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Title: The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough, David Ogden Stiers ISBN: 0-671-72628-5 Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Audio) Pub. Date: October, 1990 Format: Audio Cassette Volumes: 4 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.46 (89 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Wild Stuff, these Romans
Comment: A delightful, gripping account of the first domino to fall leading to the end of the Roman Republic. The plot unfolds perfectly, however one must read through the next novel in the series ["The Grass Crown"] to reach that proverbial last domino. Still, "First Man" sets the stage beautifully, and is a great novel in and of itself -- drama, tragedy, and comedy all wrapped up into a neat package.
The indepth, intricate portrayal of the relationship between Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla (as well as that between Marius and the Senate) is necessary to understand the transformation of Rome from Republic to Empire. Still, the author manages to make it vastly entertaining. The character development is superb, particularly that of the two aforementioned main characters. Notably, McCullough brings forth a particularly fantastic grasp of the most complex character of the times: Sulla. He is decadent, deceptive, ruthlessly selfish and wicked, yet likable and charming. McCullough does a superb job of painting this complex caricature... oh, she had a grasp on him alright... one feels like one knows Sulla, understands him and the fountainhead of how he came to be what he is. This is no mean feat by this talented writer.
The book is one of the best (if not the best)researched historical fiction novels I have ever come across... and I have read many. Kudos to Ms. McCullough for this gift, and for all of the novels of the Masters of Rome series. The only way to improve on these brilliant tomes is to write another.
I'm waiting patiently.
Rating: 5
Summary: Just Simply Outstanding
Comment: My mother could not believe I was reading a book that came with a glossary & pronunciation guide! This was my clue that this book may not be for everyone. But it is definitely for the reader who enjoys digging for that extra bit of detail to enhance their enjoyment and understanding of a story. As one of those readers, I was thrilled that the book came with maps, glossary, pronunciation guide, author's notes, etc., etc. (Saved me from having to go the encyclopedias!)
This is a series of books that you can really sink your teeth into and come away knowing you have spent your time well. I learned so much about Latin (the basis for many languages), ancient Roman customs & history and the early beginnings of some of our current customs.
But, if you are not into "learning as you read", then the book is marvelous just for its reading pleasure! The characters are all well-developed, the plotlines are strong and there is just the right mix of love, war and politics to please any palate.
After the first 50 pages or so, I was hooked and, while I couldn't put the book down, I was also dreading the end of the book. I have already purchased the second book, The Grass Crown, & am ready to "further my education!"
Rating: 1
Summary: A snore
Comment: I listened to this book on audio while commuting to and from work. When the author wrote about the relationships between the main characters it was OK, but the political speeches were so long and so boring I actually couldn't wait to get to work so I could turn it off. Everyone's name started to sound the same to me. I have a policy of always finishing a book that I have started, but this one really tested me. I will not be listening to any more books in this series.
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Title: The Grass Crown by Colleen McCullough ISBN: 038071082X Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 July, 1992 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Fortune's Favorites by Colleen McCullough ISBN: 0380710838 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 June, 1994 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Caesar's Women by Colleen McCullough ISBN: 0380710846 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 February, 1997 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Caesar: A Novel (Masters of Rome Series) by Colleen McCullough ISBN: 0380710854 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 March, 1999 List Price(USD): $16.50 |
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Title: The October Horse : A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough ISBN: 0671024205 Publisher: Pocket Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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