rome" is one of my favorite historical fiction series about the Roman Republic. Phenomenally well researched and superbly accurate, this is a series that will give you a great look into the history of Rome, while being one of the finest stories out there.

The entire series is filled with maps, notes, and a copious glossary that will give even the most novice Roman history buff a thorough grasp of this intricate story. Starting in the year 110 BC (In the Consulship of Marcus Minucius Rufus and Spurius Postumius Albinus- during this period of Rome due to oddities with dating, it is common to refer to times by the Consuls), it traces the powerful interplay of greed, power and politics that is the Roman Republic.

The Romans were very mindful, lethally so in fact, of their "auctoritas" (an implication of preeminence, clout, leadership in public and private affairs) and "dignitas" (a man's personal share of standing in the community comprising his entitlement to respect). These were the driving forces of their world. On top of this, due to the Gracchi brothers, Tribunes of the Plebs who had tried to grant more powers to the Plebs and had been killed by more conservative forces- Rome is in a state of internal conflict between the "boni" (The Good Men- or the nobility) and the New Men (people, though very respectable, not of the old founding families). This sets up the stage for the huge names of history from the Gaius Julius Caesar (grandfather to Julius), to Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla.

This qualifies as historical fiction, due to the fact many of the conversations, accurate though they may be, are not on historical record. Otherwise? This is a fine history of the Roman Republic and the various conflicts it faced politically, economically, socially and militarily. In light of the devastating losses incurred by the Roman Legions due to poor generals, eventually leads to the Marian Reforms that create the new type (and far more identified with Rome by laymen) of Legion.

It is also a fine history of the wars between Rome and Jugurtha of Numidia and Rome. In time, it will go on to cover the wars Rome has with the Germanic barbarian hordes that descended into Italy, as well as the complex politics that dominated the entire amazing run of Gaius Marius' Six Cosnulships.

From novices to experts, hell even people who don't like history but like a damn fine story with plots, murder, hatred, power, money, lust.....yeah..it's all here and superbly explained. I can not say enough wonderful things about this series. scholarly, yet fascinating and very hard to put down. Do yourself a favor and read this series.

[Ashley Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monthly group read with Historical Fictionistas!

A solid four stars, which will probably get bumped up to five once I get a chance to reread this in its entirety rather than listening to the abridged audiobook. Don't get me wrong, the audiobook is fantastic, but... abridged. *shrugs* DOS did a fantastic job reading, as I knew he would, and McCullough's research shines through each of these characters. I don't know how much of each character was made up and how much was historical fact (aside from Gaius Marius ruling for six unprecedented terms), and to be honest I really didn't care because that's how good the story was. Excited to reread this, and I've already got book two on the shelf at home! :)

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DAVID OGDEN STIERS READS THE AUDIO? HELL YES.

[maricar · Rating 4 out of 5]

a larger-than-life, fascinating novel...

Halfway through this book, I found myself with eyes full of dark circles. That's when I realized that I haven't had a full night's sleep since picking up this novel. Which in turn made me wonder at my reluctance towards reading another Colleen McCullough book (my previous book by her was, unfortunately, less than memorable). Suffice to say, after reading The First Man in Rome, I am now more than willing to eat my words and bow at the brilliance of McCullough's writing.

In an attempt to be objective, though, not every part of this story was that engrossing. Some accounts of warfare or political intrigues were too protracted that I just had to skim through it. And the latter part about Saturninus' and Glaucia's machinations just felt like a last-ditch effort by the author to maintain the drama right up to the end. Rome with Marius at the helm of power, proved the most riveting part of the book.

Other than that, I have only good things to say about this novel. The depiction of the Roman Republic was so vivid and gripping. The people, their stories, and the interactions among them were so relatable they can be material for today's soap operas: from the live organism that is the Senate, with all its peculiarities, to the women behind the men, and even the State's enemies – every character of note was given life under the author's succinct prose and witty dialogues. I don't know how she did it, but this gargantuan scope of a lifelike historical fiction is a guaranteed page-tuner.

