From the author of the captivating bestseller The First Man in Rome, the timeless saga of power, passion, and conflict in Ancient Rome continues.
The magnificent glory of Republican Rome is threatened when a struggle for power erupts among the men who shaped its hard-won peace. At its center are two extraordinary leaders: Gaius Marius, the general who saved Rome from Barbarian invasions, desperately trying to extend his reign for a prophesied and unprecedented seventh term as Consul; and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, once Marius' most trusted right-hand man, now a dangerous rival hungry for his own taste of political success.
As the two men battle for position, they are surrounded by a new generation of statesman, soldiers, and lovers, from Senate intriguers and their ambitious wives to the child of destiny, Gaius Julius Caesar.
An absorbing tale of a Republic fighting for its survival in a world of treachery, barbarism, and never-ending war, The Grass Crown is a remarkable entry in Colleen McCullough's brilliant and unprecedented series on the rise and fall of the world's greatest civilization.
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"At last! A book from Colleen McCullough that both has great characters and a storyline that keeps my attention. Although I am slightly sad that I can no longer write McCollough off as someone who creates amazing characters who whisper in my mind for weeks, yet whose books are dull enough I can put them down for a month mid-read and not feel that I've lost anything when the characters finally convince me to put the books back up. It was such an interesting phenomenon."
— Shala (4 out of 5 stars)
“Big, sprawling, sweeping…epic…They don’t make them like this anymore.”
— Washington Post Book World“Fascinating…chilling…compelling…No less weighty or ambitious than its predecessor.”
— San Francisco Chronicle“Magnificent…monumental…All the usual adjectives seem inadequate to described what Ms. McCullough gives us in this historical saga. Her combination of impeccable scholarship and lyrical prose makes The Grass Crown a pleasant orgy indeed—satisfying but leaving plenty of room for more.”
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution“McCullough spins a stupendous tale of love, lust, and murderous ambition.”
— Publishers Weekly" Probably my favorite of the "First Man in Rome" series! If you can't come away from this loving Marcus Livius Drusus, you need to become a Republican! "
— Joann, 2/19/2014" I loved this book as I did The First Man in Rome. It's upsetting to see the Roman Republic being destroyed by unscrupulous and ambitious men, but I can't change history. "
— Marge, 2/18/2014" The rise of Sulla is fascinating. The growth of Caesar is riveting. The tragedies of some families is hard to bear. This one is easier to read after The First Man in Rome got me accustomed to not having to be able to pronounce everyone's names in my head but rather just read & recognize. Maybe a book on tape would help me with that. But since I've read the series 3 times I suppose it really isn't an issue for me anymore. "
— Dorothea, 2/9/2014" An exciting continuation of the series. She's simply an amazing storyteller, keeping in the actual Roman timeline. I love this series and I can't wait to pick up the next one. "
— Jeff, 1/26/2014" el primero de la serie fue el mejor, sin duda "
— Jessica, 1/25/2014" This is the second book in a series. It's rather long, over 800 pages. This book was easier to follow than the first. You will learn to see how the military and political manevers of the final days of the Roman Republic were administered. Very indepth coverage of the cultural and religious life of the world power is included. Great characters and characterization of the time! "
— Michael, 1/21/2014" A sequel to "The First Man in Rome." Found these characters very interesting and I've picked up the next one to continue the story--leading up to the reign of Caesar. It does have its flaws, but sure prefer our political system to theirs! "
— Linda, 1/18/2014" Lucius Cornelius "Felix" Sulla. What a card! "
— Linda, 12/19/2013" done...now i want to visit Rome. "
— Jill, 12/15/2013" Own it,Read it, Loved it! Roman History "
— Ange, 12/8/2013" Marius is a great character, the book really puts a face to a big name in history. "
— Todd, 11/17/2013" This is the first book I read in this series and I found the HARDBACK version at at discount store for $.99--No kidding. It started me on the series as I raced to absorb them all. Love it. "
— P.I., 10/25/2013" I am enjoying this book, immensely. I am learning more about the Romans than I ever dreamed of. "
— Tim, 7/4/2013" Compulsively readable historical fiction that combines vivid characterizations with authentic historical detail. Part of Colleen McCollough's 'Masters of Rome' series. "
— Philip, 4/4/2013" Another great book in this series. "
— Sherry, 1/29/2013" 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, 1/4/2013" After getting over the whole Roman name thing - I'm in love with the series!! Waiting for the next book...Fortune's Favorites "
— Sylvia, 12/13/2012" a long, involved read. fascinating characters but sometimes dry because of extended descriptions of battles or politics. And perhaps a bit confusing just because of the sheer number of characters. "
— Sarah, 9/11/2012" Another excellent book by McCullough. A definite must read for fans of Roman history. "
— Robert, 5/19/2012" Interesting continuation of "The First Man in Rome" detailing the final years of the Roman Republic. "
— David, 3/27/2012" I liked this one almost as well as the first book. McCullough's writing style is fluid and her characters are still interesting. "
— Bryan, 12/8/2011" The history of ancient Rome is so interesting to me. I love it. "
— Karen, 12/4/2011" The Grass Crown chronicles the rise of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, one of the most compelling figures in history. Great historical fiction. Clearly, the author is having a field day discussing one of her favourite characters. A pleasure to read. "
— Ainsley, 11/9/2011" Excellent! I am now in the process of reading the entire Roman series. All beautifully researched and spellbinding. An excellent example of the historical novel genre. "
— Lyvia, 8/20/2011" Again, only excellent ratings for this author from me! Such thorough research can only be inspiring for any historical author! :) "
— Sharon, 6/20/2011" A fitting if disturbing sequel continuing the history of the fall of the republic in Rome. Amazing research and competent characterization... "
— Betty, 6/6/2011" I liked this one almost as well as the first book. McCullough's writing style is fluid and her characters are still interesting. "
— Bryan, 4/11/2011" I think this was the best of the five books, but not by much. <u>The First Man in Rome</u> was also quite excellent. The simmering evil in Sulla was well written and facinating to watch. "
— Franz, 2/12/2011" Another great book in this series. "
— Sherry, 1/25/2011" Not as good as the first book in the series, but putting the two together a very good story. "
— Marina, 1/17/2011" This second book in the series does not disappoint. Marcus Livius Drusus; the Social Wars; Sulla comes to power and almost becomes dictator; the end of Marius.<br/> "
— Erik, 1/10/2011" A tour de force. I read everything McCullough wrote about Ancient Rome. "
— Larry, 1/9/2011" velkolepy, epicky roman naprosto prekracujici moznosti lidskych schopnosti.. to musel napsat robot s klasickym vzdelanim.. "
— Vítezslav, 1/9/2011" I am enjoying this book, immensely. I am learning more about the Romans than I ever dreamed of. "
— Tim, 12/14/2010" Master of Rome series - this series is just wonderful, a whole different world <br/>that is just like ours. "
— Jak2, 12/10/2010" A sequel to "The First Man in Rome." Found these characters very interesting and I've picked up the next one to continue the story--leading up to the reign of Caesar. It does have its flaws, but sure prefer our political system to theirs! "
— Linda, 11/7/2010Colleen 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.
F. Murray Abraham is an American actor. He became widely known during the 1980s after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Antonio Salieri in the 1984 film Amadeus. He has appeared in many roles, both leading and supporting, in such major films as All the President’s Men and Scarface and the award-winning television series Homeland. He has also acted on Broad and Off-Broadway and won numerous awards for his work in theater, film, television, and audio recordings. He has also received lifetime achievement awards and has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.