Empire

July 5, 2010
Saylor, well known for his Roma Sub Rosa historical mysteries, switched gears for his bestselling Roma and now continues the history of ancient Rome from A.D. 14 to 141 with a hefty tome of the Pinarius family as its members serve a succession of Roman emperors as soothsayers, senators, and artisans, while trying not to get killed in the slew of conspiracies that marked the Roman political scene. The patriarch, Lucius Pinarius, grooms his son, also named Lucius, to be a member of an ancient priesthood of soothsayers who interpret natural phenomenon to divine the future. Young Lucius is particularly skillful, earning the emperor's praise and confidence. Succeeding generations of Pinariuses will enjoy the favor of Trajan and Hadrian, but will suffer from the cruelty of Tiberius, the madness of Caligula, the depravity of Nero, and the murderous paranoia of Domitian. Saylor also vividly describes how the family survives the volcanic destruction of Pompeii, the burning of Rome, and the persecution of Jews and Christians. Though the ending is disappointingly abrupt, it does signal another volume to come in this grand series.

In this sequel to ROMA, Saylor continues the saga of the Pinarius family, who served an assortment of Roman emperors as soothsayers, senators, and sculptors while the country endured upheaval under their caprices. EMPIRE covers the period from the reign of Augustus in 14 A.D. through the reign of Hadrian in 141. James Langton's performance brings vitality to every bit of the elaborate spectacle. His narration vividly recounts some of the most indelible events of that period--the burning of Rome; the slaughter of Christians; the gladiatorial games in the Coliseum; the eruption of Vesuvius; and the cruelty and deviant behavior of Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero. Obscure facts, both sexual and architectural, flesh out the story, and Langton makes it all come alive. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine