Part one of a novelization of the life of Cicero. I was inspired to read this by my recent readings of the Americas Founding Fathers, and their fascination with all things Roman and especially with Cicero. And now I understand their appreciation. History may not repeat itself, but it does echo and often rhymes. Read this book. I'm on to part two. ( )

Very entertaining book which is ideal material for an audiobook. ( )

Very much in the tradition of Graves, Imperium takes the available documented era and spins it into a narrative form. Harris' scheming Cicero is interesting as a character but falls short of matching the compelling personality of his Claudius. Because of the framing device of narrating through the POV of a slave, we never get inside the mind of Cicero himself but are always observing from the outside which leads to a more passive "and then they did this" style of story.
It's a good yarn but doesn't rise above that. ( )

July 2010 choice for the Urban Coffee Company book group.[return][return]This is the story of Cicero's rise to Consulship, making use of many of his speeches (still available ~2000 years later). Lots of political intrigue and the choices and sacrifices that have to be made in order to further a career. [return][return]All the greats are here - Cicero, Crassus (who thwarted Sparticus and funded the political career of....) Julius Caesar; Verres (who had plundered Sicily almost to the point of bankruptcy), with Mark Anthony, SUlla etc as supporting characters.[return][return]Harris states in the Author's note "Although Imperium is a novel, the majority of the events it describes did actually happen; the remainder at least *could* have happened and nothing I hope demonstratively *did not* happen". It's an easy read, and should be used as an alternative way of absorbing historical knowledge and inspiring further reading, especially amongst those (like myself) who fell out of interest with "learning History" a long time ago. ( )

Historical fiction based on the life of Cicero, told by his slave and scribe, Tiro (inventor of an early form of shorthand). This is the first book of a trilogy, but it easily stands alone. The plot revolves around the grand political ambitions of Cicero, and means by which he achieves them. Known for brilliant oratory, Cicero comes to life on these pages. Themes include power, deception, honor, collusion, and conviction. For me, the only detractor was the inclusion of so many different people with similar names that it was difficult to keep track of them all. I found it interesting that certain aspects of politics have not changed all that much through the centuries. Recommended to readers interested in ancient Rome, historical fiction, or political intrigue. ( )