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I have to compliment Colleen McCullough on her research. Truly an outstanding effort and very praiseworthy. Her glossary at the end of the book is excellent and one which I have referred back to more then once for just general information. Having said that I now have to state that the entire series has been going down in quality since the second installment The Grass Crown . With the first two novels it is apparent that Ms. McCullough wrote them more or less simultaneously over a period of several years while doing her very extensive research. I read that she spent over five years researching and writing the first chapters and it shows. The attention to detail is excellent, her characters come to life, they sound and act like Romans (Silly thing to write actually. Let's go with they don't sound and act like people living in the late Twentieth Century. None of us actually know what ancient Romans sounded or acted like do we). There is nothing modern about her dialogue, plot, or characterization. After a short while I felt like I was reading a prequel to Robert Graves classic novels about Claudius. The only thing I felt there wasn't enough of was the biting wit that was so prevalent in Graves work. But I could live with that.

Unfortunately ,starting with the third installment, I saw the old Colleen McCullough coming through. The bestselling author who has written The Thorn Birds and Tim . It was obvious that the research was done and the dramatic stage set was built. Now Ms. McCullough was simply filling in with her trademark writing. Instead of a series of Roman novels there is a soap opera with modern characters running around in togas. Instead of intriguing and fleshed out historical personae there is hero worship of Julius Caesar and two dimensional characters. I made it through the fourth installment and gave up. More tired then disgusted - for what had been rather unusual was now become typical and could just as easily be set in New York City of today. I recommend the first two novels highly. In my opinion they reach a level higher then the average summertime read, but after that one has mind candy. Read I Claudius and Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina by Robert Graves if you want truly entertaining fiction set in the Roman Empire.

[Xabi1990 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conste que lo he intentado. 650 pags leídas (57%), pero tiro la toalla.

Está muy, muy bien ambientado. Demasiado bien para mi gusto en novela. Porque yo busco una novela, no una profusión asfixiante de detalles de la época.

En novela histórica suelo tirar de búsquedas en la Red por curiosidad, pero con esta novela no me quedaban ganas. Cantidad de nombres parecidos me hacían releer varias veces para aclararme, páginas dedicadas a costumbres y ropajes, comidas y organización política. Y lo peor : más que novela obre acontecimientos de la época es una descripción de las luchas internas del poder político del momento.

Las “batallas” se resuelven en dos líneas y ¡hale!, sigamos con la política. Los personajes poco atractivos. Se salvaba Augusta que ha salido poco pero tenía tirón.

Resumen : Posteguillo, please, saca tú otra de Romanos!!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to get more interested in ancient Rome (particularly the Republic) after the HBO series started. I read Tom Holland's excellent Rubicon and knew I needed more--especially on Marius and Sulla, two of the most fascinating characters of this or any historical period. When I learned of McCullough's series, I began with this one and was immediately hooked. I've read all seven, but my favorites are the first 3 or 4.

I really appreciated the way she was faithful to the known history but filled in the unknown areas with reasonable and interesting guesses (e.g., Sulla's first wife probably wasn't Julius Caesar's other aunt, if he had more than one, but she was a Julia). There are dozens of interpretations that she makes (and usually explains in the notes at the end) that are usually so well thought-out and ring true to the known history. Her take on Caesar's epilepsy was particularly interesting and reflects her expertise as a medical doctor (a perspective most historians can't draw on). Her explanation of how Marius made J.C. the flamen dialis, a priesthood that would have prevented any kind of military or significant political career, was ingenious. It's clear (and she points out as much in her afterwords) that some things may not have happened the way she portrays them. But you never get the sense that, like some historical fiction writers, she's changing the history to fit her story. Instead, she tries to understand sometimes conflicting facts to arrive at a plausible rationale.

But, mainly, it's the characters that give this series life. Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and Julius Caesar are living, breathing human beings. She gets inside their heads, and you really get the sense that you know and understand these historical giants, who all were contemporaries of one another and of other legendary figures--Marc Antony, Cicero, Pompey Magnus, Crassus, Spartacus, Brutus, Cassius, and on and on.

I was never that interested in Roman history as a student, with its emphasis on the imperial period. But I think I find something tragic and bittersweet about the end of the republic, which, after all, was a functioning form of democracy more than 2,000 years ago. These men all held the ideal of the republic dear, but they just couldn't help destroying it, blinded as they were by their own hubris, greed, and ambition. It's a fascinating and exhilarating story, and the best way I can think of to understand this important period of Western history.

[PDXReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was highly recommended to me by a co-worker who knew I'd liked I, Claudius and Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome. He said that although Colleen McCullough is best known for The Thorn Birds, she is actually a well-respected authority on ancient Rome.

