Celtic
Author : Bernard Cornwell
Review by Ceolwulf
The books are a version of the King Arthur tales but quite different from most others. The whole series are taken from the viewpoint of a Saxon born man(Derfel) who was captured by a druid in childhood and brought up by Merlin.
He becomes a great warrior for the britons and a good friend to Arthur. Lancelot is a vain and deceitful man who sides with the saxons later on along with Arthurs two bastard sons. The books depict life as it may well have been in 6th century Britain. Different kingdoms(mainly in Wales and Devon/Cornwall) governed in differing ways depending on whether the ruler is a traditional celtic King or one adhering to the old Roman ways. The series depict the battles in a real and exciting manner. I could almost imagine myself in a shieldwall trying to break own the enemy. Although I have done this some years ago when i was a member of a Dark age re-enactment group as a Saxon warrior.
Titles :
Roman
Bernard Cornwell is also the author behind the 'Sharpe' series of books
Note :
Author : Steven Saylor
Egyptian
49 BC
52 BC
50 BC
63 BC
72 BC
80 BC
Books :
A series of books concerning the investigations of a roman citizen named Gordianus (the finder). They are set in and around Rome in the period 90-40BC thus various famous names Cicero, Caesar, Pompey, Marc Antony, Marcus Crassus and others occasionally make an appearance in the story.
The books are exceptionally well written and researched and give a wonderful sense of atmosphere to the reader - it's almost like really being there. The author's high level of descriptive dialogue gives a very vivid impression of all aspects of Roman life and how people may have acted and been thought of at the time.
Each story is completely self contained but the life of Gordianus progresses through the books - as do the historical events - so there is a benefit to reading them in order.
Review by Ian Montgomery
Review by Ian Montgomery
Author : Christian Jacq
The Son of the Light
The Temple of a Million Years
The Battle of Kadesh
The Lady of Abu Simbel
Under the Western Acacia
The life of Ramses II is the subject of this series of books by Christian Jacq - a french author translated into English.
The story starts in the first book with Ramses as a young prince under tutelage at the Royal school in Egypt with his friends. From there the adventures start taking in all aspects of Egyptian culture and beliefs to give an understanding of how the Egyptians viewed their Pharoah and how Pharoah viewed his people.
Written in an easy style the books are not difficult to read and tend to follow a character based narrative rather than event based - though the key events of Ramses life are embedded in the stories.
Once again whilst the stories are complete within themselves there is continuous character development across the books so for maximum enjoyment it is recommended they be read in order.
Books : (in order)
Summer Holiday - Fiction
Ancient History is full of stories and some authors have written some very good novels with a distinctly historical background.
This section aims to highlight those fictional accounts worth reading.
Most of these books should be available from your local bookseller.
Book 3 :
Book 1 :
Book 2 :
Go to Amazon UK
Review by Richard Tseng
Author : Colleen McCullough
'Caesar - is part of the Author's 'Masters of Rome' series
Watch Rome's greatest ever in a new light as he surmounts all obstacles to become the First Man In Rome. Witness his Gallic campaigns, including the struggle with Vercingetorix and his people, unwilling to change or accept Roman citizenship. Watch as the senate, through intrigue and warfare bring Rome to the brink of madness and the abyss of civil war in an attempt to bring the Great man down. From the cold marble steps of the Forum Romanum to the muddy ruins of Pharsalus, Rome and Caesar live again.
The entire series commences with Marius's marriage to Caesar's aunt and covers his reformation of the old Roman army and ends with the death of the last of Caesar's assassins.
Books :
Eagle in the Snow - General Maximus and Rome's Last Stand
Review by Ian Montgomery
This book was the inspiration for the film 'Gladiator'. Whilst the story is very different - the latter days of the Roman Empire 406AD and the battle against the rising tide of barbarians - the writing is excellent once it gets going.
There is so much detail on the daily tasks of running an army that you really get a feel for the time and place the story is set. And at this time of year, with snow around, the story has a very realistic edge.
The book tells the story of Maximus, how he is promoted to command one of Rome's last legions and the task he is requested to carry out. How do you face an army of thousands of barbarians with just one legion and hold them? Read the book and find out.
406 AD
