In the blockbuster tradition of The First Man in Rome, Colleen Mccullough's monumental Masters of Rome series continues.
The man behind the legend … the women behind the man
Villain or hero? Debated for centuries, the volcanic soul of Julius Caesar comes dramatically to life in this masterpiece of historical fiction from the #1 bestselling author of The Thorn Birds.
In this sweeping saga, McCullough traces Caesar's rise to prominence in his world, beginning with his triumphant entry into a new battlefield—the Roman Forum, where wars are waged with words and schemes, and where today's ally may be tomorrow's foe. Caesar's victories are not limited to the political arena, however; he also conquers Rome's noblewomen, including the powerful and vindictive Servilia, mother of a youth called Brutus. Yet the one thing he never gives to any of the women who love him or want him is himself—to Caesar, love is just another weapon in his political arsenal.
Epic in scope, razor-sharp in detail, Caesar's Women paints an indelible portrait of a man willing to seize any means of moving toward his ultimate goal: to be the greatest of all Rome's First Men, the leader of a world that echoes our own too closely for comfort.
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"This remains my favorite HF series ever. Must not wait 15-20 years to reread it again. This book finds McCullough moving us into the more well known period of Roman History- for the average person. I.e., the rise of Julius Caesar. But, she does it in an interesting and detailed way. First, by bringing him into focus via the women in his life- his mother Aurelia, daughter Julia, wives, and mistresses. One of my favorite things is that you can tell the research for this book was the author's passion, joy, and must have consumed her life. She's always stated that she couldn't begin to list all of her sources. A far cry from the handful of books many HF writers cite in their bibliographies."
— Shay (4 out of 5 stars)
“McCullough is on fire…Caesar is one of her strongest and most fascinating characters.”
— San Francisco Chronicle“McCullough captures the driven, passionate soul of ancient Rome.”
— Publishers Weekly“Those readers following the series and others with an intense interest in the time period will enjoy this installment.”
— Library Journal" Master of Rome series; brilliant "
— Jak2, 2/20/2014" The number of characters can get overwhelming, but the story is fascinating--and sometimes the women are more interesting than the men. "
— Fiona715, 2/19/2014" The best historical fiction treatment of the turbulent times from the life of Sulla to the ascension of Octavius. One of the best historical fiction series ever, but be prepared to read all of the books once you start, because you won't be able to put them down. "
— Shelly, 2/10/2014" This is the first of Colleen McCullough Roman series I've been able to finish. But oh how fascinating it was. The names are so closely linked that keeping all the characters straight caused me much frustration. My son, who's read them all, says I need to read them with a chart of names in front of me. Perhaps.... I just may have to follow with the next in the series to see what Caesar does next on his path to immortality. "
— Dona, 2/1/2014" I've never actually liked Julius Caesar before. When I read Suetonius I was mildly amused by Caesar, but he was just always a cocky, arrogant, ambitious bastard who did something kinda cool but somewhat bad too. As always McCullough has really illuminated a character for me. I adore Caesar. Adore him! Dare I say I even like Servillia who could very well be termed the nemesis of my favorite character in The Grass Crown. I feel like I'm on some sort of roller coaster of characterization. And this book gets good towards the end (I still have about 120 pages to go, but I am wrapped up in it!) "
— Alex, 1/27/2014" Another fun and interesting read. Long, but cant put it down. "
— Robert, 1/27/2014" I think Colleen McCullough did an excellent job of depicting the political system and the conflict associated with that system in Rome at that time. Many people have no idea how the Roman republic functioned in the days before the emperors. She also brought to life all of the historic figuires from that era and provided us a glimpse into what they were really like as people. The power and influence that women had in this male dominated society was I fel very accurately if maybe somewhat understated in the story. An excellent picture of the time and the political intrigue during the Roman republic. I was surprised at the level of devotion to religion, as I always believed the Romans only went through the motions of believing in their religion, but Colleen McCullough indicates something entirely different. Altogether it was an excellent book, extremely well written, researched, and documented. "
— W.C., 1/22/2014" No wonder Caesar had so many headaches! "
— Trey, 1/9/2014" This whole series on Rome by McCullough is fantastic. You are in ancient Rome and you will understand every movie you ever see about the history if you read the series. "
— Diane, 1/9/2014" What can I say? LOVE this entire series. "
— P.I., 11/12/2013" 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, 11/4/2013" A view into the lives of women in ancient Rome. Like nowadays they worked behind the scenes. "
— Johanna, 10/9/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series. I am a novice at ancient Roman history & this series put it into a sequence & perspective that made me "get it" The series gives me background to understand Gladiator, The Robe and many more novels, plays & movies better. "
— Deb, 9/29/2013" 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, 8/27/2013" A very slow read. Had to force myself to finish the book. Interesting to learn about Ceasar's mother and daughter, but the detail about Roman rule really dragged... "
— Diane, 7/1/2013" Caesar taking stage in Rome "
— Erik, 7/1/2013" IMO, the series started to decline with this book, though it is still an excellent read. "
— Karla, 5/10/2013" Part of the series. They're all good reads. "
— Jeffrey, 3/5/2013" Well-developed fictional series. "
— Ron, 2/11/2013" Excellent, as have been all the books in this series. "
— Tim, 10/19/2012" I do enjoy these books. The names are tiresome, and sometimes the excessive politics can get to you, but still, very good overall. "
— Aaron, 3/20/2012" Great book --- really gives a sense of the lives of patrician Roman ladies. "
— Laura, 1/16/2012" Another McCullough book that moved too slow and had too many characters. Though this is one of my favorite historical periods, I just don't enjoy this series. "
— Vickie, 1/8/2012" 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, 10/5/2011" Caesar's rise to power, how he loved and left women. "
— Tara, 9/5/2011" Only read the first 1/3 of it. Too many characters and they just going to war. "
— Sue, 7/29/2011" So far this book really seems to bring the major players and intrigues of Ancient Roman life alive. It reminds me of the HBO tv series, Rome, which is one of my favourite tv series. "
— Rachel, 5/24/2011" Generally a very good read. It is sometimes descriptive of Roman practice to a fault and deviates from the story a little much for my taste, but it is very interesting info. It is pretty long so it takes some commitment to finish. "
— Abigail, 2/2/2011" This is the fourth book I've read from the series. Still loving learning about this period of time, but not quite as good as the previous three--I'm on to the fifth! "
— Linda, 1/18/2011" Very good! My favorite of the Master's of Rome series books. I think I might be slightly in love with Julius Caesar now...hehe "
— Marina, 1/17/2011" Excellent, as have been all the books in this series. "
— Tim, 12/15/2010" Master of Rome series; brilliant <br/> "
— Jak2, 12/10/2010" I'd only recommend it if you are a roman history buff. Some nice maps. "
— Ian, 10/24/2010" I just couldn't finish this book. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it just wasn't clicking with me and so instead of forging on through, I decided to just quit before I get really annoyed. "
— mandee, 9/6/2010" McCullough is a wonder! Historical detail is staggering. Puts you in the twilight of Republican Rome from the first page - the power people, the pulsing life of the city, the religion and much more. "
— Faith, 9/4/2010" The fourth novel in the series primarily focuses on Caesar and his on going battle against the conservative faction of the Senate. Like the other books this focuses mainly on political machiantions rather than the blood and guts of battle. Again a little plodding in parts but still a good read. "
— Joshuakaitlyn, 6/6/2010" A very slow read. Had to force myself to finish the book. Interesting to learn about Ceasar's mother and daughter, but the detail about Roman rule really dragged... "
— Diane, 5/11/2010Colleen 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.