I have to admit that I approached The First Man in Rome with a lot of skepticism. It sat on my shelf for two years before circumstances compelled me to start it... and within 10 pages I was hooked. I found it to be a compelling read, so much so that it's the first book I've read in a long time that has interrupted my normal routine (skipped exercise to read, stayed up late, ignored the TV...). I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Now, this book won't be for everyone. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to recommend it to most of the readers I know. While there's certainly a lot of action and intrigue, much of it concerns political wrangling and debate. I enjoyed these sections immensely, but I believe many people would find them dull. Still, I loved this novel and have high hopes for the others in the series, and sincerely hope other Goodreads members will give it a shot.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't originally on my list, but I've now made it my March read for my year-long Tome Topple challenge, because... #yolo.

This book is slow, highly-political, extremely intense, and loooooong. It’s clearly not for everyone. But I, for one, loved it.

Keep in mind that I went into this novel knowing nothing about this period of Rome – the rise of the general Gaius Marius, who was consul a record seven times – with back-to-back terms, and even some performed in absentia. Keep in mind that there was originally a law in Rome that you had to wait at least ten years between consular terms, and although this had been broken prior to Marius, he was the one who really bent this law and set a dangerous precedent – not just for politicians, but also for Roman generals.

Marius is also famous for being a ‘New Man’, that is, he came from a family that didn’t have an ancestor who had held the position of consul, and as such, was a highly divisive figure in Roman politics of the time (the novel spans the period from the 110s to the 90s). With Gaius Marius, we also start to see the rise of the power that Roman generals accumulate in the late republic, which of course culminates in Julius Caeser (who is, coincidently, Marius’ nephew).

Not just focusing on Marius, ‘First Man in Rome’ also concentrates on the rise of Lucius Cornelius Sulla – again, an unknown figure to me prior to reading this novel – another powerful figure during this period of Rome. Sulla actually plays a much bigger political role in the sequel to ‘First Man’, ‘The Grass Crown’, but that doesn’t mean that his character is downplayed in any way in this novel. McCullough writes his character extremely well – a highly complicated character, who engages in some incredibly shady activity (*coughcough* murdering family members) without batting an eyelid, but yet you still somehow end up really liking the guy?

As well as Marius and Sulla, there are also a number of other characters that frequently recur – senators, and other highly prominent political figures of the day – and if you’re a newbie to this period like me, then I highly recommend keeping a pen and paper on hand to make notes of who people are and what their offices and roles are. McCullough does her best to distinguish her characters in some way that makes them individualised, but with so many prominent families who all have the same – if not similar names – it can still make your head spin and result in a bit of confusion in the early stages of the novel.

Being such a long novel (my kindle edition clocks in at over 1100 pages, although admittedly around 200 of these are glossaries, character lists and explanations of ancient sources), this novel is extremely slow paced. While there are a few battles – eg. the Jugurthine War in North Africa, the expulsion of the Germanic tribes who tried to invade northern Italy – the main part of the novel deals with Roman politics and the social situations during the decades that the novel covers. There is a lot of information that McCullough packs into her book, and those who are familiar with the Late Republic Period may find it very info-dump and many descriptions lengthy and unnecessary. While initially I felt similarly very early on, once I settled into the novel I really appreciated all the extra information that was added. Plus, McCullough tries to do all her really info-dumpy stuff in letters sent between characters. The character of Publius Rutilius Rufus, for one, a great friend of Gaius Marius, is often used by McCullough as a letter writer, informing both Marius and the reader about important events that have taken place in Rome and the Senate simultaneously to the campaigns against North Africans and the German tribes – events that we would not otherwise be privy to. The method does work for the most part, considering that the events are told by Publius Rutilius Rufus in an informal and somewhat gossipy manner, and also works to break up the text, however these letters can sometimes be pretty long, and I can definitely see how some readers might find them annoying – or even unnecessary.

