Tom Holland – Rubicon (2003)
History – 400 pages – my copy (paperback; 2007) bought from an independent bookshop in Totnes, sometime in 2008
- 4 nods out of 5 -
Tom Holland made narrative history sexy again. His first book, Rubicon, was an absolute sensation, earning plaudits far and wide, enthusiastically shown within the opening pages of this paperback edition that notes universal acclaim from all and sundry. He chose his topic well: books upon Roman history have much mileage to go; especially ones well written upon ‘The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic’.
Rubicon sets out the fall of the Roman Republic and its overthrow to become the Roman Empire, during the first century, B.C. Holland begins by settling in the reader, explaining the Republic and its paradoxes, and the century’s earlier upheaval when Sulla became dictator of Rome. This proved a temporary measure; but the next time would prove long lasting.
All of the major players are here: Caesar, Pompey, Cicero and Cato; including much, much more, from the great to the small. All their parts in Rome’s downfall are carefully plotted, whilst the characters themselves are lovingly and colourfully portrayed. Within the action, rarely does Holland intrude in order to dispute facts or bring in a debate of historians. The author notes the great holes in our knowledge of the past, yet remains confident in bringing the shards and pieces together to form a pleasing whole. As he notes in the book’s introduction: ‘a narrative may still be reconstructed – but what is gone can never be repaired’.
The climax itself occurs with Caesar’s coming of full power as Rome’s dictator; however, the story itself is not over, with Holland showing Caesar’s assassination at the hands of Brutus, the second triumvirate, continuing civil war, until Augustus’ final victory. By then, it is a new world; and all the previous players have long since departed.
Admittedly, there is nothing new within these pages. This story has been told a thousand times before; and this is the largest single fault to be found with Rubicon. However, Holland manages to conjure enthusiasm and life back to these characters and events, making them fresh again to our eyes. The author has a novelist’s touch with words and description, creating a book that is hard to put down and leave alone. For anyone wishing for an introduction into this anarchic and confusing period, nobody could do better than to pick up a copy of this book right away. And for those well informed with the period, what better way to get re-aquatinted with old friends that via a comfortable and well-stocked host?
History – 400 pages – my copy (paperback; 2007) bought from an independent bookshop in Totnes, sometime in 2008
- 4 nods out of 5 -
Tom Holland made narrative history sexy again. His first book, Rubicon, was an absolute sensation, earning plaudits far and wide, enthusiastically shown within the opening pages of this paperback edition that notes universal acclaim from all and sundry. He chose his topic well: books upon Roman history have much mileage to go; especially ones well written upon ‘The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic’.
Rubicon sets out the fall of the Roman Republic and its overthrow to become the Roman Empire, during the first century, B.C. Holland begins by settling in the reader, explaining the Republic and its paradoxes, and the century’s earlier upheaval when Sulla became dictator of Rome. This proved a temporary measure; but the next time would prove long lasting.
All of the major players are here: Caesar, Pompey, Cicero and Cato; including much, much more, from the great to the small. All their parts in Rome’s downfall are carefully plotted, whilst the characters themselves are lovingly and colourfully portrayed. Within the action, rarely does Holland intrude in order to dispute facts or bring in a debate of historians. The author notes the great holes in our knowledge of the past, yet remains confident in bringing the shards and pieces together to form a pleasing whole. As he notes in the book’s introduction: ‘a narrative may still be reconstructed – but what is gone can never be repaired’.
The climax itself occurs with Caesar’s coming of full power as Rome’s dictator; however, the story itself is not over, with Holland showing Caesar’s assassination at the hands of Brutus, the second triumvirate, continuing civil war, until Augustus’ final victory. By then, it is a new world; and all the previous players have long since departed.
Admittedly, there is nothing new within these pages. This story has been told a thousand times before; and this is the largest single fault to be found with Rubicon. However, Holland manages to conjure enthusiasm and life back to these characters and events, making them fresh again to our eyes. The author has a novelist’s touch with words and description, creating a book that is hard to put down and leave alone. For anyone wishing for an introduction into this anarchic and confusing period, nobody could do better than to pick up a copy of this book right away. And for those well informed with the period, what better way to get re-aquatinted with old friends that via a comfortable and well-stocked host?
