Imperium (novel)
Empire is a historical novel by British writer Robert Harris. The work forms the first part of a as triology biography of the Roman lawyer, politician and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero. The book was published by Hutchinson on 4 September 2006, the German translation by Wolfgang Müller appeared in the same month by Heyne Verlag.
Action
A detailed description of the plot is omitted with reference to Cicero's biography.
The plot of the novel is told from the perspective of Cicero's house slave and scribe Tiro. The biographical presentation is based largely on Cicero of traditional career and thus set against the backdrop of the decline of the Roman Republic. As the first book of a trilogy designed empire describes the rise of Cicero. The following two books will be dedicated to the rule and the case of the politician. The second volume appeared Titan 2009.
The first part of the book covers the period between 79 BC and 70 BC and focuses on the training of the young senator, he was elected aedile and the trials of Gaius Verres. The second part of the work ( 68 BC to 64 BC ) is dedicated to Cicero's successful candidacies for the office of praetor and the election campaign and the election as consul for the year 63 BC
Reviews
Ijoma Mangold certifies Harris in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, in an "exciting told, very clever political thriller " to have the " incarnations of power excellently captured". In the Berliner Zeitung Wolfgang Fuhrmann says, Robert Harris was the " master of the historical tension novel" and recommends his portrayal of Cicero in this context as a " complex historical figure ", there is the work of the certified by publishing and other reviewers "Thriller " character from.
The " awareness of moral gray values " make the book for the " astute comment also runs today's time ," said Fuhrmann. Even the literary critic Denis Scheck certifies the author, with his " references to the current political personnel (...) fresh as a daisy to tell from the present. "
Allan Massie evaluates empire in the Daily Telegraph as hitherto best novel by the author:
"It's been Robert Harris ' best book, a fast-paced and thrilling story, extensively detailed, thoroughly researched and most importantly - more important -. Thoroughly thought out "
Massie certifies Harris continues " the uncanny ability (...) to conjure up the atmosphere of dramatic moments. "