Nevertheless, despite the length of this novel and the extremely intense subject material that it covers, I still found this highly enjoyable, and (while I can’t speak to the exact level of accuracy of McCullough’s Ancient Rome and her main characters of Marius and Sulla) I learnt an incredible amount from my reading experience. It’s so richly immersive, that you can’t help but be drawn in to the world that has been created. Immediately after I finished ‘First Man’ I downloaded its sequel, ‘The Grass Crown’ (which I’m currently reading at the time of writing this review), and this is definitely a series that I think will become one of my favourites as it develops throughout the rest of the installments.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in Roman history this is a good book to read. The author tells a vivid story of two men who served in the Senate in ancient Rome. McCullough illustrates in all-encompassing and extensive detail, an image of life of the upper echelons of Roman society that is wholly believable. She not only describes how meaningful a sagum is to a Roman soldier, but also tells of domestic industriousness of Julia, matriarch of the Caesar’s household. A complete historical education of the time period is interwoven by way of anecdotes, digressions, and dialogue such that a fabulously rich and complex historical novel results. The author’s research for the historical novel is amazing; the book is more or less historically accurate.

The book revolves about its eponymous hero, Gaius Marius, Rome’s ablest general and a man destined to be a six times a Consul and his wife Julia, a beautiful aristocrat of the Juli Caesar family. (She is Julius Caesar’s aunt. Julius is a baby at the end of the book.) The other key person is the young Lucius Cornelius Sulla form the core of the story. The author masterfully illustrates through a story centered around the two men, the place of women in ancient Roman civilization, with the women of Julian family figure prominently as well. The author is terrific when writing about women. McCullough losses the story’s momentum when she is describing the politics of the time. The two men served together to win the war against Numidia (Africa) in 107 B.C.E. and held off the Cimbri and Teutonii Germanus tribes invasion between 103-102 B.C.E. Even though one man is a liberal and the other a conservative they are able to put aside their political difference to work together for the betterment of Rome. This is the first book of a series about Rome.

I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. The book was narrated by David Ogden Stiers. This is my second book by McCullough the first one I read by her was “The Thorn Birds”.

[Ty Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

To every reader there is a book that stops you in your tracks, and not for a good reason. More a book that just goes on and on, and literally just chews up your time, patience and turns you off reading. This book is one of them.
Having read Colleen McCullough before(and still will) I was keen to read the Masters of Rome series. After this book I will continue no further.
In the end I failed to finish this book, despite being really interested in how it may have played out. 550/781, and I just couldn't push any further.
The reason people don't like history is because they're told like this. The reason people remember the exciting bits of history(fact or fiction) is because they keep you interested. The First Man in Rome is like a university text book, written by a politician. Although having some moments, and a start that sucks you, it is brutally boring and so confusing it needs a glossary and a pronunciation guide just to help you through the book. 100s upon 100s of characters, all with very similar names. Major battles that set about the orchestra of preparation and what is entailed, that span dozens of pages, only to have the actual battle thinly described and rushed through. Political debate, family class, regions, cultures and kingdoms that no longer exist, yet the reader is supposed to be 'aware', and lastly the uncaring web of realtionships that clog the book, all make for a very dull and long read. If I wanted something like this, I'd just read the bible.

[Geraldine Robles Chipana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pese a que las descripciones de las batallas no son, a mi parecer, lo suficientemente sangrientas ¿por qué? y a que esto es muy largo (se está quejando la persona que leyó un fanfic con igual número de palabras hace unos días sin siquiera protestar. Saludos), diría que este libro es… interesante, sí.

Episodios notab— err… no, no. Intentémoslo otra vez.
Escenas y demás:
*La campaña de cartas a Roma promovida activamente por Cayo Mario.
*Cayo Mario, anunciando su nuevo plan de reclutamiento ante el Senado: buena manera de desatar el caos, esa.
*El incidente de los caracoles, que acabó provocando la caída de la fortaleza del Muluya.
*Todas, todas las condecoraciones de Cayo Mario: santo carajo. A mí… me impresionaron, sí.
*Marco Aurelio Cota, informando al Senado sobre la aniquilación sufrida a manos de los germanos: triste, ese momento.
*El motín contra Catulo César: no se habla del motín. Eso. No. Sucedió.

Cayo Mario proviene de una familia rica, nació para mandar y es un ex pretor.
Cayo Mario es originario de Arpinum, no lo suficientemente romano según los propios romanos y en serio, en serio, comprende que ya es demasiado mayor como para aspirar a algún cargo prominente.
Y, sin embargo, hay algo en él que le dice —le asegura, le grita— que, de darse la oportunidad adecuada, él ¡él! podría convertirse en El "primer hombre de Roma "…

Cayo Julio César sabe que es el patriarca de una familia respetada, distinguida y a la cual ama. Él también sabe y acepta que no es adinerado, que los años le han ido pasando factura y que debe, urgentemente, asegurar el bienestar económico de sus hijos.
Y si tendrá que dar en matrimonio a una de sus hijas y adoptar al futuro esposo con el fin de lograr tal objetivo… se hará. El hombre elegido —Cayo Mario— no parece ser cruel, de todos modos… y la posibilidad de que Mario llegue a conseguir grandes cosas gracias a su apoyo está ahí, de verdad…

Lucio Cornelio Sila es un hombre casi totalmente pobre, nada influyente y que vive rodeado de borrachos, charlatanes y mendigos.
Lucio Cornelio Sila es un noble patricio (y no precisamente el primero de su estirpe), con derecho de nacimiento al consulado mas sin fortuna para ejercerlo y entiende, entiende, que deberá esforzarse si es que quiere obtener poder y respeto.
Ahora, si tan solo la hija de César dejara de complicarle la vida… ah bueno. De todo se puede sacar ventaja, supone…

[Juan-Pablo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll keep this brief, a lot has already been said in the other reviews. The book does a decent job if you're interested in this fascinating period of the roman revolution. However, summarizing; it's over-long, the beginning (100+ pages) it's very disorganized, the narrative tricks get really old (the use of letters to cover historical and plot gaps is extremely annoying), the coverage of battles is minimal, the ending stretches far too long. On the upside, the senate scenes are good and convincing, some of the characters are well developed, specially Sulla, and the Glossary is helpful (although better would have been a prose that doesn't require one). At some point in the novel one feels that the author is tired and just wants to get the job done.

If this series had ~300 pages, I would probably keep going despite its many defects, because it's still an entertaining way to get acquainted with this history. At ~1000 pages each volume, I doubt it.

It surprises me that lots of reviewers have called this the best historical novel they have read. Robert Graves' "I, Claudius" comes to mind as a much better example of a great one. Now I look forward to read Santiago Posteguillo's "Africanus, el hijo del consul" which according to most reviews is a fantastic historical novel.

[Nick Borrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply an incredible read. If you are interested in the politics of the early Roman Republic, Ms. McCullough delivers an informative history lesson in the form of compelling fiction that will not disappoint. I picked up this book because I am fascinated on anything that deals with the history of early Rome during and after the Age of Antiquity. Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series came highly recommended by a friend of mine. I was absolutely blown away by the knowledge that she presents in these books and the way that she puts you in that time and place. Plus, she delivers a great account of the political battles within Rome's Senate that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat to read the next installment. Don't pass these books up if you are a lover of historical fiction or Roman history.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posso immaginare quanto si sia documentata l'autrice per scrivere un romanzo storico ambientato in dieci anni tra i più turbolenti di Roma Repubblicana, gli anni ricompresi dal 110 a.C. al 100 a.C., un periodo storico in cui la Repubblica cominciava a vacillare per la corruzione dilagante e la demagogia imperante, i confini romani erano minacciati dall'Africa prima e dai Germani poi.
Apprezzo il lavoro fatto dalla scrittrice, ma al contempo devo sottolineare la fatica a leggere 880 pagine! L'opera avrebbe potuto essere molto più efficace nel far comprendere la storia romana se fosse stata meno voluminosa, sono partita con grande entusiasmo che si è smorzato strada facendo dopo un mese e più di lettura.
In ogni caso mi sono ricordata i miei studi scolastici, quando Mario e Silla erano due nomi e basta, inseriti nella storia repubblicana, che si imparavano quasi a memoria. Adesso, dopo tanti anni, grazie a questo romanzo, ho inquadrato quel periodo fondamentale nella storia repubblicana, in cui l'aristocrazia romana rappresentata dagli Optimates lottava con tutte le sue forze contro l'avvento degli Homines Novi, di origini plebee ma sommamente ricchi tanto da potersi permettere di entrare in Senato, ma soprattutto non di nascita romana bensì Italici, come Caio Mario, sei volte console in quegli anni, grande condottiero e combattente in politica a favore dei suoi veterani, per riconoscere loro il possesso di terre e anche della cittadinanza romana. Lo scontro tra i nobili senatori superbi delle loro origini, difensori della grandezza di "Roma caput mundi" e Caio Mario, "homo novus" salito al potere soltanto per i suoi eccezionali meriti militari e deciso riformatore dell'esercito, anima ogni pagina, con sullo sfondo le vicende anche personali di colui che da collaboratore politico e militare diventerà il peggior nemico di Caio Mario, Lucio Cornelio Silla, oltre alle vicende familiari di tante famiglie patrizie tra le quali quella Gens Iulia che darà a Roma il console, dittatore, pontefice massimo, condottiero e scrittore Caio Giulio Cesare.
Il romanzo è il primo di una serie che non leggerò, questo volume mi è stato regalato forse col pensiero che mi avrebbe spinto a leggere i successivi, ma non sarà così, ho troppa voglia di leggerezza!

