It is 54 BC. Gaius Julius Caesar is sweeping through Gaul. While his victories in the name of Rome are epic, the conservative leaders of the Republic are not pleased—they are terrified. Where will the boundless ambition of Rome's most brilliant soldier stop? He must be destroyed before he can overthrow the government and install himself as dictator.
When Cato and the Senate betray him, Caesar resolves to turn his genius against his ungrateful country. Backed by a loyal and skilled army, he marches on Rome. But before reaching his goal, he must contend with Pompey the Great, a formidable adversary who underestimates the renegade Caesar.
These are tumultuous times—for Caesar, who endures personal tragedies even as he wages war; for Pompey, who must wrestle with his fear that his greatness is at an end; for Cicero, whose luminous rhetoric is shattered by threat of violence; and for the citizens of Rome, whose destiny lies in Caesar's hands.
The fifth novel in Colleen McCullough's unforgettable Masters of Rome series, Caesar brings to life the passion and genius of an incomparable man.
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"The fourth book of McCullough's First Man in Rome series takes place entirely within Rome and follows Caesar's ten years leading up to his consulship in 59 BC. It tracks the events of Caesar's tryst with Servilia, betrothing his daughter Julia to Brutus, the Catiline Conspiracy and the formation of the First Triumvirate. In particular, the depictions of Pompey and Crassus are exquisite, as is the rendering of why Caesar became such an autocrat and his constant head-butting with the boni. McCullough spends a lot more time on the women, as the amount of evidence for this period is greater by far than for any of the previous generations she covers in the books. I'm really looking forward to the 5th book as McCullough really is in a class of her own when it comes to historical fiction."
— Reid (5 out of 5 stars)
“As usual, McCullough applies her historical research judiciously and skillfully, integrating details that drive her story forward. She deftly handles a large cast of characters and brings welcome humanity to such historical icons as the conniving Brutus, indecisive Pompey and young, charismatic Mark Antony. McCulloughs legion of readers now dwarfs Caesar’s own considerable army. This novel will increase the ranks.”
— Publishers Weekly“Michael York’s energetic and empathic narration…maintains the energy and spirit that take the listener through the machinations and plotting of all involved. The emotions are real and fresh…a masterful narrator make this engrossing to the end.”
— AudioFile“Rewarding but rugged terrain for the casual reader.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Queen of capturing Roman life. "
— Lynne, 2/7/2014" Horrible book. . . Historically inaccurate, poorly written (go back to The Thornbirds,to get an introduction to the stupidity of this book.) That it appeared in a "history" book club should compel someone to look at revamping the system. Easily the worst book I have ever read. "
— Christa, 1/16/2014" IMO, the series started to decline with this book, though it is still an excellent read. "
— Karla, 1/16/2014" I learned from this book that just because I like some books by an author doesn't mean I will like them all. What a bore this book was! The author shows a wealth of knowledge about life in Rome but it doesn't make a good book by any stretch.... Too much detail about the petty politics of the Roman Senate. No plot to grab the reader. BORING. "
— James, 1/13/2014" Only read the first 1/3 of it. Too many characters and they just going to war. "
— Sue, 1/6/2014" Well-developed fictional series. "
— Ron, 1/6/2014" A fascinating romp through Roman history @65BC when Caesar is just maturing and serving his first terms as Consul "
— Peter, 1/4/2014" i loved the Thornbirds so I tried the Rome series but couldn't get into it. "
— Kathy, 12/28/2013" This is a solid entry in the First man In Rome series. Once again, there is a bevy of charcaters introduced. Among the best are Servilia, Caesar, Brutus, Pompeia, Clodisu, and Cicero. This book is the most sensually stimulating of the series - so far! "
— Jaime, 10/30/2013" Caesar had many women in his life. He used them to advance his polotics and revenge. This gives you a look at each of wives, mother, daughter and affairs. It also the history of the Roman empire during this time. It goes to about his age of 44. "
— Michael, 10/22/2013" I do enjoy these books. The names are tiresome, and sometimes the excessive politics can get to you, but still, very good overall. "
— Aaron, 9/2/2013Colleen McCullough (1937–2015) enjoyed worldwide renown, and her novels are bestsellers in a multitude of languages. She is the internationally acclaimed author of The Thorn Birds, Tim, An Indecent Obsession, A Creed for the Third Millennium, The Ladies of Missalonghi, The First Man in Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune’s Favorites, Caesar’s Women, and other novels.
Michael York is a successful screen and stage actor. Among his screen credits are Romeo and Juliet, Cabaret, The Three Musketeers, Logan’s Run, and Austin Powers. Stage appearances include Britain’s National Theatre and Broadway. His television work has garnered Emmy nominations and his audio recordings Grammy nominations, as well as five AudioFile Earphones Awards. He has been awarded Britain’s OBE, France’s Arts et Lettres, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.