[A.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

At long last.

Whenever I decide to give a new author a shot, I tend to stay away from the doorstoppers. Nothing against long novels, but the possibility of a very long mediocrity isn't appealing with my to-read list bobbing at 60. That said, I have a deep fascination for late Republic/early Empire Roman material, fact or fiction, and so I was willing to throw the dice on this one, and the results as you can see were mixed.

From a story perspective, this is a tough review. Parts of the novel were terrific and others were more boring than church. Problem is, the characters like Sulla who were dynamic and interesting in the beginning shriveled and soured as chucks of pages flew by, resulting in wildly inconsistent execution. There were long stretches where it was difficult to discern what if anything the scene before us had to do with anything. And sure enough, after awhile, it became painfully clear that Colleen McCullough had zero idea what was necessary for the story and what wasn't. There are only so many ten-page letters an author can insert detailing the monotonous dealings of the Roman senate which don't so much as budge the cast one way or the other before the reader is skipping lines. And to my horror––my absolute dismay––I found that there was not a single solitary (real) battle sequence in this book, or any of the kind of historical detail and attention Ms. McCullough gave the personal and political aspects. The history of the world is written by the edge of a sword; had I known that this oversight was going to happen, I wouldn't have bothered.

Technically speaking, there were a couple of issues. First, McCullough could be charged with a felony for reckless overuse of the exclamation point. If there were a vote on it, I would cast mine for its removal from all American keyboards. Even relegating it to the Shift-1 position is too kind. Nothing turns ancient Rome into Leave it to Beaver faster, and there are plenty of effective ways to add emotion to dialogue without resorting to this. See? See? SEE. SEE!!!

As another reviewer pointed out, the dialogue is, I dare say, rather a little Victorian. None of the characters exhibit anything that sets them apart from one another, and aided by names like Marcus Metellus Numidicus Flavius Africanus Macedonicus, the secondary cast is especially indiscernible.

But the bottom line is simple. The book is long and after five hundred pages the word 'slogging' will suddenly be in vogue in your vocabulary. For a work so massive, there's far too little immediacy, and it takes on the characteristics of a novel more concerned with historical accuracy than storytelling. A hard balance to strike, yes, but you know it when you see it, and the results are typically as exciting as they are informative. I had a hard time rating this book. At times it was a four and others a one. But because I did feel as though I learned something, I can't be too harsh. Three stars.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, to be honest, I didn't finished this one. I was hoping more of a historical focused novel, rather than a fiction-romance with some historical background. So, I guess, 2 out of 5.

[Corey Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

”The terracotta city of the brilliant colors – painted columns, vivid walls, statues everywhere looking so lifelike the observer expected them to start orating or fighting or galloping or weeping. Nothing whitely African about Rome, which did not build much in mud brick anymore, and never white-washed its walls, but painted them instead. The hills and cliffs, the parklike spaces, the pencil cypruses and the umbrella pines, the high temples on their tall podiums with winged Victories driving four-horsed quadrigae on the very crests of the pediments, the slowly greening scar of the great fire on the Viminal and upper Esquiline. Rome, the city for sale…”

It’s clear—I was floored by this book’s story, history as well as the skill, research and ability of Colleen McCullough as a writer. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, but this stands in a category of its own; I will include a quote from McCullough at the end of my review addressing her sources and her assertive confidence in the validity of her novel.


Anyway. Let’s jump right in to the juicy stuff—this is Book 1 in a seven part series addressing the fall of the Roman Republic with the dictatorship of Julius Caesar, and the rise of Octavian and the beginning of the Empire. This story starts where it should—before Caesar himself is even born. We get the story of Tiberius and Gaius Graccus, arguably the first two men to speak for the people and show some cracks in the marble. The book itself is about the great Roman general Gaius Marius, the Marian reforms to the army , his defense of Rome from hundreds of thousands of fearsome Cimbi and Teutones tribesmen, and his right hand man (for the time being) Lucius Cornelius Sulla; a character (which will without a doubt be the focus of Book 2) known for crossing the Rubicon with his legions and marching on Rome many decades before Julius Caesar would famously do the same thing.

Without getting to much into the actual history in my book review, it should be said that the Graccus Brothers, and then Marius, took a stand against the Roman Patricians, or ruling class, on behalf of the People (referred to by the ruling classes as the “Head Count); of course, there is a mix of genuineness and pure populism at work here, but these figures stick out as being especially interesting for this reason. Sulla is a bit more complicated.

This was a period of major unrest and civil war for the Roman Republic—a complicated period that produced some of the most well-known figures in western history. It is also one of the most well documented (if the not the most documented stretch of time in the ancient world). The Romans had many biographers, historians, and others that documented these events, and lucky for us a good bit of them have survived for two thousand years. McCullough starts this story where many of the ancient writers do, and we get fictionalizations of real characters, like Marius, as well as entirely fictional creations, like the strangely likable Lucius Decumius.

The book itself is broken up into 6 or 7 parts (but who’s counting?), that are novel-length in their own right. There are no chapters. The text is dense and full, there are lots of characters with glorious Latinate names (which can sometimes be difficult to follow because of Roman naming conventions). All of this is explained. The imagery is lush, beautiful, and about as realistic feeling as anything I’ve read. Some of this may sound like a turn off, but it’s all done so expertly by McCullough, the flow is non stop. Her writing is beautiful, and has the rhythm and feel of an older book mixed with a modern accessibility. It’s also worth mentioning that Colleen McCullough is bloody hilarious. One thing I didn’t expect while reading this was to be laughing out loud at dick jokes, but here we are.

Anyways, I’ll cut it there. The research for this of many countless and thankless pages on McCullough’s part pays off in ways that give her a command on the period that, while maybe not “rare”, definitely isn’t the norm for historical novels. It’s five full stars from me in every possible category. This is one of those books that for better or worse, has made some other works of historical fiction I loved feel more like amateur outings.

If you have an interest in in Ancient Rome, this book absolutely cannot be missed. I say that firmly, but friendly.!.

From the Author’s Note: ”Rather than append a long scholarly dissertation in the defense of my hypotheses, I have chosen to incorporate a minimum of this within the Glossary. No bibliography is appended. First of all, because it is not usual to do so in the case of a novel. But more importantly, any bibliography would run many pages. 180 volumes of the Loeb Classical Library would be but a small beginning. I will only say, where possible, I have gone to the ancient sources and have treasured the modern works of many fine historians. My scholarship will be obvious enough for those qualified to judge, without a bibliography.”

She then says if you write her, she’d be happy to send a full bibliography to you. I included this because I mentioned it above, and McCullough’s confidence in the historical accuracy of her work is plenty appropriate here in my opinion.

[Vladimiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Tredici anni di ricerca storica. Due milioni di parole (2.000.000!) di appunti su personaggi, fatti, cronologia, citazioni, detti, usi e costumi, descrizioni (come comparazione ricordiamo che il Signore degli Anelli è lungo circa 500mila parole). Questo è lo sforzo dietro I giorni del potere, primo romanzo della serie I signori di Roma dell'autrice australiana Colleen McCullough, già affermata autrice con Uccelli di Rovo.

Non ho paura nell'affermare che i romanzi storici della McCullough siano l'opera di narrativa più erudita che io abbia mai letto. In molti casi, le informazioni storiche che l'autrice ci fornisce sono più dettagliate di quanto si può leggere su articoli o libri specializzati. Leggerli vuol dire acquisire conoscenze degne di un corso universitario di storia romana. Non è un caso che l'autrice abbia ricevuto una laurea honoris causa in Lettere grazie a questi romanzi!
Un'operazione di questo genere (nelle varie edizioni che ho visto il romanzo è sempre intorno alle 800-900 pagine) ovviamente ha delle controindicazioni: il ritmo narrativo a volte latita; la mole di informazioni, personaggi ed eventi non può essere alla portata (di interesse) di tutti. Ci tornerò. Il contrappeso, però, è un'immersione totale nell'epoca. Se subite il fascino dell'antica Roma come il sottoscritto, allora passerete sopra ogni difetto.

In quale periodo è ambientato I giorni del potere? Nei dieci anni che vanno dal 110 a.C. al 100 a.C., densissimi di avvenimenti per la Repubblica di Roma: la guerra contro Giugurta, le invasioni di Cimbri e Teutoni, la riforma dell'esercito, l'ascesa politica di Gaio Mario (sei consolati consecutivi, come mai nessuno prima di allora), il tentativo rivoluzionario di Saturnino. Ma il romanzo non è solo questo! Qualsiasi aspetto della vita privata e pubblica dell'epoca è sviscerata e mostrato al lettore: politiche matrimoniali, usanze religiose, portate dei banchetti, quartieri di Roma, templi, edifici, profezie, aspetti economici.

I due protagonisti sono Caio Mario e Lucio Cornelio Silla, al tempo stesso amici e antagonisti per il titolo (morale) di "Primo Uomo" di Roma. Mario è uno che ha fatto carriera, si è meritato molti onori, ma non riesce ad accedere alla gloria suprema perchè è di bassi natali. Sarà l'alleanza con una famiglia patrizia ma non ricca, quella dei Giulii, a garantirgli nuove opportunità.
La situazione di Silla è più grave. Patrizio di sangue puro, è stato costretto a condurre una vita dissoluta dagli sperperi del padre. All'inizio del romanzo appare quasi succube di due donne, la matrigna e una prostituta e coinvolto in altre relazioni non proprio onorabili per l'epoca. La sua scalata sarà ancora più ripida e violenta.

Attorno a questi giganti ruotano decine e decine di altri personaggi che non è consentito definire minori. La lunghezza dell'opera permette di concentrarsi anche per molte pagine su ciascuno di quest'ultimi, con l'effetto di creare dei "racconti nel romanzo" del genere più vario. A volte abbiamo anche dei veri e propri divertissement letterari in cui l'autrice si diverte a parlarci di un personaggio mai apparso prima e che mai apparirà in seguito, con cui può inserire storielle e aneddoti di vario genere. Esempio: durante la narrazione della guerra contro Giugurta, l'autrice inserisce le vicende di un semplice soldato che scopre delle lumache, riesce a portarle in Italia e fa fortuna allevandole e rivendendole; racconto che offre il pretesto di mostrare uno spaccato del mondo romano dell'epoca.

C'è anche un grande dose di narrativa che riempie i buchi lasciati dalla storia. Per ovvie ragioni, l'autrice ha dovuto caratterizzare personaggi storici (soprattutto femminili) di cui si sa pochissimo o riempire i suddetti buchi, spesso considerevoli, nella vita degli altri. Ecco quindi emergere personaggi come Iulilla (piccola Giulia), prima moglie di Silla; Aurelia, futura madre di Cesare; Livia, sorella di Livio Druso; Rutilio amico di Mario; Quinto Cepione e famiglia; Scauro, il campione della nobiltà. C'è un personaggio per tutti i gusti, insomma.

Passiamo allo stile. E' prerogativa dei grandi autori, secondo me, saper maneggiare il punto di vista manovrandolo dalla narrazione onnisciente fino alla terza persona e alla prima persona senza confusione e, soprattutto, mantenendo le "voci" dei personaggi. L'autrice è bravissima in questo. Il suo discorso indiretto è magistrale.

A chi consiglio, dunque, questo romanzo? A tutti gli appassionati forti (e ripeto forti) dell'antica Roma, cioè quelli che di fronte alle complicate manovre in Senato, alla descrizione di un banchetto, al riapparire di un personaggio dopo centinaia di pagine non si spaventano ma sono ormai così immersi nella lettura da volerne ancora di più.

Per tutti coloro che si innamoreranno della McCullough, sono lieto di annunciare che la serie I signori di Roma include altre sei opere voluminose come la prima e che arrivano fino all'ascesa di Ottaviano al titolo di Augusto. I personaggi di questo primo romanzo, riappiano nei successivi; nel frattempo, altri nascono (Giulio Cesare nasce all'incirca nel 100 a.C.), crescono e si sviluppano. La vastità dell'opera della McCullough e la sua bravura ci permettono di seguire questo fittissimo intreccio di relazioni, conflitti, amori e odi fino alla fine.

Il mio voto quindi è un 5/5 pieno e rotondo, ma ammetto di essere di parte. Come forse presto sarete voi!

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